News from Thailand – Tuesday, March 31, 2015
This page contains a selection from the Thai news. We list headlines from major news sources including: Bangkok Post, The Nation, ThaiPBS, MCOT, etc.
There is a web link behind the news items. When you click on it you can read the full article at the English source.
News from Thailand – Tuesday, March 31, 2015
The Nation opens today with the report that Prayut will use the much-disputed Article 44 to solve the problems in the aviation sector. Thailand will need to act quickly and effectively to avoid being penalized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Japan has already banned expansions of flights from Thailand. South Korea is also considering this and China is also going to impose a ban. Not for the existing routes and flights, but for all planned expansions. This is a huge damper for Thailand's tourism industry and could spell disaster if other countries join Japan, South Korea and China. There are rumors that Australia and Germany are also considering a ban. Prime Minister Prayut blames the previous government for neglecting civil aviation in Thailand. For example, only 12 officers would be responsible for the 600.000 flights per year, the same number as years ago when only 300.000 flights were operated: http://goo.gl/ek7gDb
The Bangkok Post also opens with the headline that Prime Minister Prayut will use Article 44 of the interim constitution to quickly change the current situation. Investigations by the ICAO have shown that the Thai Civil Aviation Department (TCAD) does not meet the international aviation safety requirements. The list of issues is quite long and includes airport management and staff quality. Due to the landing ban on new flights, set up by Japan, among others, various airlines from Thailand are screwed. It is estimated that 400 flights with 150.000 passengers will have to be cancelled: http://goo.gl/5fYyBG
– The film 'Fast and Furious 7' can still be seen in Thai cinemas. An earlier ban by a judge has been revoked. The previous ban is said to be related to a complaint from the producer about breach of contract by Tony Jaa, a Thai action hero who has a role in the film: http://goo.gl/M7YGgT
– Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday promised to only use his powers under Article 44 “in a constructive way”. He responds to the unrest that has arisen about the article that gives the prime minister absolute power: http://goo.gl/8K5uTn
– Hotels in Pattaya will offer high discounts to Thai tourists. The discounts can be up to 50% and will apply from April to October. It is hoped that this will compensate for the declining numbers of visitors from Russia and Europe. According to Sanphet Suphabuansathien, president of the Thai Hotels Association, the number of tourists from Europe and Russia has fallen by about 30%: http://goo.gl/lV9jhU
– A 57-year-old Australian man died when he fell from a condo in Silom (Bangkok). It is still unclear whether the man fell or jumped himself: http://goo.gl/dKiFoj
– You can read more current news on the Twitter feed of Thailandblog.nl: twitter.com/thailand_blog
Article 44 is only used in a constructive way. Now everyone is reassured, right?
Prayuth is now going to solve the aviation problems for a while. That will not work, because attracting qualified personnel will prove impossible in the short term.
By the way, how is it possible that various Thai airlines have set up extra flights around Songkran and made passengers pay WITHOUT having the necessary landing rights in Japan, Korea, etc.????
Thinking ahead is difficult. Normally you would first find out if there is a demand for it. Then you will apply for extra landing rights. And if you have that then you will try to book your planes full. However?
I would be reassured with the 'constructive' application of Article 44, were it not for the fact that the only one who determines what constitutes 'constructive application' is the same Prayuth…………
The competition in aviation is tough. Trying to get more landing rights in the surrounding area
landing also means opening up one's own airspace and granting landing rights.
Another striking point was that hotels in Pattaya want to give high discounts to
Thai tourists from April – October 2015, thus the large decline in foreign arrivals
to accommodate tourists. However, if I come for multiple rooms for both shorter and longer ones
there is little to negotiate on the price in the long term. Making bookings on the spot is not possible and possibly called back
does not happen. Bookings can only be made via the computer.
I don't find a number of hotels very customer-friendly or accommodating despite the decline.
Sincerely,
Lodewijk
yes, they don't learn it yet in the most beautiful holiday country in the world.
the europe tourist stays away and the Thai will give a discount.
customer friendliness and the same prices for everyone would attract a lot more customers
if i want to breed rabbits i shouldn't put chickens in my coop.