Pattaya - Consternation as tourism figures plunge 30 percent

**dirtydog** · 11-08-2008, 05:30 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, 05:47 PM

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

**Loy Toy** · 11-08-2008, 05:56 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, 06:05 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.

**Sir Burr** · 12-08-2008, 11:06 AM

Originally Posted by melvbot

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

This drop coincides with the increased cost of oil and the world-wide economic down-turn. Nothing to do with crime rates.

**El Gibbon** · 12-08-2008, 11:39 AM

^ pretty much agree, plus the whole experience is becoming tired & overworked. I can recall in the late 90's the gogo thing was the rage. Couldn't get in a decent gogo they were packed.

Anyone seen a "packed" gogo recently? Not many around that consistently bang em in like the old days.

Today's society has become bored with the sex for hire thing when is is so freely available just about anywhere. Today's morals have changed to the point where 'sneaking' off to Thailand for some fresh flesh has lost its luster. No adrenalin rush now just a matter of taking care of bodily functions.. ho hum.

E.
G.

**melvbot** · 12-08-2008, 11:42 AM

That first post was slightly tongue in cheek, thats why I mentioned the credit crunch in a later post.

bkkandrew · 11-08-2008, 05:55 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.

**Norton** · 11-08-2008, 06:08 PM

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, 06:18 PM

Chaiwat Charoensuk

brave man , wonder what his new job will be

**kingwilly** · 11-08-2008, 06:38 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, 06:45 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, 06:45 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, 06:46 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, 06:53 PM

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, 06:58 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?

**Fabian** · 12-08-2008, 04:22 PM

Originally Posted by melvbot

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?

That's not true, even back then you got pestered by hawkers constantly. I remember my tactics to ignore them by reading newspaper did not work. It resulted in having three of them them standing around me until I told them to go away.

**Thetyim** · 11-08-2008, 06:59 PM

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, 07:05 PM

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, 07:07 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.

**peterpan** · 11-08-2008, 08:30 PM

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.

**Loy Toy** · 11-08-2008, 08:42 PM

Originally Posted by peterpan

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.

Your right PP as the best bar in Pattaya IMO, TQ1 ia also not doing as well as when compared to previous years. Not bad and when compared to others but still feeling the pinch.

**ataloss** · 15-08-2008, 06:51 AM

Originally Posted by peterpan

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.

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

Ban Saeng makes Pattaya/Jontien beaches look beautiful by comparison

**plorf** · 11-08-2008, 08:27 PM

So any overall tourism figures yet ?

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