Flew in from the U.K. a few weeks ago, after a short holiday.
At the airport, once we left the plane and started to walk down towards immigration, there must have been at least 10 Thai gentlemen with Back to Backs, they must have checked our hand luggage about four times as we walked towards the immigration desks.
Once we arrived at immigration, along with, a least one other arrival flight of passengers, there was probably around 6 immigration officers to check the passports of some 600 people, so as you can imagine, this took quite a while, once through immigration, as you may know, there is a sign, saying welcome to the Land of Smiles. Which is one thing that the immigration officers did not do, smile I mean.
Once we had found and collected our main luggage, we proceeded through the Nothing to Declare section, of immigration. Once outside, but still within the airport boundries, we were stopped by six immigration police, who made us accompany them to their office, us, being myself, my wife and my seven year old, very tired, grand daughter, were they made us open every piece of luggage that we had, which they then searched.
After about half an hour they said we could go, everything was okay.
The same sequence of events happened to, two friends of mine who arrived two days ago, on holiday,welcome to the Land of Smiles.
Thailand's tourism takes a tumble
You totally skipped airport security and customs then Limey 
Before proceeding to an immigration taxi Isn't it terrible that these ,usually described as useless. officials are actually doing their jobs for a change ? They will be catching criminals next 
No mention of a bribe either ? They must be slipping
Crazy 88
Before proceeding to an immigration taxi Isn't it terrible that these ,usually described as useless. officials are actually doing their jobs for a change ? They will be catching criminals next No mention of a bribe either ? They must be slipping
Crazy 88
Why waste your money trying to have a holiday in the U.K everything is so expensive, and we have not seen a summer really, well if we have i have been in bed after a 12 hour night shift and missed it, 
this summer like last year has been p*ss poor.
The wife is in Surin for a month, i am missing everything Thai.
Kendo.
this summer like last year has been p*ss poor.The wife is in Surin for a month, i am missing everything Thai.
Kendo.
It looks like Thailand's trying to do something about the downward spiral in tourism:
Thailand roadshows to restore foreigners tourism confidence
BANGKOK: -- Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports has dispatched a team of officials for a 'roadshow mission' in China to clarify the real political situation in the kingdom after the government lifted the State of Emergency decree in Bangkok on Sunday, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat.
Mr. Weerasak said the team of ministry officials would focus on three aspects including the lack of violence in the demonstrations, that the State of Emergency decree has been lifted and that there was no longer a blockade at any airport.
The decree, imposed by former prime minister Samak Sundaravej on September 2 following clashes between pro- and anti-government protesters in Bangkok.
The aim of the mission was to give prospective Chinese tourists correct information and the understanding that Thailand is a safe place to visit now, just as it had been in the past, he said.
In addition, he said, the similar roadshows are expected to be held in Japan, Korea, India, Russia and varied European countries to help restore confidence among foreign tourists.
On Thursday, the ministry will also write an official letter to 26 embassies, all of which earlier issued warnings to their citizens to avoid visiting Thailand, to inform them of the current situation, said the minister.
In relation to the Thai Hotels Association's proposal concerning the "Visa on Arrival" project to be launched for worldwide tourists during October to December, Mr. Weesarak stated he was open to the private sector's opinions, but that he would review the proposal's details and discuss them Thursday afternoon.
The ministry added that new tourism policies will focus more on high-end tourists who are more desirable visitors, and not emphasise quantity, as the former are more likely to create sustainable tourism and value for investment.
Mr. Weerasak said he is confident that outbound tourism revenue will increase by 5 per cent from the total balance of Bt600 billion.
Regarding the domestic market, the income is expected to rise from 5 per cent from the equivalent returns of Bt380 billion.
Due to earlier skyrocketing oil prices, domestic market growth has declined from last year, during which it grew 10 per cent.
In order to support more Thai tourism, the ministry will negotiate with airlines and travel agencies, asking them to reduce airfares, as fuel costs have already declined.
-- TNA 2008-09-18
Thailand roadshows to restore foreigners tourism confidence
BANGKOK: -- Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports has dispatched a team of officials for a 'roadshow mission' in China to clarify the real political situation in the kingdom after the government lifted the State of Emergency decree in Bangkok on Sunday, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat.
Mr. Weerasak said the team of ministry officials would focus on three aspects including the lack of violence in the demonstrations, that the State of Emergency decree has been lifted and that there was no longer a blockade at any airport.
The decree, imposed by former prime minister Samak Sundaravej on September 2 following clashes between pro- and anti-government protesters in Bangkok.
The aim of the mission was to give prospective Chinese tourists correct information and the understanding that Thailand is a safe place to visit now, just as it had been in the past, he said.
In addition, he said, the similar roadshows are expected to be held in Japan, Korea, India, Russia and varied European countries to help restore confidence among foreign tourists.
On Thursday, the ministry will also write an official letter to 26 embassies, all of which earlier issued warnings to their citizens to avoid visiting Thailand, to inform them of the current situation, said the minister.
In relation to the Thai Hotels Association's proposal concerning the "Visa on Arrival" project to be launched for worldwide tourists during October to December, Mr. Weesarak stated he was open to the private sector's opinions, but that he would review the proposal's details and discuss them Thursday afternoon.
The ministry added that new tourism policies will focus more on high-end tourists who are more desirable visitors, and not emphasise quantity, as the former are more likely to create sustainable tourism and value for investment.
Mr. Weerasak said he is confident that outbound tourism revenue will increase by 5 per cent from the total balance of Bt600 billion.
Regarding the domestic market, the income is expected to rise from 5 per cent from the equivalent returns of Bt380 billion.
Due to earlier skyrocketing oil prices, domestic market growth has declined from last year, during which it grew 10 per cent.
In order to support more Thai tourism, the ministry will negotiate with airlines and travel agencies, asking them to reduce airfares, as fuel costs have already declined.
-- TNA 2008-09-18
Yeah, interesting lomuamart, that sounds like the Thai tourism establishment doing damage limitation and clearly a sign that they are more than a little concerned about the situation.
At times like this, and maybe for the coming high season(if there's going to be one), the problems of having an economy that is reliant on hospitality/tourism and related business for, at a conservative estimate, 20-25% of GDP, become all too clear.
Thailand does make a lot of money out of tourism etc but it can be a hard business to protect in times such as these, mainly because you are reliant on people in other countries having large disposable incomes.
Honestly, IMO, being reliant to such an extent on a business that is as variable as tourism, forever hoping that people will keep on flooding here, is a questionable idea.
Also throw into the mix the fact that lots of others places are/have getting/got their acts together and want a slice of the cake, lots of choice now about where to go.
Sure their worried, big-time!
At times like this, and maybe for the coming high season(if there's going to be one), the problems of having an economy that is reliant on hospitality/tourism and related business for, at a conservative estimate, 20-25% of GDP, become all too clear.
Thailand does make a lot of money out of tourism etc but it can be a hard business to protect in times such as these, mainly because you are reliant on people in other countries having large disposable incomes.
Honestly, IMO, being reliant to such an extent on a business that is as variable as tourism, forever hoping that people will keep on flooding here, is a questionable idea.
Also throw into the mix the fact that lots of others places are/have getting/got their acts together and want a slice of the cake, lots of choice now about where to go.
Sure their worried, big-time!
Resolve dissolves in alcohol
Ha ha! They really are arrogant aren't they!? The phrase 'who do they think they are?' comes to mind.lomuamart wrote:The ministry added that new tourism policies will focus more on high-end tourists who are more desirable visitors, and not emphasise quantity, as the former are more likely to create sustainable tourism and value for investment.
The Chinese market may be more important in years to come but as Spitfire and others have posted, for westerners there are other destinations that are light years ahead of Thailand, closer to Europe and easier to get to.
High-end tourists demand high end facilities, infrastructure etc. Thailand will have to go some if it is to compete with the likes of Dubai and the other Emirates on that front.
The rest of us less desirable visitors have to make do with Thailand - if they're going to let us in!
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Guess
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Bangkok Post wrote:It looks like Thailand's trying to do something about the downward spiral in tourism:
In addition (to China), he said, the similar roadshows are expected to be held in Japan, Korea, India, Russia and varied European countries to help restore confidence among foreign tourists.
The ministry added that new tourism policies will focus more on high-end tourists who are more desirable visitors, and not emphasise quantity, as the former are more likely to create sustainable tourism and value for investment.
I think the "varied European countries" must be Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia-Montenegro and Albania with Russia apparently having left Europe.
So, does this means that the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are all full of undesirables.
Perhaps, Jaime, you could send an email to the Thai Tourist Authority and ask if you will be OK with a Welsh passport.
I can understand the wish to encourage Indians to come to Thailand due to the acute shortage of tailor shops.
[color=blue][size=134]Care in the community success story.[/size][/color]
CNN and BBC has been filled of late with the new tourism commercial out of Malaysia. They had a winner before, but have tweaked it a bit and it's even better now. Great background song by some female Western artist, quite a sweet song that makes you stay with what you're watching as they pan though their different areas of tourism interest, one of them being a 3 million year old rain forest. Regardless, it does the trick. Beaches and pristine waters as well. Different ethnic groups and their crafts are highlighted. An all around great job for a tourism commercial.
What does Thailand do, nothing at all of late. When they did and will do again probably, it will be slurred almost non-understandable English spoken by some pretty Thai puying dressed in a sarong with Thai dancers in the background and kites flying overhead. Another totally boring and useless commercial in attracting tourists unless they are brain dead. Simple minded to the core, an exact replica of the people who devised it.
Do you think for one minute they would take Malaysia's lead and example and employ a professional, western firm to handle their advertising? Not in 100 lifetimes.
You see, Thai officials know what's best for Thailand. Farangs don't know crapola. Let them stew in their own juices. Pete
Regardless, it does the trick. Beaches and pristine waters as well. Different ethnic groups and their crafts are highlighted. An all around great job for a tourism commercial.What does Thailand do, nothing at all of late. When they did and will do again probably, it will be slurred almost non-understandable English spoken by some pretty Thai puying dressed in a sarong with Thai dancers in the background and kites flying overhead. Another totally boring and useless commercial in attracting tourists unless they are brain dead. Simple minded to the core, an exact replica of the people who devised it.
Do you think for one minute they would take Malaysia's lead and example and employ a professional, western firm to handle their advertising? Not in 100 lifetimes.
You see, Thai officials know what's best for Thailand. Farangs don't know crapola. Let them stew in their own juices.
Pete Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
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sandman67
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Maybe if Thai politicians and particularly the Tourism Ministry lot were given lessons in Newtonian physics....cause and effect.....screw with tourists and they dont come here....seems simple enough to me.
Close all the tourist bars in tourist resorts for the best part of two weeks in the peak of High Season, send all those tourists home after you messed up their holidays. They tell all their mates, who tell theirs.
Then allow your airports to be hijacked by a bunch pf protesters and do nothing for three days....all those tourists that got held up now go home, tell their mates....etc etc.
Now allow a small bunch of radical politicians to bring in a voilent mob to a place where a largely peaceful demo has been going on. Allow confrontations to occur....cross your fingers and hope theres shooting. Then when you get what you want...chaos....call a state of emergency. Scare the willies out of foreign embassies and consulates, who then change travel advisories.
Do this in the middle of a economic slump.
Bingo! Look....no tourists!
As to encouraging "high end" tourists thats yet another example of their mad thinking. Theres been a few surveys and studies that show "high end" tourists actually contribute little or nothing to local economies, (small traders, market stalls, small restaurants, street stalls etc) and all their money goes into the pockets of big business such as the Sofitels, BKK shopping malls and "all in" resports. They spend less on local products and services. They also tend less to be repeat visitors.
So that would make sense to the Thai Tourist Ministry then wouldn't it?
Close all the tourist bars in tourist resorts for the best part of two weeks in the peak of High Season, send all those tourists home after you messed up their holidays. They tell all their mates, who tell theirs.
Then allow your airports to be hijacked by a bunch pf protesters and do nothing for three days....all those tourists that got held up now go home, tell their mates....etc etc.
Now allow a small bunch of radical politicians to bring in a voilent mob to a place where a largely peaceful demo has been going on. Allow confrontations to occur....cross your fingers and hope theres shooting. Then when you get what you want...chaos....call a state of emergency. Scare the willies out of foreign embassies and consulates, who then change travel advisories.
Do this in the middle of a economic slump.
Bingo! Look....no tourists!
As to encouraging "high end" tourists thats yet another example of their mad thinking. Theres been a few surveys and studies that show "high end" tourists actually contribute little or nothing to local economies, (small traders, market stalls, small restaurants, street stalls etc) and all their money goes into the pockets of big business such as the Sofitels, BKK shopping malls and "all in" resports. They spend less on local products and services. They also tend less to be repeat visitors.
So that would make sense to the Thai Tourist Ministry then wouldn't it?
"Science flew men to the moon. Religion flew men into buildings."
"To sin by silence makes cowards of men."
"To sin by silence makes cowards of men."
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Guess
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I was going to say something similar. That is what I was laughing about. It shows a complete lack of common sense marketing which begs the question: Is this corruption again?sandman67 wrote:............. Theres been a few surveys and studies that show "high end" tourists actually contribute little or nothing to local economies, (small traders, market stalls, small restaurants, street stalls etc) and all their money goes into the pockets of big business such as the Sofitels, BKK shopping malls and "all in" resports. They spend less on local products and services. They also tend less to be repeat visitors..........
Maybe the likes of Marriot, Hilton and Sofitel are paying huge sums of money to TAT officials.
The other thing that got to me is that, why would someone at the high end of the market want to go to Thailand. I love it here but if money was no object I would be taking my holiday's elsewhere. If you are content staying in a hotel and lazing on the beach as the Koreans and Japanese do then surely there are many other places to go.
People come her mainly because it has a good balance of facilities vs cost.
This stubborn attitude about not being told anything is the attribute that gets up my nose the most. I agree with Pete but I think it goes deeper and it's not only farang that have problems. Japanese and Indian businessmen have the same problems.
[color=blue][size=134]Care in the community success story.[/size][/color]
Would you though?Guess wrote: The other thing that got to me is that, why would someone at the high end of the market want to go to Thailand. I love it here but if money was no object I would be taking my holiday's elsewhere.
I dont think I would, If a vast amount of money fell into my lap right now I still think I'd base myself in Thailand but you'd have the bonus of more creature comforts and frequent Holidays.
The only thing that keeps me coming to Thailand is the fact that we have ties there - house, family, maybe just habit. Even without the hypothetical financial windfall, if it wasn't for these ties I'd be holidaying elsewhere. I reckon it would actually have saved me thousands and I'd have visited far more places than I have over the last ten years.
There's a big tick in the box already next to Thailand and there are so many other places and cultures in the world that I'd like to see before I leave it.
There's a big tick in the box already next to Thailand and there are so many other places and cultures in the world that I'd like to see before I leave it.
Sorry, couldnt resist. 