Russian tourist organizations threaten Thailand with a boycott
The Russian Union of Travel Companies (Rüti) has urged Thai authorities to improve the safety of Russian tourists or face a boycott by its members.
The Union, which includes more than 5000 tourism organizations from Russia, has sent a letter to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said Narin Tijayung, director of the TAT branch in Moscow.
Bus accidents
The letter followed the November 15 traffic accident in Pattaya that injured more than 30 Russians, four of them seriously. The bus with 4 tourists overturned on the highway. The accident was caused by driver error.
More and more Russian tourists in Thailand are confronted with accidents or are the victims of a crime. A month earlier, a Russian was killed and more than 30 injured in a bus crash in Kanchanaburi province.
In the letter addressed to the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Russians ask for concrete measures to ensure the safety of tourists in the kingdom. Road safety in particular is the main concern. They want more attention in Thailand to be paid to the training of bus drivers, the condition of the vehicles and compliance with traffic rules, Narin says.
Ultimatum
The fact that the members of Rüti are serious is evident from the ultimatum that has been issued to the Thai government. There must be a satisfactory response from Thailand before the end of November, otherwise a boycott will follow. The Russians are threatening to cancel all scheduled charter flights to Thailand from December 2013 to March 2014. The travel companies will then advise their customers to visit other countries in the region such as Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam.
Source: www.khaosod.co.th
Editors: What is the reader's opinion on this matter, do the Russians have a point here because road safety is poor or should they not blow too much air? Give your reaction.
The Russians certainly have a point when it comes to road safety. In that respect, every travel organization should inform its customers about the often very different “traffic rules” that apply in Thailand.
I don't know how the bus driver training is going, but it won't be great.
On a trip from Bangkok to Chiang-Mai, I see the bus driver and his helper filling up the tank with diesel at a stopover, both casually with a burning butt in the head, then I know that there is still a lot to improve, yes.
To be honest, that's the only thing I'm really afraid of in Thailand, namely the traffic, and the totally indifferent, or overconfident drivers who sometimes drive around in it, behind the wheel of a bus or not.
On the other hand, threats are usually counterproductive with the Thais, I have the impression, although the possible loss of Russian rubles will also cause some movement here.
As far as the Russian tourist itself is concerned, I personally would like to see quite a few more to the surrounding countries, because I have seen enough rudeness and “I pay so I gang boss” behavior to give the advice to the Ruti to also give its own members a break. schools to normal, others (see Thai and any other citizen of the world) respectful tourists. Are definitely the most maladjusted travelers ever to set foot outside their homeland. but that's my opinion. YMMV.
I am happy with this reaction from the Russians.
The Western world sits down a few times a year to talk.
But what has really changed in recent years in terms of safety for tourists?
Nothing but really nothing. I hope more countries will join.
Then maybe there will be a block that the Thais will listen to.
I wonder if Russia has so much right to speak here. According to the WHO – World Health Organization – there were 2010 road deaths in Russia in 26.500. Furthermore, figures can be found that indicate that the chance of being involved in a traffic accident in Russia is – for example – 60 times higher than in a country like Great Britain.
For an impression, take a look at the images below, made by so-called dashcams - small video cameras that are placed on the dashboard of a car and film permanently. Very popular in Russia for a reason………
http://www.youtube.com/embed/5RAaW_1FzYg?autoplay=1&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0
I agree with the Russians.
Anyone who follows Dick's News could read a while back that Thailand has a major shortage of bus drivers because tourism is growing so fast. Because the cash register has to ring, there will be some messing around with the issue of driver's licenses for bus drivers. This is Thailand.
Thailand really needs to take the safety of tourists seriously. Scams, a sinking ferry, derailed trains, bus accidents, it is becoming the order of the day.
Moderator: the article is not about the behavior of Russians but about safety. Please respond to that.
There is a big discrepancy between paper and reality in Thailand. The traffic rules in Thailand are more than ok; the control and enforcement thereof are, to say the least, lickable. What the Russians want is more compliance with the existing rules for the safety of people who move and stay in this country. And perhaps the rules need to be tightened up or new ones added. That will not happen. It is already not happening for the local population, so it is not expected to happen for tourists either. 26.000 deaths on the roads in Thailand every year is still not enough to ACTUALly do some control and enforcement. It may have just brought a little more money to the traffic police officer.
The minister will undoubtedly promise the Russians to get better, set up one or more committees, promise stricter supervision, but in everyday practice – I think – little or nothing happens. I secretly hope - as a Westerner - that the Russian tour operators really cancel all charter flights of their customers from December 2013 to March 2014 to show that they mean business. And even then I'm not sure that anything will change permanently.......
That something must be done about road safety and compliance with the rules
May be clear. If the Thai wants to do something about it, that is a process that will take some
will take decades.
Let the Russian with his big mouth (as usual) first put things in order in his own country.
It is a lot less fun to stay there than in Thailand. And I'm not just talking about road safety.
What will the Russian do if after the Boycott
Nothing has changed. Not coming at all?? Let me secretly hope so.
Well, if it is even less safe in Thailand than in Russia on the roads… Then they have a point. See this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6C_yVh-OqYw If you see that and it is worse in Thailand, then you want something to be done about it.
Most accidents during winter and a lot of snow on the road. They just don't have that here in Thailand!
Dear Gerry
So you say that the high number of road fatalities in Russia is due to snow
Then take a look at some other countries that suffer from snow just as much.
Where the number of road fatalities is significantly lower
It is said that the high number of deaths in Thailand is partly due to moderate alcohol consumption. ever been to Russia?
There, more spirits are sold at the petrol pump than petrol.
Drink plays a big role there. I've seen drivers who could barely walk
They drink all day long. In all sorts of places.
It is a country where people have lost hope for a better future
The image of a wasted country.
And that country teaches Thailand the lesson
Totally agree. Russia is now acting very tough by threatening with anything and everything. But in terms of road safety, it really has no right to speak.
The 1000s of road deaths in Russia are sad, but do not justify the misconduct of bus drivers in Thailand. Nor the use of 'dashcams', which are installed to prevent fraud by a third party on the road, nor the fact that in Russia there is a 60 times higher chance of a traffic accident than in GB. It's all irrelevant. It may be known to blog readers that traffic in Thailand, in all its width and length, is miserable. This is of course the same in Russia, the better that they raise it. They also learn something from it themselves. It is recommended that the EU-wide umbrella travel organization adopt the Russian initiative and make a clear statement towards Thailand. And perhaps the ANWB and its sister organizations within the EU can also make a strong noise of disapproval.
The pity of such a boycott is that the restaurateur, the clothing store, the coffee shop, etc. etc., become the victims. The men responsible will probably get a slap on the wrist, this probably not only concerns buses and other transport but also robberies, rip-offs, murders, and many other scams that are applied here. The gentlemen of the civil service are responsible for this (politicians, police), but they won't care much because they will get their money anyway. It is the hardworking middle class who suffers.
Delegations come and go, talking about safety this and safety that, they are all dismissed and this has been done for years. Now we just have to put the finishing touches on it and see what happens, because in cases like this, heads have to roll. I hope we will be kept informed about this on this blog
I wonder more and more about the Russians how much influence they are gaining in Thailand.
They know just like everyone else that you can have a lot of risk in traffic, that has been known all over the world for a long time.
If the bus driver had transported other people this would not be a reason to go that far .
It's also about this man's life.
Moderator: Irrelevant text removed.
I don't think it will help you to tighten up control, but a solid education seems more effective to me. It will have to be a change of mindset. The thinking here is that you can drive if you have your paper. HOW it was obtained doesn't matter.
Most people do not agree that the driver's license should be proof of good driving and not a paper to avoid a 100 baht fine.
I get an increasingly bitter feeling when I read about the bad way of driving and about the behavior of the bus drivers. So on that point, I'll have to agree with the Russians. The fact that many accidents happen in Russia itself has nothing to do with safety in Thailand. The Rüti are not responsible for driving behavior in their own country. But they do have a responsibility for the Russians who go to Thailand through its travel agencies and they can rightly demand an improvement. Does the Boycott help much? I'm afraid they're more likely to cut their own Russian fingers. But if they do nothing, nothing will happen.
Still dived into the figures, could not resist, regarding traffic in Thailand, but limited to the number of deaths, however gruesome, but everyday reality.
In 2010 there were 18,6 road deaths per 100.000 inhabitants. In Russia, the figure was 18,6 per 100 thousand inhabitants.
In 2010, there were 26.567 road fatalities in Thailand in absolute terms. In Russia slightly less 26.312, with a population that is about 2,2 times higher than in Thailand.
When it comes to the figures, the Russians have a little more right to speak.
See also: http://www.trouw.nl/tr/nl/13484/360-Magazine/article/detail/3491791/2013/08/13/Alle-verkeersdoden-op-de-kaart.dhtml, and see also: http://www.who.int/gho/road_safety/mortality/traffic_deaths_number/en/index.html
Excuse me, mistake: the 18,6 mentioned for Thailand should be: 38,1 (traffic deaths per 100 thousand inhabitants) Thank you!
hello soi,
Could all be true, but we are talking about the events in Thailand here.
The very first thing the government has to do with this is that the drivers or prospective drivers are given thorough training and that such a tour operator does not hold a raffle and whoever draws the right paper may become a driver.
LOUISE
You are here in Thailand, so (most) drivers had no training, nor do they have it, nor that there will be training from the government.
Just sit on a Russian plane and you'll be more likely to end up badly!
The Russians are as hypocritical as hell. But with a tsar at the head, the one over all countries is
what you want to say will never change it. Perhaps he would make his people a better one
be able to provide education, because even at the moment they have not been chewed anywhere.
the state of transport safety is indeed appalling.
I recently traveled from Pattaya to Hua Hin in a minivan and I (and all the other passengers) were truly terrified for 5 hours.
A driver who I think was just 18, drove around 150 km / h and was constantly turned around and talking to his back neighbour. His cell phone also went off every 5 minutes and he was happily calling with that thing on his ear.
Almost had a major accident 3x but with a lot of luck it ended well.
Remarks to the driver were of no avail.
Halfway through the trip he came to tell several people that they had to pay extra because their luggage was too big. If one says this at the beginning of the journey then it is ok and you still have a choice but this extra money of course disappeared into his own pocket.
So this was my last trip with a minvan…….
Yes, those Russians certainly have a point about road safety, but it is a problem that has been going on for many years in Thailand!! No maintenance on vehicles such as buses, trucks, trains and overcrowded ferries where tourists have recently drowned (7 x I think) koh larn-pattaya!!
However, it would not matter if no more Russian tourists came to Thailand and cause a lot of misery through aggressive behavior with excessive drinking!!
I think they can also fuck off, but they are right about road safety.
It concerns not only them but also me and other tourists
I don't want to be annoying, but some people here once again put everything together with the same brush. Those people who worry about their customers are not the same people who have to take care of road safety in their own country. The ANVR in the Netherlands may be concerned about safety in Thailand, but will not be able to do much in the Netherlands. You go to the ANWB for that, don't you?
Hello editors,
Oh, I hope someone finally starts using the designated gray matter here in Thailand.
I assume that modern buses have adjusted the suspension and shock absorbers in such a way, due to bad roads and an overconfident crank on the steering wheel by the driver.
But yes, somewhere this ends.
Drivers were drunk, or still drunk from the day before, on drugs, behind the wheel for too long, you name it.
And we all know that maintenance on even the canary break collar machine is never carried out or too late.
Good that the Russian government stands up for its compatriots.
When we are on the main road, we also see those kamikaze drivers on the road and many times my valves stopped beating for a while.
These drivers are responsible for at least 52 passengers.
Looking forward to end of November.
LOUISE
Louise, it is NOT the government that stands up for its compatriots. It is an organization of travel agencies, just like with us the ANVR!!
Dear scarf
Wouldn't you find it ridiculous if the ANVR advised a boycott
Because in Thailand the chance of being robbed is just as great as here in the Netherlands
I think everyone would laugh then.
The Russian advises its members not to go to Thailand because the risk of a traffic accident is just as great as here in Russia. Completely ridiculous
Many responders think that Russia has a point even if they discovered that traffic in Thailand is dangerous. Well I knew that 40 years ago
We all know that traffic is dangerous. When assessing how dangerous.
Look at the number of fatal accidents. It is not taken into account
That there are 15.000.000 mopeds and motorbikes driving around in Thailand is a very vulnerable group
Getting into an accident is often serious if not fatal here in the Netherlands.
I'm definitely not talking about safety in traffic.
But that's up to Thailand to make changes. And certainly not to the Russian
If they don't like it, stay home. Nobody says you have to go to Thailand
They have a great point, but I am glad that they are a great annoyance to the Dutch for other people on holiday.
In itself, road safety in Thailand can clearly be improved, but…..in almost all second and third world countries, road safety is in a sad state, not to mention Russia itself. Every year I go to Southeast Asia starting with Thailand. I know in advance that, among other things, road safety is less, but that applies to many more things, but that also has its charm. I think the threat is ridiculous. I would say; don't go!! And at the same time Thai government do something about road safety.
Good idea from those Russians, and they do represent some customers. So the impact will be greater.
It is sometimes unimaginable how dangerous busses and taxis drive from BKk to Hua Hin, for example
That's the best news I've read in a long time!!!
The Russians are not to be trifled with, we can learn something from them. You can see that again, they stand up for her people.
Let the responsible authorities start with proper driving tests and training, because getting a driver's license is a joke here. This is how I got a driver's license here in Bangkok, which, in addition to a passenger car, also allows me to drive a light truck (I don't know how heavy it may be) and even a minibus!!! A few practical tests were enough and 1000 ฿ under the table because my wide vision is not good because I can only see half out of one eye and that was all it took. With such a driver's license they also drive around here in a heavy truck and perhaps also with large buses!!! Let them try to get a driver's license in our home country, it is guaranteed that no one will get one. Maintenance of any machine is also far from their bed and preventive maintenance (that is, maintenance before something breaks down) they have apparently never heard of. Just look at how many trucks and buses you see on the sidelines with some kind of defect, they drive until they break down and that applies to everything that moves, from passenger cars to trucks and buses to agricultural machinery. Teaching the drivers proper discipline is another matter, and the Thai apparently doesn't care about that.
On the largest go-kart track in the world called Thailand, the Russians must already know if they want to endure that not to go to Thailand.
However , they have other interests and are hated among other tourists who no longer come to the country of their dreams .
Thailand has its own charm and will never let a Russian down.
It is only through my experience that certain persons who line their pockets should be removed from their positions.
That will already be a good start to make the Russian disappear .
They also want to impose their will in the Netherlands, let that also be an example.
I don't like them at all and find them especially rude and impolite, but we have a point with road safety.
I come there myself often and have traveled all over the country, often with agony.
They drive too fast, do not obey the traffic rules and are often too inexperienced for a profession that demands a lot of accountability.
Best regards.
Hans.
it is indeed terribly dangerous here on the road .. people do not follow the rules .. if there are any
and the police is as corrupt as anything .. incomprehensible that more accidents don't happen here.
and you get a driver's license here.
and those who have a large car simply take the right of way here. Don't look at anything at all
they just push you off the road
and then those dangerous U turns.
and if you drive quietly in the city, the motorbikes fly around you left and right.
in thailand you must have 6 pairs of eyes
Moderator: Please only reply to the topic.
The Russians do have a point. Not only the drivers of coaches, but especially those of the smaller vans, for example for the visa runs, should receive training that places more emphasis on safety.
Russians are right. Road safety in Thailand is being trampled underfoot.
Insecurity in this country is on an alarming scale.
The friendliness that Thais show in daily interaction turns into devilish behavior as soon as one participates in traffic.
Have had an accident in 2010 during the ride to the airport.
Taxi driver of private taxi fell asleep and hit another car.
Fortunately no injuries ourselves, because we were in the back of the car and wore seatbelts.
Since that accident, we have set requirements for taxi drivers before departure, such as hands-free calling during the journey, sufficiently rested and calm driving behaviour.
But…….if fewer Russians come to Thailand,…..not bad at all.
Just back from Phuket, I moved there with a scooter, but what strikes me is that those who fly through the other traffic the loudest and rudest on heavy motorcycles and scooters really do have a white skin. So Russians will also be among them.
Ergo, improve the world and start with yourself.
Ron.
Reaction of the Russians regarding safety in Thailand surprises me a bit because I recently spent more than 6 months in Moscow, however, the traffic is incredibly dangerous and people regularly drive more than 100 km/h on the main roads in the city !!! I am happy that I returned in one piece and in Thailand certain road safety regulations can certainly be improved but if I let myself be driven through BKK in a taxi I feel absolutely safe unlike Russia/Moscow !!
The Russians are certainly right about safety and certainly about traffic, everything has to improve in Thailand. However, it is strange that a country with itself already quite poor safety also has to come up with this criticism, as witnessed by the thousands of videos on E-net of Russians with dangerous traffic practices. Do you have to check if they want to boycott how bad the situation in Thailand must be?
it is indeed bad with regard to safety and that can be improved many times over. Indeed, the Russians should also look at their own country and many other countries where road safety is poor. A completely different point is of course that it would be a blessing for tourism in Thailand if the Russians stay away.
Yes, the Russians have a point. I live on the Trappaya Road myself. the hundred km per hour. no dog does anything and just smiles. even if they are watching an accident themselves, they still smile. you shouldn't tell a Thai what to do. because they think they know everything better. so to tackle this problem is now coming to nothing. In Phuket they have woken up and started with multiple speed meters and heavier fines. In my opinion, the latter is the best remedy, because a Thai only panics when they arrive at the Bath. Perhaps this entry is again in vain, but still...... take courage.
I think the Russians certainly have a point. Measures to improve road safety would be good for everyone. I hope they also make a promise to the Russians, but a month too late. Can they first pronounce the boycott. It would be nice and quiet in Thailand without those arrogant Russian tourists.
If the Russians are serious about this, I welcome it wholeheartedly. However, I'm afraid the Russians are just back on the warpath. Every official organization in that country is directly commanded by the Kremlin (Putin).
The Russians have often, with noble motives for their home world, put pressure on foreign countries. For example, the Netherlands has had problems with dairy products, meat and flowers that do not comply with the food law, and were therefore refused at the border.
Russia often has a different agenda and this is the way to get their way.
The Netherlands has had enormous problems with Putin in recent months and I feel that we have been put back in our cage. It has worked for us.
What is the change the Thai will give to the Russians? More privileges for Russian “investors” or visa facilitation? Maybe I'm seeing ghosts and I should just be happy with this action.
A number of Russians now have business interests here, including buses and minibuses for passenger transport, in particular Russian compatriots. These are initially taken to attractions and eateries where Russians are involved or with which a good commission has been agreed. Of course many Thai shops and certainly restaurants try to profit from the Russian tourist flow. Many offer their business and services in Russian.
I suspect that the Russians were also the first to clearly infiltrate the nightlife. The arrival of Russian and Eastern European ladies for pleasure brought a number of Thai men's dream of dating a white woman into reality.
(I've seen the same thing happen in China before, even as far south as China.)
Traffic on the road is of course another matter, but partly in connection with the above, I do not see a boycott being implemented so quickly.
As far as the behavior of the Russians is concerned, it is true that especially the elderly behave rudely by our standards. Do not forget that it is not so very long ago that these people were completely oppressed. However, I now regularly come across young parents with small children who do behave correctly and even speak reasonable English.
I think it is special that the Russians are concerned about this, take a look at Liveleak or Youtube and you will find thousands of videos with the most terrible accidents in Russia. You wonder whether there is even a driving course in Russia.
Let them boycott ,,, I'm going there next week until early next year… no riffraff from Russia… Blessed.. On you tube you will find hundreds of clips of accidents in Russia, because they often drive around with a dashcam. When I watch a few videos like this, I don't know if they are an example in traffic themselves.. Accidents with injured or dead people are never fun, of course. Whether they come from Russia or China..... But as far as the boycott is concerned, I completely behind
In my opinion, the discussion about road safety is not well conducted. The response “let them look at themselves first” is simple. Two wrongs don't make a right.
It seems to me that there is a lot to improve in traffic safety in Thailand. Regardless of whether that is ever feasible.
Finally a country that shows its teeth, you can't say that about other countries.
An ultimatum has to be given because they are wrong about everything.
You should not compare it with RUSSIA because it is about THAILAND here.
Without going into the substance of the Russians and their behavior, I wholeheartedly welcome this initiative such as boycott.
I get sick of all the Russian advertisements, menus where the Cyrillic script predominates and the lack of English spoken and written by the Thai in general.
Of course there must be a limit to the current traffic misconduct, but that does NOT only concern the Russian but also us Westerners and every tourist who visits Thailand for vacation or business.
Hopefully one day this message will get through to Mayor Khun Ittipol Khunplome and not just the TAT of Thailand with Pattaya in particular.
There is of course a lot to be said about road safety in Thailand. And the Thai themselves know that by now.
That the Russians first look in their own garden.
But of course they want to control things here, just like everywhere else in the world where those people land.
Far too many people come here anyway, which means that other nationalities are already avoiding Thailand.
Let them stay in Russia, then more other tourists will come here.
@Lucho, who else did you want to deny entry to this country? Israelis? Do they also seem to be rude turners? Poland perhaps, with their eternal singing in the middle of the night? People with headscarves? So ugly. Fat people? Not a sight on the beach.
Your post conjures up very creepy connotations to me. Excluding an entire nation is quite extreme, don't you think?
Moderator: This is no longer about the topic of the posting.
Have always amazed me about the bus drivers in Thailand. Relax with one hand on the steering wheel and the mobile phone in the other! This also applies to the minibuses; unbelievable how fast they drive with a full tank (13 people) and meanwhile make phone calls with a mobile phone in hand!
The editors must have thought: how do we get as many blog readers as possible to fall over each other? Well, with a subject where it is obvious to bring in things that logically have nothing to do with it. Or said the same in other words: by choosing a subject where emotional arguments are there for the taking. They always take priority.
And yes, here we go again: the Russians are said to be - speaking of a generalization - all rude, but (I say) don't rude people have just as much right to be transported safely as decent people? By the way, if I am the only non-Russian in a minivan, am I the only one guaranteed to escape unscathed in the event of an accident? Or the same said another way: their interest (to be transported safely) is also my interest in this, right?
And: in Russia itself the traffic is also dangerous, and perhaps even more dangerous than in Thailand, but (I say) if the world always has to improve with the other first, then the world will never improve of course and stay and the pot and the cauldron eternally black.
In short: the Russians do have a point here. It would even be good if tour companies from other countries would join the Russians. Look beyond the differences that exist between you and your allies. Appreciate it if they take an initiative in a matter - of vital importance - which is also your case.
many comments? but everything is nice and good buy for that you also go to thailand.
Everything is safe here in the Netherlands, but also much more expensive. so choose yourself
Greetings Fred
I'm just starting to repeat myself: it's the association of travel companies that wants to achieve this and not the Russian people (most of them probably don't even know where or what Thailand is) nor the government. But an association that represents the interests of their customers and does not have to do this in their own country..