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dirtydog · 11-08-2008, 06:30 PM

Consternation as tourism figures plunge 30 percent

awittree Namwiwatsuk
The first three months of this year saw a worrying drop in the number of tourists to Pattaya, the arrivals having fallen by 30 percent, reports the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

The figures refer collectively to Thai and foreign visitors, and much of the lack of local traffic can be attributed to the rising cost of gasoline and the cost of living in general.

Director of the TAT in Pattaya, Chaiwat Charoensuk, said that the figures for January to March were down by 30 percent, and that this trend was showing no improvement during the overall first six months of the year.

In addition to the decrease in Thai tourists, tourism from the European and Asian markets is also down, he said, including key markets such as Russia, Korea, China, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

Chaiwat said that Phuket had been faring better than Pattaya, but that there were as yet no clear numbers for the entire six-month period.

He said that extensive overseas promotions at the giant trade shows had ensured Pattaya has a high profile. The city had been represented at ITB in Berlin in March, in May there had been a representation in Dubai, and in June in Guangzhou and Hong Kong, for the Chinese market.

Chaiwat said there were also various promotions to bring in tourists during the low season, such as the golfing event that involves 15 golf courses throughout Chonburi province.

Pattaya Mail

melvbot · 11-08-2008, 06:47 PM

Wonder if its got anything to do with the murders, muggings and gangs with guns?

bkkandrew · 11-08-2008, 06:55 PM

Anyone who could not see this from 18-months ago, with the Visa rules, police actions (and inactions), 'crackdowns' on everything but life itself and continual nonsensical bar-closing 'holidays' is exceptionally myopic.

In short your average Thai in charge then.

Loy Toy · 11-08-2008, 06:56 PM

Again the figures are confirmed by the visual lack of punters in the bars and on the streets.
What Melvbot has claimed is true and maybe not as sensational as some would portray but really the crime rise here is worrying.
No punters in the bars means no money for the slappers and in turn their boyfriends have to find their own way and to make a living.
Robbery, extortion and general mafia type activities are the easiest and faster way for these lazy cnuts to get fast bucks.

If the people in charge here, and I am talking about those that make government policies don't do something soon it will become a lot more worse and in the near future.

melvbot · 11-08-2008, 07:05 PM

I suppose if someone like a couple goes on holiday and watches the local news theyre not going to give a glowing report to their friends. It only takes a seed of doubt for most couples to think about going somewhere else. There are other factors like the credit crunch I suppose, and both of these thing happening together cant be a good thing.
Pattaya is a great holiday place but its slowly getting out of control in certain areas.

Norton · 11-08-2008, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirtydog

The first three months of this year saw a worrying drop in the number of tourists to Pattaya, the arrivals having fallen by 30 percent, reports the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

I wonder if tourism is down throughout Thailand or just in Pattaya. If just in Pattaya, then clearly Pattaya has become less attractive to tourists in comparison to other Thai locations. I guess sex, murder and drugs are losing their appeal.

Mid · 11-08-2008, 07:18 PM

Chaiwat Charoensuk

brave man , wonder what his new job will be

kingwilly · 11-08-2008, 07:38 PM

Is it really about the crime and so on?

I would have thought the global credit crunch and high oil prices to be more likely the answer...

What about countries around Thailand? Are they feeling the pain too?

plorf · 11-08-2008, 07:45 PM

[at] Norton:
Exactly my question, is it Pattaya-specific, which would be somewhat positive for Thailands tourism (image at least, the rest is somewhat argueable I guess..)overall -->less sleazy, or is it Thailand in general: heavy Inflation, bad news about the country in general, combined with more expensive flight tickets ?
More statistics about this would be great, also an intracontinental tourism in general vs. thai-farang tourism comparison (but I guess that would be a bit much to ask

)

Loy Toy · 11-08-2008, 07:45 PM

Good point willy but if anything Pattaya with its cheap prices and accomodation should really be taking advantage of the global lack of spare change syndrome.

Lets face it most of us still want to get away for at least one holiday per year and decisions are being made and to find an alternative holiday destination.

Unfavourable Foreigner Government policies and crime are deterring people from coming here even with its cheap as chips offerings.

Begbie · 11-08-2008, 07:46 PM

Pattaya is a god awful shit hole. The message is finally getting through abroad.

I just spent saturday night at Jomtien, the beach was dirty, pestered by hawkers every 30 seconds, took my life in my hands trying to cross the beach road, had a bad overpriced meal, left at 8am on Sunday.

Loy Toy · 11-08-2008, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Begbie

Pattaya is a god awful shit hole. The message is finally getting through abroad.

I just spent saturday night at Jomtien, the beach was dirty, pestered by hawkers every 30 seconds, took my life in my hands trying to cross the beach road, had a bad overpriced meal, left at 8am on Sunday.

You actually went onto the beaches around here.

Pattaya is not famous for its beaches probably more infamous. Would never even walk on them let alone swim in the sea. A toilet with grey sand and a few trees both Jomtien and Pattaya beaches.

What were you thinking Begbie?

I'd go further south and to Cambodia to find somewhere descent next time.

melvbot · 11-08-2008, 07:58 PM

I was living in Jomtien about 6 1/2 years ago and the beach was a lot better than Pattaya's. Cleaner, not so many people and a hawker about every 15 mins, so not that bad. The sea was still horrible though.
Has it gone the same as Pattaya now?

Thetyim · 11-08-2008, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirtydog

Consternation as tourism figures plunge 30 percent

Why the worry ?
I can't see the problem.
Put all prices up by 30% and then you are back on track.
TiT

kingwilly · 11-08-2008, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thetyim

Why the worry ? I can't see the problem. Put all prices up by 30% and then you are back on track. TiT

actually i'm thinking they need a loyalty card program....

Lets call it Only the Elite card.....

britmaveric · 11-08-2008, 08:07 PM

Dunno talking to some bar owners and they have been quite busy. I expect it depends on the business.

Anyways Patters isnt the only place in Thailand that tourism has dropped remarkably - just ask Phuket.

BalconiesR4drinkinon · 11-08-2008, 09:22 PM

Ban Saeng makes Pattaya/Jontien beaches look beautiful by comparison

plorf · 11-08-2008, 09:27 PM

So any overall tourism figures yet ?

peterpan · 11-08-2008, 09:30 PM

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.

good2bhappy · 11-08-2008, 09:33 PM

So the headline reads "Pattaya tourist takes a dive!"

11-08-2008, 06:30 PM	#1 (permalink)
dirtydog The Dog Last Online: Today 06:20 AM Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Pattaya Posts: 34,415	Pattaya - Consternation as tourism figures plunge 30 percent Consternation as tourism figures plunge 30 percent awittree Namwiwatsuk The first three months of this year saw a worrying drop in the number of tourists to Pattaya, the arrivals having fallen by 30 percent, reports the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The figures refer collectively to Thai and foreign visitors, and much of the lack of local traffic can be attributed to the rising cost of gasoline and the cost of living in general. Director of the TAT in Pattaya, Chaiwat Charoensuk, said that the figures for January to March were down by 30 percent, and that this trend was showing no improvement during the overall first six months of the year. In addition to the decrease in Thai tourists, tourism from the European and Asian markets is also down, he said, including key markets such as Russia, Korea, China, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Chaiwat said that Phuket had been faring better than Pattaya, but that there were as yet no clear numbers for the entire six-month period. He said that extensive overseas promotions at the giant trade shows had ensured Pattaya has a high profile. The city had been represented at ITB in Berlin in March, in May there had been a representation in Dubai, and in June in Guangzhou and Hong Kong, for the Chinese market. Chaiwat said there were also various promotions to bring in tourists during the low season, such as the golfing event that involves 15 golf courses throughout Chonburi province. Pattaya Mail __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

11-08-2008, 06:47 PM	#2 (permalink)
melvbot Metal Member Last Online: Today 10:12 AM Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Sailing The Seas Of Cheese Posts: 2,677	Wonder if its got anything to do with the murders, muggings and gangs with guns?

11-08-2008, 06:55 PM	#3 (permalink)
bkkandrew Clingin' on... Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: BKK Posts: 4,158	Anyone who could not see this from 18-months ago, with the Visa rules, police actions (and inactions), 'crackdowns' on everything but life itself and continual nonsensical bar-closing 'holidays' is exceptionally myopic. In short your average Thai in charge then.

11-08-2008, 06:56 PM	#4 (permalink)
Loy Toy Elite Member Last Online: Today 10:28 AM Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 3,005	Again the figures are confirmed by the visual lack of punters in the bars and on the streets. What Melvbot has claimed is true and maybe not as sensational as some would portray but really the crime rise here is worrying. No punters in the bars means no money for the slappers and in turn their boyfriends have to find their own way and to make a living. Robbery, extortion and general mafia type activities are the easiest and faster way for these lazy cnuts to get fast bucks. If the people in charge here, and I am talking about those that make government policies don't do something soon it will become a lot more worse and in the near future.

11-08-2008, 07:05 PM	#5 (permalink)
melvbot Metal Member Last Online: Today 10:12 AM Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Sailing The Seas Of Cheese Posts: 2,677	I suppose if someone like a couple goes on holiday and watches the local news theyre not going to give a glowing report to their friends. It only takes a seed of doubt for most couples to think about going somewhere else. There are other factors like the credit crunch I suppose, and both of these thing happening together cant be a good thing. Pattaya is a great holiday place but its slowly getting out of control in certain areas.

11-08-2008, 07:18 PM	#7 (permalink)
Mid Nautical Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 7,938	Chaiwat Charoensuk brave man , wonder what his new job will be

11-08-2008, 07:38 PM	#8 (permalink)
kingwilly Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 23,668	Is it really about the crime and so on? I would have thought the global credit crunch and high oil prices to be more likely the answer... What about countries around Thailand? Are they feeling the pain too?

11-08-2008, 07:45 PM	#9 (permalink)
plorf Kanchanaburi Last Online: Yesterday 10:11 PM Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Switzerland / Chiang Mai / BKK Posts: 183	[at] Norton: Exactly my question, is it Pattaya-specific, which would be somewhat positive for Thailands tourism (image at least, the rest is somewhat argueable I guess..)overall -->less sleazy, or is it Thailand in general: heavy Inflation, bad news about the country in general, combined with more expensive flight tickets ? More statistics about this would be great, also an intracontinental tourism in general vs. thai-farang tourism comparison (but I guess that would be a bit much to ask )

11-08-2008, 07:45 PM	#10 (permalink)
Loy Toy Elite Member Last Online: Today 10:28 AM Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 3,005	Good point willy but if anything Pattaya with its cheap prices and accomodation should really be taking advantage of the global lack of spare change syndrome. Lets face it most of us still want to get away for at least one holiday per year and decisions are being made and to find an alternative holiday destination. Unfavourable Foreigner Government policies and crime are deterring people from coming here even with its cheap as chips offerings.

11-08-2008, 07:46 PM	#11 (permalink)
Begbie Senior Member Last Online: Yesterday 07:59 PM Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Lagrangian Point Posts: 5,555	Pattaya is a god awful shit hole. The message is finally getting through abroad. I just spent saturday night at Jomtien, the beach was dirty, pestered by hawkers every 30 seconds, took my life in my hands trying to cross the beach road, had a bad overpriced meal, left at 8am on Sunday.

11-08-2008, 07:58 PM	#13 (permalink)
melvbot Metal Member Last Online: Today 10:12 AM Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Sailing The Seas Of Cheese Posts: 2,677	I was living in Jomtien about 6 1/2 years ago and the beach was a lot better than Pattaya's. Cleaner, not so many people and a hawker about every 15 mins, so not that bad. The sea was still horrible though. Has it gone the same as Pattaya now?

11-08-2008, 08:07 PM	#16 (permalink)
britmaveric nid aur yw popeth melyn Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Pattaya Posts: 2,681	Dunno talking to some bar owners and they have been quite busy. I expect it depends on the business. Anyways Patters isnt the only place in Thailand that tourism has dropped remarkably - just ask Phuket.

11-08-2008, 09:22 PM	#17 (permalink)
BalconiesR4drinkinon Chaweng Beach Last Online: Today 12:48 AM Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Lam Luk Ka Posts: 79	Ban Saeng makes Pattaya/Jontien beaches look beautiful by comparison

11-08-2008, 09:27 PM	#18 (permalink)
plorf Kanchanaburi Last Online: Yesterday 10:11 PM Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Switzerland / Chiang Mai / BKK Posts: 183	So any overall tourism figures yet ?

11-08-2008, 09:33 PM	#20 (permalink)
good2bhappy Senior Member Last Online: Today 10:24 AM Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Klong Samwa Posts: 5,335	So the headline reads "Pattaya tourist takes a dive!"