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  1. #1
    Thailand Expat misskit's Avatar
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    Thailand to Only Target Rich Tourists for Its New Travel Bubbles

    As Thailand’s Government mulls over the idea of Travel Bubbles the tourism minister has decided on a new strategy, target rich tourists. Tourism Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn says target rich tourist rather than try to attract a large number of poorer tourists.


    Rich tourists who are seeking privacy and social distancing in the new post Covid-19 era.


    The pandemic provides an opportunity to reset the sector, which had become reliant on poor Chinese groups and backpackers, he said in an interview with Bloomberg News.





    Once the country’s borders are reopened and so-called travel bubbles are agreed upon, marketing efforts will be geared toward rich tourists who want holidays with minimal risks.


    The government will initially allow a small number of arrivals, such as rich business executives and medical tourists. It is also working with the travel industry to identify and invite individuals in target demographics. Which will probably include previous visitors to luxury resorts in the islands of Phuket; Samui; Phangan; and Phi Phi he said.


    Phuket is “a prototype”
    Rich tourists may be required to pass Covid-19 screenings before traveling and upon arriving. Then choose a single resort island and remain for a minimum period of time.


    The “high-end visitors” (The Rich) will be able to travel freely while they’re on the island. Then be allowed to leave for home or other destinations in Thailand. Only once their minimum 14 day quarantine has passed. Thai Tourism plans to court the Rich, possibly during the winter months of November-February. A time when Rich European and American travelers seek out warmer climates, Mr Phiphat said.


    “One person can easily spend as much as five by staying at the finest hotels,” he said. Adding that full and free travel should become a “thing of the past.” He however didn’t elaborate on how this scheme would will help lower end hotels and businesses. Many of which are facing financial ruin from his governments draconian lockdown.


    Thailand is not the only country grappling with the question of how and when to reopen for visitors. Across Southeast Asia — one of the most tourism-reliant regions in the world — hotels and travel businesses are slowly kicking into gear. Asian countries that have succeeded in flattening their virus curves ease lockdown restrictions.


    Travel Bubbles with rich tourists
    Thailand’s first few travel-bubble pacts, with nations such as Japan and Australia, probably will not be ready until at least August, Mr Phiphat said. Thailand also is mulling a program to allow visitors from specific Chinese cities and provinces, he said.





    Thailand’s borders are currently locked to all but essential travel through June 30. Most restrictions on domestic travel were lifted this month. The goal is for Thailand to have 10 million foreign arrivals this year — one-quarter of the 2019 tally — Phiphat said.


    Total tourism revenue is forecast at 1.23 trillion baht (US$39.6 billion) this year, down 59% from last year.


    The tourism sector will account for about 6% of gross domestic product in 2020, down from 18% last year, Phiphat said. The dearth of travelers is one reason Thailand’s economy is forecast to contract as much as 6% this year. The government is rolling out stimulus worth 15% of GDP, according to World Bank estimates.


    Out with poor in with the rich



    A lockdown, social distancing, tight control of borders and near-universal adoption of face masks enabled Thailand to restrict its official virus tally to just over 3,000, with 58 deaths.


    The government has recently relaxed the lockdown and has detected no local transmission of covid-19 for more than three weeks.


    Mr Phiphat said Thailand sees the crisis as an opportunity to address problems that existed before covid-19. Like over-crowding at some beaches and temples and environmental destruction.


    In the quiet months without foreign travelers, sea turtles have returned to lay eggs on Thai beaches; pink dolphins have been seen frolicking with fishermen; and manatees swam to shore to snack on sea grass, Phiphat said.


    “If we don’t use this chance to create the most benefit for the industry, Thailand will lose out,” he said. “This is an opportunity to reset the entire tourism system.”


    Source: Bloomberg

    Thailand to Only Target Rich Tourists for Its New Travel Bubbles

  2. #2
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
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    Bali says it may open domestically on July 9th and if it doesn't cause an outbreak, internationally in September.

    Villa booked just in case.

    Thailand can wait until all the grubby sex tourists have come, squandered their dole money and gone home.

  3. #3
    Thailand Expat Saint Willy's Avatar
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    heard this before...

  4. #4
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by TheRealKW View Post
    heard this before...
    Yes, only they tried to make it sound nicer by calling them "quality tourists" if I remember rightly.

  5. #5
    The Dentist English Noodles's Avatar
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    They will be rewritting the visa rules now for foreigners that are 'retired' in Thailand. I have a distinct feeling things are going to get a lot tougher for those on a more modest income.

  6. #6
    Thailand Expat
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    When did I hear this before?

    Are rich tourists still interested in Thailand?

  7. #7
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by English Noodles View Post
    They will be rewritting the visa rules now for foreigners that are 'retired' in Thailand. I have a distinct feeling things are going to get a lot tougher for those on a more modest income.
    What do you think the reason for that would be?

  8. #8
    The Dentist English Noodles's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by harrybarracuda View Post
    What do you think the reason for that would be?
    Err because the current government are xenophobes who believe that Thailand should only be for the Thai people.

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by harrybarracuda View Post
    Bali says it may open domestically on July 9th and if it doesn't cause an outbreak, internationally in September.

    Villa booked just in case.

    Thailand can wait until all the grubby sex tourists have come, squandered their dole money and gone home.
    That target date seems very ambitious to me. The local governor talks too much, in the full knowledge that any decisions or plans he announces, must get the approval of central government.
    Domestic tourism will come first, and if there are no repercussions from that, they may allow international travel.
    I still think domestic tourism is a long way off, and c19 measures are less than transparent. Convincing international travelers, airlines and governments will be a very big ask before the end of this year.

  10. #10
    Thailand Expat

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    Quote Originally Posted by harrybarracuda View Post


    Thailand can wait until all the grubby sex tourists have come, squandered their dole money and gone home.
    I don't think I have seen that old cliche written for several years now, certainly not since Sterling devalued by 40% following the 2008 crash and Brexit.

    Most business owners that established their outlets catering for the British social habits, chiefly air-conditioned public house selling the staple menu unique to British and Australia tastes, in the late 1990s and early Noughties are all experiencing difficulties arising out of changing trends and the erosion of buying power among their traditional customer base.
    Although it would be fair to say the demographic identified as foreign western tourists travelling for the sole purpose of engaging in sex with prostitutes were generally rooted in the lower classes characterised in the main by their engagement in manual work, I think most social observers would now agree they are no longer a significant group given their reduced incomes and have in fact disappeared as a market force, more or less, since 2008.

    The reality of Thailand as a tourist destination is that it remains a market perceived by the travel industry as offering a value-for-money experience to the masses, whether they be from the West or the Sino/Indian/ASEAN countries, and the Thai PR marketing machine has of course pandered to this economic fact in its inexorable drive to boost numbers.

    The problem facing the Thai, and this goes for the Far East generally, is that in trying to re-position itself as a luxury brand it ignores the new reality that those able to travel post - Covid will be vastly reduced in number and the mass market paradigm will simply no longer exist, the sheer cost of long haul air travel will be prohibitive. Tourism is going to be changed dramatically as long as COVID remains a force and that means an industry based on domestic and intra regional demographics and a monied minority from elsewhere.

    Western whoremongers funding sex vacations on incomes derived from welfare dependence is not a significant demographic in this new reality except perhaps to the hidebound idiot who has difficulty in distinguishing his arse from a hole in the ground.

  11. #11
    Thailand Expat Saint Willy's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Seekingasylum View Post

    Western whoremongers funding sex vacations on incomes derived from welfare dependence is not a significant demographic in this new reality except perhaps to the hidebound idiot who has difficulty in distinguishing his arse from a hole in the ground.
    Nevermd, perhaps you can get lucky and score a free repatriation flight or crowdfund for one?

  12. #12
    Hangin' Around cyrille's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by TheRealKW View Post
    heard this before...
    Yes, a thousand times in various guises.

    Like it's some kind of wizard wheeze.

  13. #13
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by English Noodles View Post
    Err because the current government are xenophobes who believe that Thailand should only be for the Thai people.
    That would require them taking their snouts out of the trough, so I doubt it.

  14. #14
    Hangin' Around cyrille's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Seekingasylum View Post
    Western whoremongers funding sex vacations on incomes derived from welfare dependence is not a significant demographic in this new reality except perhaps to the hidebound idiot who has difficulty in distinguishing his arse from a hole in the ground.
    It's a demographic that doesn't even exist in the context of inter-continental vacations, but as evidenced by 'Keys and Gray', 'Only Fools and Horses' and 'The Invincibles', harry has a hard time letting go.

  15. #15
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    Thailand needs more cashed up female sex tourists. There are enough African slaves there already to service this growing market.

  16. #16
    Thailand Expat
    taxexile's Avatar
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    the sheer cost of long haul air travel will be prohibitive
    Emirates are offering LHR BKK via Dubai for £750, economy and £2200 business, out mid Dec 2020 returning late March 2021.
    Assuming Thailand is receiving European tourists, the airfares are little different to last year.

    the demographic identified as foreign western tourists travelling for the sole purpose of engaging in sex with prostitutes were generally rooted in the lower classes characterised in the main by their engagement in manual work,
    The earnings of self employed manual workers e.g. electricians, plumbers, carpenters, fitters, mechanics,etc. outstrip those of doctors, lawyers, architects, and other degreed professionals until they are well into their 40s.

    The myth you continually peddle of the cloth cap wearing oik with his shovel and his roll up is as hackneyed as your brexit diatribes. Hard up ditch diggers looking to drink beer and fuck prostitutes go Easy Jet or Ryanair to Eastern Europe for the weekend, and have done so for years. The flights cost pennies.

    Thailand should remember that the travel boom that has enriched the country and given jobs to millions of its people was started by the lonely planet brigade way back in the 70s, and thinking they can now attract only wealthy high class tourists is a big mistake. Those people have their own high cost destinations, and the only rich that Thailand will attract are criminals from europe, gangsters from russia and lottery winners from coventry.

  17. #17
    Thailand Expat
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    Quote Originally Posted by taxexile View Post
    the only rich that Thailand will attract are criminals from europe, gangsters from russia and lottery winners from coventry
    Quote Originally Posted by taxexile View Post
    Emirates are offering LHR BKK via Dubai for £750,
    Well You’ve done your research, what category are you?

  18. #18
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by cyrille View Post
    It's a demographic that doesn't even exist in the context of inter-continental vacations, but as evidenced by 'Keys and Gray', 'Only Fools and Horses' and 'The Invincibles', harry has a hard time letting go.
    Ooh, must have struck a nerve.


  19. #19
    กงเกวียนกำเกวียน HuangLao's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by English Noodles View Post
    They will be rewritting the visa rules now for foreigners that are 'retired' in Thailand. I have a distinct feeling things are going to get a lot tougher for those on a more modest income.
    It wouldn't be surprising to find future modified policies regarding foreign residents of every standing and disposition.
    Changing up, periodically, is what they do -

  20. #20
    Hangin' Around cyrille's Avatar
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    Well two rather obvious trolls say so.

    Must be true.

  21. #21
    Thailand Expat

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    Quote Originally Posted by taxexile View Post


    The earnings of self employed manual workers e.g. electricians, plumbers, carpenters, fitters, mechanics,etc. outstrip those of doctors, lawyers, architects, and other degreed professionals until they are well into their 40s.
    Do you still have access to nitrous oxide, Tax?

    Either way, you are skipping with the pixies.

  22. #22
    Thailand Expat
    taxexile's Avatar
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    Tradesmen earning £10,000 more than the average graduate.


    The research found that the average wage for a university graduate in England is £32,000 a year, while the average bricklayer and roofer is earning £42,000 a year across the UK.

    When you focus in on particular regions, things look even rosier for tradespeople. In London, a bricklayer is commanding wages of up to £90,000 a year.

    Brickies have had a good few years, after 2016 research found UK bricklayers were earning £25 an hour.

    Plumbers and electricians earn more than architects and accountants.

    Plumbers and electricians are some of the top average earners among tradespeople in the UK, along with site managers, supervisors and civil engineering operatives - and they all earn more than architects, accountants and dentists.

    Here are the top five average earnings for UK trades professionals:

    Site managers - £51,266
    Plumbers - £48,675
    Supervisors - £48,407
    Electricians - £47,265
    Civil engineering operatives - £44,253
    Compared with university graduates:

    Pharmacists - £42,252
    Dental practitioners - £40,268
    Architects - £38,228
    Teachers - £37,805
    Chartered and certified accountants - £37,748
    Earning while you learn spells promising future for apprentices
    Brian Berry, the Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders said: “Money talks and when it comes to annual salaries, a career in construction trumps many university graduate roles.

    “Pursuing a career in construction is therefore becoming an increasingly savvy move. University students in England will graduate with an average £50,800 of debt, according to The Institute for Fiscal Studies, while apprentices pass the finish line completely debt-free.

    “Not only that, apprentices earn while they learn, taking home around £17,000 a year.
    UK tradesmen earn more than university graduates

    stuck away as you are 20 stories high in the arse end of asia, and poring over those free web newsfeeds you seem to precis in your rants, you are obviously out of touch with what is happening in the real world, i.e. anywhere outside thailand.

    you are fast becoming just like all the other full time thai expats; deluded, insular, prejudiced and ill informed.

    a summer in budleigh salterton would re-boot your senses and your world view nicely.

  23. #23
    Thailand Expat lom's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by taxexile View Post
    trades professionals
    You become a trade professional after many years in the trade

    Quote Originally Posted by taxexile View Post
    university graduates
    are fresh out from school, you are comparing apples and oranges.

  24. #24
    Thailand Expat
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    university educated professionals rarely reach spending power equality with tradespeople until they reach their 40's.

    a self employed local electrician came to re wire my garage last year, 25 years old and qualified for 3 years, and he arrived not in a white van littered with old daily mails and cigarette butts, but a spotless 6 month old range rover evoque pulling a small covered trailer containing his equipment. they cost around £45,000, he told me he had just returned from a 4 week driving holiday around france with his wife and toddler.

    the labour charge was £70 per hour, and thats northern england, not london, with little in the way of overheads. the car will be a genuine business expense.


    a lawyer, doctor or dentist of comparative age will be burdened with debts, from both university and from the expense of opening up their practice and paying their staff. it will be many years before the graduate will have the spending power of the electrician.... and no car expenses can be legitimately claimed on tax.

  25. #25
    Thailand Expat
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    I fear for once Tax you are right.

    (How does it feel?)

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