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robuzo · 12-08-2008, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plorf

So... where's the great, spicy food, beaches, relatively cheap prices to be found in combination with a bit of sex appeal and nice people ?
Thailand's tourism is only that strong because that of its neighbours has serious flaws.

I referred in my post to Central and South America- I neglected to mention the Caribbean, and I have tourists from Western Europe and North America in mind. Most of my buddies in Florida would prefer to go to Brazil, even though the flight is quite long (no jet lag), for example. For the Chinese and probably the Russians Asia is probably a more convenient location, so Thailand might remain the best choice.

Terrorism may be an issue to some people vis-a-vis going to Bali, but that makes about as much sense as not going to NYC, London, or Madrid for the same reason. In terms of culture and art, and maybe especially music, Bali has the richer surviving traditions.

In SE Asia Thailand still has the best tourism infrastructure, but in certain niche markets, like diving, there are far better destinations. If you want to do serious jungle trekking there are better places in Indonesia, and for the mountainous areas Laos or (supposedly) Yunnan are very good. Shame about Burma, though, isn't it, it would smoke Thailand in every category (except maybe food) if it were run by sane, as opposed to just corrupt, politicians.

plorf · 12-08-2008, 11:47 PM

Whether or not it makes sense not to go to Bali because of terrorist attacks is up to the individual, but Bali tourism took a serious plunge after the 2002 bombing (202 deaths) and dropped again after 2005 (26+ deaths)
Jemaah Islamiah is a serious threat there, and there are likely going to be more attacks on tourists.
But you're right of course, in many individual areas there are far better options, but for most people it's still the package that counts, I think, and that has been the message of my post.

Lynn · 13-08-2008, 02:48 AM

People can defend Pattaya all they want, but at the end of the day it is still polluted, over priced, the BIB trying to shake you down for not wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle, dangerous, and the most hurtful part of all; the local Thais with such a shitty attitude after you spend so much money here...good to read that finally foreigners are getting the message that they are not welcome here and are staying away...maybe this drop in visitors will cause an improvement in or that tourists should be treated special instead of always being shit on, taken advantage of, or ripped off.

plorf · 13-08-2008, 05:48 PM

Agree with you there Lynn, Samui & Phuket could use a serious overhaul as well, infrastructure, criminality, youth gangs, corruption, general friendliness etc etc...
So if this decline in tourism overall would result in some changes, at least in attitude, I certainly wouldn't mind... if not and the offer remains the same or gets worse: som nam na !

britmaveric · 13-08-2008, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynn

People can defend Pattaya all they want, but at the end of the day it is still polluted,

Agree with you.

Quote:

over priced,

Very inexpensive, so you are wrong.

Quote:

the BIB trying to shake you down for not wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle,

There are helmet laws, and its for your own safety. When they choose to enforce it is up to them.

Quote:

dangerous

No less dangerous than most places in the world, actually probably less so.

Quote:

the local Thais with such a shitty attitude after you spend so much money here

Always feel welcome and local thai(s) are lovely people for the most part, perhaps its you?

Quote:

...good to read that finally foreigners are getting the message that they are not welcome here and are staying away...maybe this drop in visitors will cause an improvement in

Again always feel welcome wherever are go, if you don't stop whinging about it and move on.

Quote:

or that tourists should be treated special instead of always being shit on, taken advantage of, or ripped off.

Why should you be treated any different than a local? Special

One is only shite on, taken advantage of, or ripped off when you allow it to happen. Never personally had it happen nor know of anyone who has.

ataloss · 15-08-2008, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peterpan

Quote:

Originally Posted by britmaveric

Dunno talking to some bar owners and they have been quite busy.

You should know Bitty that bar owners are even bigger bullshitters than real estate sales men.

Right on, and don't forget the used-bookshop owners.

ataloss · 15-08-2008, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luckydog

Surprised? 4yrs ago you could get a return flight to UK for 450 quid. Now I hear it's 600!

Also I stayed in Nana Hotel BKK for 1200bht a night then. Now it's 1650!

Higher Prices here have knocked the bottom out of the market.

Not to mention the big increases in countries abroad.

People simply do not have the money to spend on Pattaya nowadays.

Ref: Higher Prices here have knocked the bottom out of the market. Been trying to put together a trip to the US and Canada to avoid as many layovers as possible. I am completely overwhelmed by the prices of accommodation enroute, 200 dollars a night for even a motel room.

EmperorTud · 15-08-2008, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robuzo

In SE Asia Thailand still has the best tourism infrastructure, but in certain niche markets, like diving, there are far better destinations.

In the niche market of cheap and available prostitution Thailand is still the one to beat.

chinthee · 15-08-2008, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EmperorTud

In the niche market of cheap and available prostitution Thailand is still the one to beat.

Jesus, I was in Surat Thani yesterday and upon checking into the hotel (a nice big local hotel catering virtually exclusively to Thais) I was literally propositioned by the 30 something desk clerk. She had light skin, red hair and looked good.

I gave it a miss...

good2bhappy · 15-08-2008, 09:03 AM

^ tel no please

bobbysan124 · 15-08-2008, 09:36 AM

Are there any beautiful and swimmable beaches around the area? Haven't been down there yet? Even someplace you could take a boat to without a lot of hassle?

Loy Toy · 15-08-2008, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobbysan124

Are there any beautiful and swimmable beaches around the area? Haven't been down there yet? Even someplace you could take a boat to without a lot of hassle?

IMO you have to drive al least 100 Kms past Pattaya to find a nice beach with cleanish water. You will find some lovely beaches, very affordable and clean accomodation on the stretch of coastline leading from Mataphut/ Rayong to Trad.
Never been on Koh Chang Island but people have told me it is quite nice there with beautiful beaches and is not as commercial when compared to other places.

As I am from Australia I have been spoilt regarding beaches and although I have lived in this area (Pattaya) for a long time have never felt the inclination to go for a swim here.

sabang · 15-08-2008, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobbysan124

Are there any beautiful and swimmable beaches around the area? Haven't been down there yet? Even someplace you could take a boat to without a lot of hassle?

The nearest one to Pattaya is a ferry ride to Ko Larn- it's far enough offshore and the waters fine there. There are some nice smaller beaches on the headland between Pattaya and Jomtien that are probably OK for a swim, although personally I wouldn't dip my big toe in the water. Some people actually swim in Pattaya and Jomtien , and I would think Ban Saray and Ban Chang to the south are OK for a swim.

Mid · 18-08-2008, 08:30 PM

PHUKET

Tourism steady despite economic woes
Monday, August 18, 2008

PHUKET CITY: Despite global economic problems, tourism in Phuket continues to grow, with 4.79 million tourists having passed through Phuket International Airport since the beginning of the fiscal 2008, up 600,000 from the same period a year earlier.

Anoma Thongyai, deputy director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) South Region 4 Office in Phuket, revealed the figures at the monthly Governor Meets the Press conference held on August 15.

Although fuel prices are still high and tourism destinations around the world have felt the strain of a volatile global economy, occupancy rates in Phuket's hotels remain at between 40% and 55%, about average for low season on the island, Khun Anoma added.

One area of change lies in the spending habits of tourists, who after shelling out for costly air tickets are more careful about spending and less likely to buy extravagant items on impulse, she said.

Tourists visiting Phuket this low season are come mostly from Australia, the Middle East, India, Hong Kong, China, Korea and Japan. The number of Japanese visitors is increasing, partially in response to the reopening of the direct Narita-Phuket route in July, which has seen load factors averaging about 90%.

There are also eight charter flights operating between Hong Kong and Phuket.

While the number of foreign visitors has remained steady, fewer Thais have been visiting, said K. Anoma.

She cited the reduction in domestic flights available from carriers low-cost Nok Air and One-Two-Go as a major factor.

PIA Director Wg Cmdr Wicha Nernlop said that after One-Two-Go and Nok Air ceased operating flights from Phuket, some100 tourists a day were left waiting for standby seats on flights out of PIA, leading to cramped conditions in the airport's waiting area.

THAI Airways is expected to announce the addition of several more flights between Bangkok and Phuket, he said.

However, a member of THAI Airways reservations department today told the Gazette that the only impending increase in carrying capacity would come on September 1, when flight TG 1221 from Don Meuang to Phuket, and its return leg, would resume service.

The flights were suspended starting March 30 for the low season, she said.

There are no new flights planned, but THAI might add special, non-scheduled flights to help meet passenger demand during peak periods, she added.

phuketgazette.net

Gaudente · 05-09-2008, 01:24 PM

If tourism in Pattaya is really down 30%, I wonder why the baht buses running from Jomtien to Pattaya are always packed.
Anyway, the visa changes of 15.10.2006 surely chased away many long stayers, so foolish Thais can just blame themselves...som nam na

18-08-2008, 08:30 PM	#54 (permalink)
Mid Nautical Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 7,939	PHUKET Tourism steady despite economic woes Monday, August 18, 2008 PHUKET CITY: Despite global economic problems, tourism in Phuket continues to grow, with 4.79 million tourists having passed through Phuket International Airport since the beginning of the fiscal 2008, up 600,000 from the same period a year earlier. Anoma Thongyai, deputy director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) South Region 4 Office in Phuket, revealed the figures at the monthly Governor Meets the Press conference held on August 15. Although fuel prices are still high and tourism destinations around the world have felt the strain of a volatile global economy, occupancy rates in Phuket's hotels remain at between 40% and 55%, about average for low season on the island, Khun Anoma added. One area of change lies in the spending habits of tourists, who after shelling out for costly air tickets are more careful about spending and less likely to buy extravagant items on impulse, she said. Tourists visiting Phuket this low season are come mostly from Australia, the Middle East, India, Hong Kong, China, Korea and Japan. The number of Japanese visitors is increasing, partially in response to the reopening of the direct Narita-Phuket route in July, which has seen load factors averaging about 90%. There are also eight charter flights operating between Hong Kong and Phuket. While the number of foreign visitors has remained steady, fewer Thais have been visiting, said K. Anoma. She cited the reduction in domestic flights available from carriers low-cost Nok Air and One-Two-Go as a major factor. PIA Director Wg Cmdr Wicha Nernlop said that after One-Two-Go and Nok Air ceased operating flights from Phuket, some100 tourists a day were left waiting for standby seats on flights out of PIA, leading to cramped conditions in the airport's waiting area. THAI Airways is expected to announce the addition of several more flights between Bangkok and Phuket, he said. However, a member of THAI Airways reservations department today told the Gazette that the only impending increase in carrying capacity would come on September 1, when flight TG 1221 from Don Meuang to Phuket, and its return leg, would resume service. The flights were suspended starting March 30 for the low season, she said. There are no new flights planned, but THAI might add special, non-scheduled flights to help meet passenger demand during peak periods, she added. phuketgazette.net __________________ "Keeping quiet while monks and other peaceful protesters are murdered and jailed is not evidence of constructive engagement." - Arvind Ganesan, Human Rights Watch. "I think...I think it's in my basement. Let me go upstairs and check" - M.C. Escher

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12-08-2008, 11:47 PM	#42 (permalink)
plorf Kanchanaburi Last Online: Yesterday 10:11 PM Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Switzerland / Chiang Mai / BKK Posts: 183	Whether or not it makes sense not to go to Bali because of terrorist attacks is up to the individual, but Bali tourism took a serious plunge after the 2002 bombing (202 deaths) and dropped again after 2005 (26+ deaths) Jemaah Islamiah is a serious threat there, and there are likely going to be more attacks on tourists. But you're right of course, in many individual areas there are far better options, but for most people it's still the package that counts, I think, and that has been the message of my post.

13-08-2008, 02:48 AM	#43 (permalink)
Lynn Patong Beach Last Online: Today 02:00 AM Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 28	People can defend Pattaya all they want, but at the end of the day it is still polluted, over priced, the BIB trying to shake you down for not wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle, dangerous, and the most hurtful part of all; the local Thais with such a shitty attitude after you spend so much money here...good to read that finally foreigners are getting the message that they are not welcome here and are staying away...maybe this drop in visitors will cause an improvement in or that tourists should be treated special instead of always being shit on, taken advantage of, or ripped off.

13-08-2008, 05:48 PM	#44 (permalink)
plorf Kanchanaburi Last Online: Yesterday 10:11 PM Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Switzerland / Chiang Mai / BKK Posts: 183	Agree with you there Lynn, Samui & Phuket could use a serious overhaul as well, infrastructure, criminality, youth gangs, corruption, general friendliness etc etc... So if this decline in tourism overall would result in some changes, at least in attitude, I certainly wouldn't mind... if not and the offer remains the same or gets worse: som nam na !

15-08-2008, 09:03 AM	#50 (permalink)
good2bhappy Senior Member Last Online: Today 11:27 AM Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Klong Samwa Posts: 5,336	^ tel no please

15-08-2008, 09:36 AM	#51 (permalink)
bobbysan124 Phuket Last Online: 25-11-2008 02:56 PM Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Atlanta Posts: 20	Are there any beautiful and swimmable beaches around the area? Haven't been down there yet? Even someplace you could take a boat to without a lot of hassle?

05-09-2008, 01:24 PM	#55 (permalink)
Gaudente I am in Jail Last Online: Today 11:30 AM Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Pattaya Posts: 181	If tourism in Pattaya is really down 30%, I wonder why the baht buses running from Jomtien to Pattaya are always packed. Anyway, the visa changes of 15.10.2006 surely chased away many long stayers, so foolish Thais can just blame themselves...som nam na

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