Thailand News
Thailand Under Strain from Tourism Surge
Published
4 years agoon
By
Udon LiveBANGKOK – Thailand’s tourist industry faces “trouble” without urgent investment to cope with an expected near-doubling of visitors to 60 million by 2030, a top official has warned.
Pongpanu Svetarundra, permanent secretary to the tourism ministry said Thailand must press ahead with plans to expand ports, airports and railways to deal with a holidaymaker surge that has propped up the spluttering economy but put a growing strain on infrastructure.
The visitor boom partly reflects explosive travel growth among newly wealthy Chinese. The rush has delivered the ruling military junta in Bangkok a much-needed financial boost but left airports and other choke points buckling under the strain.
Mr Pongpanu told the Financial Times “everyone is starting to get a little bit worried” by the impact of annual visitor numbers that have more than doubled in the past six years, with the tourism sector now accounting for almost a fifth of the economy.
“If we don’t do anything, we will get into trouble,” Mr Pongpanu said, adding that his ministry was lobbying the transport department to push ahead with infrastructure plans. “The congestion will be more and more. This is why it’s the most opportune moment to talk of upgrading, investment and expansion of existing facilities.”
Thailand’s tourism ambitions will be underscored this week as it hosts the global summit of the World Travel & Tourism Council, where David Cameron, former UK prime minister, is due to give a keynote address.
The country is also scheduled to host high-profile international events in fields from motorcycle racing to gastronomy as part of an effort to grow as a venue for speciality holidays. 32.6m visitor arrivals to Thailand last year, up from 15.9m in 2010
Tourism is a rare source of growth for an economy hobbled by a decade of on-off political crises that included a military coup three years ago.
Government figures suggest the sector accounts directly and indirectly for about 17.7 per cent of gross domestic product, while some international estimates put the number as high as 20 per cent, Mr Pongpanu said. He acknowledged the potential pitfalls of overdependence on the industry.
Holidaymakers from mainland China accounted for almost half the rise in visitor arrivals from 15.9m in 2010 to 32.6m last year, driven in part by Lost in Thailand, a 2012 road trip film that won cult status in the Middle Kingdom.
Chinese tourist numbers have continued to rise despite a jump last year in visa-on-arrival fees and a crackdown on so-called “zero dollar tours” — cut-price packages in which agents shepherd visitors on a compulsory itinerary of favoured hotels and shops.
Thailand’s increasing reliance on international visitors was underscored this month during a dispute over a crackdown by the Bangkok administration on the city’s famous street food. Mr Pongpanu said his ministry was in discussion about the plans with the capital’s authorities, which have already suggested vendors in some tourist areas will be spared.
By Michael Peel- Financial Times
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Thailand News
Massage parlours will be allowed to reopen, customers tracked
Published
7 months agoon
June 25, 2020By
Udon Live
Post-Covid nightlife in Thailand is likely to be a bit duller than before, but at least “soapie massage” is back on the menu. The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration announced today that massage parlours of every description will be allowed to reopen along with bars, pubs and other venues in the next phase of easing restrictions.
Source: Massage parlours will be allowed to reopen, must track and report customers to government
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More Thai routes open as airlines ease out of lockdown
Published
7 months agoon
June 25, 2020By
Udon Live
The Department of Airports is overseeing a steady increase in the number of routes and flights offered by two airlines, while new routes will open after the fourth phase of lockdown easing. Flights to Surat Thani Airport have been increased to three flights a day, while the service to Ubon Ratchathani is operating daily.
Source: More Thai routes open as airlines ease out of lockdown
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New breathalyser underway to detect Covid-19
Published
7 months agoon
June 22, 2020By
Udon Live
BBC Israel has reportedly developed a breathalyzer that may be able to detect the Covid-19 virus in those who don’t even show symptoms, making it a potentially promising way to control the spread of the virus. The new technology is set to be used on airplanes and other methods of travel where it can identify if the virus is present on someone’s breath-at an accuracy rate of 92%.
Source: New breathalyser underway to detect Covid-19
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