Thailand tourism situation

[caller]

As an aside, I drove down to Sam Roi Yot today and followed the 'coast road' back. I don't think I have ever seen it so empty, even during covid. All the hotels visible from the road, where you can see the pools and surrounds, such as Dolphin Bay and those in Pak Nam Pram, were empty. I was the only person on Khao Kalok beach, which was a first for me. Beautiful pristine white sand and not a soul there. The only place where I saw expats / tourists was Sai Noi beach, where some vendors seem to have cordoned off areas of the beach for their use. There were a few people eating some food there and one farang swimming. The cafe where the hotel was looked an empty mess. I saw just two vehicles parked in the memory house car park and not a soul on Khao Tao beach, The car park at Takiap where the ferry was had a few cars, maybe half a dozen, and the beach was empty.

I know it will be different at the weekend, and it was my first trip down there for a while, but last time I went, there were real, living tourists, all over.

[Benroon]

It's low season, there's noone anywhere.

[Dannie Boy]

Normally you get a reasonable amount of weekend Bankokian visitors, but this morning on my normal bicycle route, virtually all of the beachside hotel car parks were deserted - has there been a government financial incentive that’s disappeared?

[caller]

It's low season, there's noone anywhere.

I am a regular down that way, I know what to expect and when. Even in low season, you will still see folk about, even Thai's. It was uncannily empty.

DB - I doubt the incentives would affect the wealthier Bangkokians. But accept it could affect others, if they have been pulled.

I think Thailand is in a 'phoney war' situation right now, with a lot of unease about the election result, which gets worse for each day it drags on. I'm just wondering if that is affecting Thais travelling? Maybe too fanciful, I accept that.

[buksida]

Was the same in Prachuap last weekend, absolutely dead, devoid of even the Bangkokians so maybe you're onto something. This (long) weekend is totally dead here in Bangsaphan and we usually get a smattering of hisos down here.

[hhinner]

Who wants to be caught away from their Bangkok home if there's a coup d'état?

/flip

[Dannie Boy]

Well what a change 24 hours can make - yesterdays near empty hotel car parks were this morning full to overflowing again same as a few weeks back. Why the delay I have no idea, as normally the Bangkokians begin their weekend festivities on a Friday evening rather than a Saturday?

[HHTel]

Visakha Bucha Day being one of the most important Buddhist days of the year.

That may have a lot to do with it as Saturday morning would see the traditional 'making merit' events.

[Dannie Boy]

Visakha Bucha Day being one of the most important Buddhist days of the year.

That may have a lot to do with it as Saturday morning would see the traditional 'making merit' events.

So they would have done that close to their homes before heading off?

[HHTel]

Yes. It tends to be a family event with the whole family heading to the temple to 'make merit'. All done in the morning. I may be wrong but I know a few Thai families here that did just that.

[Dannie Boy]

Sounds very plausible!!


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[buksida]

Seems to be the case as the Bangkokians were out in droves yesterday. Had a motorcycle ride south to some usually deserted beaches and quiet bars and resorts north of Chumphon and they were absolutely rammed with selfie-hisos and flash SUVs. They have now taken to camping it seems which has become the latest craze for the Thai nouveau riche. Not a foreigner in sight though.

[STEVE G]

They have now taken to camping it seems which has become the latest craze for the Thai nouveau riche.

My stepson is at university in Bangkok and has been camping a few times with his mates.

[Big Boy]

Normally you get a reasonable amount of weekend Bankokian visitors, but this morning on my normal bicycle route, virtually all of the beachside hotel car parks were deserted - has there been a government financial incentive that’s disappeared?

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand ... m/40028456

End of travel subsidy scheme takes a toll on Thai hotel occupancy

[Dannie Boy]

Normally you get a reasonable amount of weekend Bankokian visitors, but this morning on my normal bicycle route, virtually all of the beachside hotel car parks were deserted - has there been a government financial incentive that’s disappeared?

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand ... m/40028456

Which probably explains why last weekend the hotel car parks were also quite empty!!


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