'Bangkok must do more to remain attractive to tourists'
Tourists in Bangkok (Tom Black Dragon / Shutterstock.com)
The city of Bangkok may often win prizes when it comes to, for example, the most visited destination, but the city council cannot be satisfied with it. Tourists are fickle and there is plenty of competition from other Asian capitals.
That is broadly the thrust of a backstory in Bangkok Post, in which critics warn that Bangkok could lose its luster, so there are plenty of challenges. The extreme crowds at the airport, the poor air quality, tourist scams and the daily traffic jams are examples of this.
Association of Thai Travel Agents chairman Vichit says Bangkok has to work hard to maintain its top position. He warns that only half of the tourists who visit the city actually return. To ensure this, the government and the tourism industry must come up with new tourist attractions and refurbish existing ones, such as the banks of the Chao Phraya. The city can also tout its historic buildings as a tourist destination.
Governor Aswin says that the city is in the process of planting 100.000 large trees to create more greenery in the city and improve air quality. The new metro lines should also reduce car traffic.
There were plans to build a large boulevard along the Chao Phraya. After that it remained silent.
Another plan this week was to ban street stalls, the idea was to give pedestrians more space and to modernize the city like other major cities in the world.
It will probably take away some of the city's charm and a number of "street vendors".
rob their income.
Say as if you would ban "le quartier Latin" for artists in Paris!
There you say what a Thai "painters" neighborhood would be a recommendation. Art and culture are certainly attractors.
I think that Bangkok and the whole of Thailand must be careful not to price out the market compared to surrounding countries. In my opinion that is the biggest problem and a boulevard does not solve much of the real problem.
People keep talking about the land of smiles.
A few preconditions are important to make Bangkok/Thailand more attractive to tourists.
If you meet this, it is already 50% won.
Friendly employees at the express boat on the Chao praya. They are screaming like they are beasts. Clearer explanation of the stops etc.
Also make buses safer.
Minibus. A pointless discussion.
Provide coach drivers with safety training.
Giving pedestrians more respect, so the motor sai off the sidewalk. Red light is stop for traffic.
Tuktuk more clarity about their prices.
For the rest, the facilities are available.
The highlights are known to everyone.
And on