Passenger traffic declines for third month at Thailand's Airports

The numbers of passengers seen by the six main airports in Thailand fell in September for the third month running, bringing figures down to 2004 levels.

In September, the steep drop of 20.2 per cent, over the same month in 2007, was attributed to the combined impact of the global economic slowdown and the continuing anti-government protests in the country.

Bangkok’s anti-government demonstrations were staged in Phuket in September as well, closing the airport temporarily, leading to double-digit decreases in both domestic and international passenger traffic numbers.

Passenger traffic at all airports in the country operated by Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT), including Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, totalled 3.48 million for September, as compared with 4.36 million for September 2007.

International numbers declined by 19.4 per cent, down to 2.22 million, and domestic passenger numbers dropped more sharply, by 21.5 per cent to 1.25 million, according to AoT.

Cumulative figures for the January-September period show an increase of 2.75 per cent over the same period in 2007, although flight movements dropped by 1.7 per cent.

The outlook for passenger traffic in the fourth quarter is uncertain, depending on developments in the current worldwide financial crisis and on political conditions in the country.

Passenger traffic declines for third month at Thailand airports

Those are some serious reductions, but no evidence how much can be attributed to each of the current tourist deterrents.

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Originally Posted by hillbilly

The numbers of passengers seen by the six main airports in Thailand fell in September for the third month running, bringing figures down to 2004 levels.

In September, the steep drop of 20.2 per cent, over the same month in 2007, was attributed to the combined impact of the global economic slowdown and the continuing anti-government protests in the country.

Bangkok’s anti-government demonstrations were staged in Phuket in September as well, closing the airport temporarily, leading to double-digit decreases in both domestic and international passenger traffic numbers.

Passenger traffic at all airports in the country operated by Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT), including Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, totalled 3.48 million for September, as compared with 4.36 million for September 2007.

International numbers declined by 19.4 per cent, down to 2.22 million, and domestic passenger numbers dropped more sharply, by 21.5 per cent to 1.25 million, according to AoT.

Cumulative figures for the January-September period show an increase of 2.75 per cent over the same period in 2007, although flight movements dropped by 1.7 per cent.

The outlook for passenger traffic in the fourth quarter is uncertain, depending on developments in the current worldwide financial crisis and on political conditions in the country.

Passenger traffic declines for third month at Thailand airports

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This would be expected news. Certainly, with the current make-believe financial meltdowns worldwide, people are tightening their belts - less travel. The political troubles and assorted protests for the last several months have been consistently making the news worldwide, even if such events would never have an affect on any given traveler. Historically, the coup-of-the-month club doesn't really have any lasting reflections on the local populations. You certainly must have a clear conclusion for posting such surface news. I trust you don't subscribe to that ideal that Thailand depends on the "tourist" economy? At best, it can only be attributted towards 5% of the whole trickle down theories. Most aren't affected that terribly much.

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Originally Posted by Rural Surin

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Originally Posted by hillbilly

The numbers of passengers seen by the six main airports in Thailand fell in September for the third month running, bringing figures down to 2004 levels.

In September, the steep drop of 20.2 per cent, over the same month in 2007, was attributed to the combined impact of the global economic slowdown and the continuing anti-government protests in the country.

Bangkok’s anti-government demonstrations were staged in Phuket in September as well, closing the airport temporarily, leading to double-digit decreases in both domestic and international passenger traffic numbers.

Passenger traffic at all airports in the country operated by Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT), including Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, totalled 3.48 million for September, as compared with 4.36 million for September 2007.

International numbers declined by 19.4 per cent, down to 2.22 million, and domestic passenger numbers dropped more sharply, by 21.5 per cent to 1.25 million, according to AoT.

Cumulative figures for the January-September period show an increase of 2.75 per cent over the same period in 2007, although flight movements dropped by 1.7 per cent.

The outlook for passenger traffic in the fourth quarter is uncertain, depending on developments in the current worldwide financial crisis and on political conditions in the country.

Passenger traffic declines for third month at Thailand airports

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This would be expected news. Certainly, with the current make-believe financial meltdowns worldwide, people are tightening their belts - less travel. The political troubles and assorted protests for the last several months have been consistently making the news worldwide, even if such events would never have an affect on any given traveler. Historically, the coup-of-the-month club doesn't really have any lasting reflections on the local populations. You certainly must have a clear conclusion for posting such surface news. I trust you don't subscribe to that ideal that Thailand depends on the "tourist" economy? At best, it can only be attributted towards 5% of the whole trickle down theories. Most aren't affected that terribly much.

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Not quite sure of your comment "current make-believe financial meltdowns" but in this case perception is reality in terms of discretionary spending by the 'average' Joe.

Until very recently the GDP was expected to be 6%+ growth for the Thai economy. tourism makes up at least 6% of the GDP (verified in numerous reports in the Bangkok Post, The Nation and the Economist). With a 20%, or greater decline in tourism dollars spent - not arrival numbers - that forebodes a sizable decline in GDP. One that would get the attention of even the largest economies of the world.

As for your reflection that "most are not affected", take a look around you. Repossessed automobile are flooding the market. I noted at least two HUGE new car lots being recently opened or under construction for disposal of these vehicles - See Apple Auto Auctions -.

The economic downturn is hitting at even the lowest rungs of society. Rubber cutters/orchard owners have stopped tapping rubber in some cases with the price of latex at multi-year lows (B25? per kilo) at last reference. They can't even recoup the cost of fuel to get to their orchards and maintain the required fertilization process.

I think you need to take a hard look at your observations in total, even the slightest downturn in economic growth in a time of exacerbated economic turmoil does in fact "affect" even the lowest level of society. A decrease in hard cash from tourism is no small matter. In normal economic times, yes, you might be correct. However, these are NOT normal economic times and with the added political turmoil is a harbinger of troubles ahead.

E. G.

The two biggest non-Asian visitors to Thailand; Brits and Aussies, can't afford to come. Period.

With the strength of the Baht Thailand isn't cheap for anyone at the moment, and as such negates one of the biggest selling points of the destination for potential visitors.

There are so many factors contributing to what could be one of the quietest high-seasons for a decade, if not the worst. Indeed it is extremely difficult to be optimistic at the moment.

as I've said before , at current rates Thailand is more expensive than Australia .

and as I've also said , good luck with that .

^^ Tud, even though they are the two largest 'non Asian' visitors I'd be willing to bet they are the highest in dollars/baht spent per day of any tourist group. Asians are here on-the-cheap where as westerners plan on spending on what can be 'a vacation of a lifetime'.

E. G.

will be tight but not critical, brits will simply borrow more (don't you believe they can't), drop a star or stay for shorter periods...if the global network is going down the odd few national %s here and there don't matter because it will pick up again, but for los the important thing is to get its political act together...next sentence deleted.

my last visit was 3 1/2 months long,including visits to Laos & Cambodia.I went well over budget. I`m back again beginning December,but only for a month. was originally planning on 2 months...but the way the Thai bahts falling and job uncertainty in the UK (company I work for are saying lay-offs by January),I just cant afford it :(

I hope all you
:sexy:are reading these doom and gloom posts , and are going
to adjust your baht per session rates accordingly :rolleyes:

I don't know why it has to be proven again and again that tourism is a major economic branch in Thailand. 6% has been correctly quoted as direct tourism income, but these numbers most likely are from the taxation of companies that are directly tourism-related. It does not, however, take in account the millions of baht spent on 7eleven beer, mbk shopping, bargirls and houses in Udon Thani !
I don't have any statistics, but if you roughly look at average spending of tourists mulitplied by their number and compare it with tourism related income you will find a huge gap which explains why it is 'only' 6% of the GDP.

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Originally Posted by El Gibbon

^^ Tud, even though they are the two largest 'non Asian' visitors I'd be willing to bet they are the highest in dollars/baht spent per day of any tourist group. Asians are here on-the-cheap where as westerners plan on spending on what can be 'a vacation of a lifetime'.

E. G.

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Most of the surveys I've seen show that Americans and the French spend the most on holiday (Germans and Israelis spending the least among non-Asians), but Brits and Aussies are surely right up there.

As to Asians, the Japanese also tend to spend a lot, and they also are among the most apt not to come if there is the possibility of something going wrong. The Japanese canceled en masse during the SARS non-crisis; I have a Japanese client showing up next month who is still asking me if I think it is OK to come.

As I have mentioned before, I think the closure of Phuket Airport caused Thailand to get terrible press- it is not likely to happen again, but people overseas don't know that.

At roughly 6% of GDP tourism is a significant contributor to the economy here; it ranks only just under electronics manufacturing.

I really have no idea of how many millions of baht I have spent for customers at building supply shops, these are generally classed as tourists but the money isn't considered tourist money, best year I must have spent 20 million, there are over 100 farang builders in Pattaya alone that are listed with the police, lets say I'm average, 100 times 20 million baht is a big chunk of change :(

Not quite sure of your comment "current make-believe financial meltdowns"
AS IN: Not real. Credit-based. Loans without worth. Imaginary wealth. Vacancy of "real" self-sufficiency. There isn't any real wealth nor value nor worth. In this fanciful and imaginary world where nothing/0 = anything you make-up....you're in trouble to begin with. Your Western economical and financial analysis is based in illusion......wake up.

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Originally Posted by Rural Surin

Certainly, with the current make-believe financial meltdowns worldwide,

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Only make believe if you have no money

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Originally Posted by EmperorTud

The two biggest non-Asian visitors to Thailand; Brits and Aussies, can't afford to come. Period.

With the strength of the Baht Thailand isn't cheap for anyone at the moment, and as such negates one of the biggest selling points of the destination for potential visitors.

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Bollocks.

It just isn't as cheap as it was half-a-year ago.

Where in the UK can you have a meal in a restaurant for 2 quid? Or look at gogo-dancers for the same price for a beer? Or stay in a clean basic hotel for 6 pounds a night?

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Originally Posted by spiff

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Originally Posted by EmperorTud

The two biggest non-Asian visitors to Thailand; Brits and Aussies, can't afford to come. Period.

With the strength of the Baht Thailand isn't cheap for anyone at the moment, and as such negates one of the biggest selling points of the destination for potential visitors.

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Bollocks.

It just isn't as cheap as it was half-a-year ago.

Where in the UK can you have a meal in a restaurant for 2 quid? Or look at gogo-dancers for the same price for a beer? Or stay in a clean basic hotel for 6 pounds a night?

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Only the hardiest of sex-tourists and backpackers eat meals in restaurants for 100THB every night of the week and sleep in dirty, cramped fan rooms for 300THB a night.

But they are only a small percentage of tourists and the people that actually want to enjoy themselves on holiday instead of being constrained to the tightest of budgets will of course look elsewhere.

I expect Australia to be popular with Brits this summer as they get A$2.5 for each of their Great British Pounds.

Tuddy, Depends on where you go in Thailand, the Capital and Patters gets old real fast, out in the provinces where the speak-easies, bars and so on are you can party hard for those figures without the traffic and scams keeping you on guard all the time.

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Originally Posted by Slipstream

Tuddy, Depends on where you go in Thailand, the Capital and Patters gets old real fast, out in the provinces where the speak-easies, bars and so on are you can party hard for those figures without the traffic and scams keeping you on guard all the time.

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This is a relatively sound point, it's always been easier on the pocket book to live and travel in the provinces......

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Originally Posted by spiff

Where in the UK can you have a meal in a restaurant for 2 quid? Or look at gogo-dancers for the same price for a beer? Or stay in a clean basic hotel for 6 pounds a night?

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That's fine, but with falling house prices the option of borrowing more money has gone, so many people won't have money for the airfare in the first place.

Sure some will still come, but not nearly as many.

I see trends via my own business, where people pay by cash transfer when there is plenty of money about, and by credit card when times are lean. I've never seen anything like this, where people are trying very imaginable trick to get free advice.

Expect to read reports of cannibalism in Europe soon.

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Originally Posted by madcow

I hope all you
:sexy:are reading these doom and gloom posts , and are going
to adjust your baht per session rates accordingly :rolleyes:

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Looks like the 500 baht note will be making a come back

One of the Sunday's here in the UK yesterday predicted that Brits will re-discover europe next year as the pound is stable against the euro and in freefall everywhere else - all to do with so many currencies being linked to the dollar, apparantly?

And of course, you have to be able to afford the airfare in the first instance. I'm quite looking forward to taking the missus to Greece, I haven't been there for years! I haven't been anywhere other than LOS for 3 years!

Well, Thailand is still cheap, even at B50 to the GB pound

I have to return to London for a few days; the flight going back had no problem but from London to Bkk was fully booked for several days. In the end they found me a seat on a morning flight rather than my preferred evening one

so the Brits are still coming!

the brits will always come, too many good reasons not to.

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Originally Posted by EmperorTud

Only the hardiest of sex-tourists and backpackers eat meals in restaurants for 100THB every night of the week and sleep in dirty, cramped fan rooms for 300THB a night.

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That may be true of Bkk, but most places B300 will get you a nice room. If you need aircon, then expect to pay a bit more, maybe B400

and great meals can be had for B100 a head, but you can splurge for seafood and pay maybe B250 a head

all still a lot cheaper than Europe

Single guys will still come here, according to Finbarr Saunders.

Jomtien was pretty quiet last week except for the weekend when it was flooded with Thai day trippers for the holiday

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Originally Posted by DrAndy

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Originally Posted by EmperorTud

Only the hardiest of sex-tourists and backpackers eat meals in restaurants for 100THB every night of the week and sleep in dirty, cramped fan rooms for 300THB a night.

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That may be true of Bkk, but most places B300 will get you a nice room. If you need aircon, then expect to pay a bit more, maybe B400

and great meals can be had for B100 a head, but you can splurge for seafood and pay maybe B250 a head

all still a lot cheaper than Europe

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You've conveniently missed the point.

Most British holidaymakers do not go on the 'holiday of a lifetime' in Thailand to eat at street vendors for 100THB or stay in cheap fan rooms. They simply don't do it.

You'll find they may eat at a noodle vendor once or twice for the experience, but they won't compromise their accommodations.

As I pointed out your examples are limited to the backpacker sect and the skint sex-tourists, both demographics that have been marginalised by the TAT in favour of bigger spenders; "a better class of tourist" as the TAT so eloquently put it themselves.

These "better class of tourist" won't find Thailand a bargain this year.