The pursuit of profit and greed threaten tourism
Thais should not slaughter the goose that lays the golden eggs. That is not smart.' Can it be any clearer?
Sugree Sithivanich, deputy governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), is not confident about the future of the country's tourism. 'We are still a leader in the region, but whether that will remain the case in the future is doubtful. The main reasons are that the quality and morals of Thai people are terrible these days.'
Sugree believes that the number of problems, frauds and crimes has grown in recent years due to the increased greed of the people, businessmen and government officials.
Many wonder if the slogan 'Land of Smiles' still holds true as more and more international tourists are scammed, harassed, abused or murdered. "Thailand's tourism cannot progress if Thais don't improve their mentality."
The numbers are not yet dramatic. Thailand is one of the top ten destinations in the world with 2012 and 2013 million international tourists in 22,4 and 26,5 respectively. And when looking at earnings, Thailand ranks seventh with US$33,8 billion and US$42 billion respectively.
Competition is increasing
The question, however, is how long the lucrative tourism industry will be able to entice visitors and keep its piece of the pie. Because competition from neighboring countries such as Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar is increasing. Myanmar's beaches are unpolluted and the white-sand beaches of Boracay in the Philippines and the spectacular Halong Bay in Vietnam have great appeal. When these countries offer better transport options and facilities in the near future, Thailand will have a hard time maintaining its position.
According to the TAT, people in Myanmar and Bali have a friendly and hospitable attitude towards international tourists – the very traits that Thais seem to be losing, especially in the most visited destinations such as Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui. They are dominated by businessmen who are obsessed with profit, or sometimes even mafia types who dominate the local business community.
Contradiction: Thailand has everything
Sugree's pessimism is not shared by Glenn De Souza, Vice President of Best Western Asia. 'Thailand is currently the country that has it all: international holiday parks, a well-developed tourism infrastructure, excellent service, good connections, breathtaking nature and a world-class retail business. Thailand really has it all.'
De Souza has strong confidence in the future of Thailand's tourism. Airlines and travel agencies continue to believe in the country. He also thinks that the Asean Economic Community, which will come into effect at the end of 2015, will offer many opportunities for Thailand. 'All the ingredients are there for the success of Thailand's tourism. We just need a period of political and economic stability to ensure further growth.'
(Source: Bangkok Post, October 6, 2014)
The Thai make it themselves, and they don't care, for example, in the hotel where we regularly stay (1500 bath per day) I asked the reception how much it costs if we stay 1 month,
after waiting a few days and asking again a few times we got the answer: 50000 bath. ???
Another example in Bangkok (experienced this year) called in advance by telephone to agree on the price and date, went there a few days later, warmly received by the people there, suitcases were taken out, when booking at reception the price was higher, we ask No, I was told that the low price is only available via the internet, I'm just saying that we made this booking by telephone, yes they knew that, but the price is higher. I tell those people no problem, enough hotels in the street, put my suitcases under my arm and want to go, the people at the reception tried to persuade us but were left surprised.
I don't know if there are more murders, rapes, robberies and scams involving tourists in Thailand than in other busy tourist areas. In any case, there are many, too many.
What I do know for sure is that a victim of one of the above crimes in Thailand can whistle for justice. Certainly the police, but also other parts of the legal system in Thailand, do not care about the victims or justice, but are almost exclusively concerned with safeguarding their own prestige and prosperity and the prestige of Thailand.
This process of degeneration of the quality of the tourist product occurred and continues to occur throughout the world, in all known tourist areas (yes, also on the Dutch coast and on the Wadden Islands) and in all major cities of the world. So nothing new, but annoying.
The first generation of tourism entrepreneurs (the pioneers, who often became rich by chance or accident by starting a tourism business) are followed by a second and third generation who - jealous of the wealth of the entrepreneurs - try to get rich as quickly as possible. Significant concessions are made with regard to the quality of the product or service and/or the existing regulations, eg with regard to price agreements, are not taken very seriously. The quality level on all aspects (entrepreneur, tourist, service) is decreasing and the tourist product is 'used'.
So you say that in 'the whole-world' there has been a reduction in quality when it comes to the tourist offer, the service, etc. ('also-on-the-Dutch-coast-and-on-the-Wadden Islands ') ?
I find this a very interesting conclusion, but I would first like to see it substantiated with figures from reliable authorities before I believe it. Following your reasoning, in a few decades there will no longer be a tourist industry.
Dear Hendrik,
I don't know what numbers to give you, but many scientific articles and books have been written over the past 50 years about this development in tourist areas. I myself was involved in tourism research from 1982 to 1996 and have done a lot of research in the Dutch seaside resorts. What did you see there? High prices and even higher prices for the Germans. High prices for accommodation that could be labeled as converted garages and sheds. The process of degeneration does not occur in every tourist area in the same period.
In a welfare state, this is solved by more government regulation, quality indicators (the flag and star system) if self-regulation of the tourism sector did not work.
@Chris.
Sandwich monkey story about the Germans. A record number of half a million Germans visit the Netherlands for a holiday starting at Easter. Are the Germans that stupid? Have a large company in Germany, so know a little about the country. They love the Netherlands to go on holiday and if the prices are as jacked up as you claim there are several nice roads. But you have been living and working in Thailand for 10 years now, so it seems stiff to me that you know the facts now? ( you did research 20 years ago ) Thailand is no longer the same as 20 years ago, so those studies can also be thrown in the trash.
In this I agree that Thailand is no longer what it is, come there on holiday every year for a week, Vietnam and the Philippines also have a bit for me! I am still grateful to Thailand that they have those stupid visa rules, that is how I got to know the Philippines. Can stay there for half a year without having to leave the country once! Smart? Yes, the money all stays in the country, Thailand could learn something from it. Renew at immigration and pay nicely every time!
Read more here if you are interested:
Report from the European Commission:
EARLY WARNING SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING
DECLINING TOURIST DESTINATIONS,
AND PREVENTIVE BEST PRACTICES.
Well-known is RW Butler's theory about the Tourism Area Lifecycle. Google it.
Dear Chris,
In my opinion, you are trying to substantiate a personal opinion, namely that there is a degeneration in the quality of the 'tourist product' not only in Thailand but throughout the world, with a 'well-known theory' of a certain Mr Butler; a theory he posited thirty-five (!) years ago…?!
Excuse me but it doesn't sound very convincing to me.
After the war years on the Wadden Islands, the Dutch did indeed sleep in garages and chicken coops, they were so happy when they could go out for once. After all, everything was accepted, the demand was greater than the scarce and simple supply and money was not there.
Since those long gone days, thank goodness there has been progression instead of the degeneration you observed, because luxury hotels, holiday homes and excellent guest houses come in all types and price ranges.
Anyway, soon everything will soon move in the right direction in Thailand (this unlike the Netherlands) thanks to the army leadership, adored by both the native population and the 'farangs', which is now in charge and is expected to transform the country in an unprecedentedly prosperous economy that relies on tourism.
I'm waiting…
It is the well-known excuse that many Thailand enthusiasts are 'guilty' of when Thailand is in the news negatively, because it happens in other countries, including the Netherlands, so it's not all that bad, who cares.
It strikes me once again that readers take pleasure in dismissing other opinions. An opinion does not always have to be substantiated with statistics or research reports. In my opinion, personal experiences are just as important, if not more so. Reference is rightly made to outdated reports. But that things will soon move in the right direction in Thailand thanks to the "worship" of the army leadership by the native population of Thailand is also nonsense as far as I am concerned.
Dear Hendrik,
In my student days I had a professor who invariably returned student papers if at least 1 of the literature references was not a work that was at least 100 years old. The message was always: don't pretend that no useful or useful theories have been developed in the past to explain current problems.
I've been an avid Thailander for years, but I've heard so many positive stories about Vietnam that I'm celebrating my last year of vacation in Thailand this year and next year I'll have a look at the neighbours. The Thai seem very cordial people, but everything is aimed at getting as much money out of your pocket as possible, if that goes in a normal way, that's not a problem, but more and more often I run into negative things and the cordiality and smile show if you look for something kindly thank you far. I have also been to Brazil a number of times and visited Indonesia there, in my opinion, people are much less made and genuinely happy that you visit their country and that they can of course earn some money from you.
I think there is something going on everywhere. I first went to Vietnam and especially the north I experienced as less fun because of very pushy salesmen and always complaining about tips at the big tourist traps. The champions of trying to get money out of your pocket are the rowers at the Dry Halong Bay. I was also 'rescued' 2 times by hotel staff who got me out of a tangle of 20 salespeople. Thailand seemed much friendlier to me and yes, there are things you have to watch out for. But try it out yourself, then you have good comparison material.
I have already mentioned this theme several times on different sites
As an expat I know better than anyone what this means, we experience this every day.
The Thais have little or no respect for the falang and the tourists only money is what counts for the Thai
To be honest, I am tired of Thailand and am thinking of leaving for the Philippines.
Until 2012, I came to Thailand once or twice a year. In 1, I added the philippines to it for a few days and came to the same conclusion as “chrisje”. The result of course is that I have 2 weeks in the Philippines on my program this year. It is beautiful nature in many places and the people are much nicer and happier than in Thailand. And you really feel like a guest. With the exception of Manila, but that differs per barangay (district). I am flying ethihad ams – abu dhabi -mnl.
Recently I arrived at Mor Chit with the local bus and of course the taxi drivers were already crowding for a ride.
I ask the driver if he has a meter, which he confirms, so in good spirits to his car for a ride to the Prince Palace hotel.
Arriving at the taxi, the gentleman pulls a card from his back pocket with the rates and it is of course an exception such a rascal, but he dared to ask for 1400 THB.
You can guess what my reaction was: just took another one for 200 THB, of course still too expensive, but still a considerable difference.
That is why I completely agree with the statement that this country is being destroyed by greed.
Gerard; it is no exception, I took a taxi home from Khon Kaen and the meter said 80 Bht, no problem I thought, he asked 300 !! I said I would call Uncle Noi (the boss of all taxis there) and then it was possible for 80.
He didn't get a tip
Moderator: please don't generalize.
When you arrive at Ko Samui by ferry, you would like to be taken to your place of residence. There are dozens of taxis waiting outside. No one wants to turn on the meter and charge 10 baht for a 400-minute ride. After all, you don't want to walk for an hour with a backpack, so you are trapped. The hotels sell the rides for 550 baht. Here the meters are covered with caps. You can get 20% off regular taxi service from locals. Quite a bit of a downer here on ko samui. In Bangkok the same journeys are less than 60 baht. So get off this island quickly.
A man who knows what he is talking about, Sugree Sithivanich indicates that he is not confident about the future
of tourism in Thailand. Also gives examples why (all realistic).
That is contradicted by Glenn De Sousa (is that a Thai?).
He talks about a well-developed infrastructure, good connections, excellent service and breathtaking nature. etc.
Infrastructure: The roads are getting worse and worse. Train traffic is experiencing increasing problems. The breathtaking nature will of course mean that you can hardly breathe in air pollution in some areas and garbage is dumped everywhere.
Finally, the excellent service. It's the land of smiles, it hasn't been for a long time.
I'd say De Sousa, find another profession.
J. Jordan.
This is succinctly and correctly summarized. De Sousa can indeed cope better, he doesn't even know that everything is gradually becoming more and more expensive. Prices in restaurants and shopping centers are rising regularly. More and more import taxes are levied on all foreign products that are imported. Take for example the wines that come from different countries (France, Chile, South Africa, etc.) have been increased by 400% import tax in a few years. According to the government, they want to restrict the alcohol consumption of the Thais, but the Thais know do not drink wine, but usually strong alcoholic drinks, such as Whiskey (which they distill themselves if necessary), Vodka, Gin, etc. So the foreigner is the victim again. Since October 1, VAT has been reduced from 7% to 10% and this in complete silence? For all I care, they can double all alcoholic drinks of more than 15° and that way at least the wine that foreigners like to drink in restaurants with their food escapes. Moreover, that is also a source of employment in Thailand. Moreover, there is still a lot of poverty among the population; if the lifespan continues to rise, crime will also increase more and more.
Louvada
Land of smiles?
no land of the baht = smile.
We are seen as a walking ATM, unfortunately.
Nevertheless, if you know all the pitfalls and traps.
a fantastic holiday destination.
Great article to vent your frustrations again. We all know a little bit about this. This will always be the case, but what is mentioned are generally exceptions. And our taxi drivers are such holy beans. And are they all so neat and tidy in our Hotels. Tourism numbers are like the weather. Sometimes good for a long time and then bad for a short time. And it can also suddenly be different
Let us be happy and happy with this beautiful holiday country THAILAND and take “” sometimes”” some inconvenience into the bargain.
Yes I know it will be commented again. But I've been coming to Thailand for 16 years now and not every week.
ruud
We have experienced it a few times with friends from Europe, with whom we had agreed in a certain hotel in Bangkok, that the taxi driver did not use his meter, and therefore asked for an increased price. There are also taxi drivers who notice whether someone is an experienced Thailand visitor or whether he is visiting Thailand for the first time. There are also taxi drivers who, on the way from the airport into the city, deliberately forget the change from the tollway in order to secure the first tip. All small villainous pranks that do not stand out at first, but when repeated, have a bad aftertaste. I doubt whether this is typical Thai, but it is striking that this has increased in recent years. In many other things I also often see a shared guilt, and this also has to do with the "no problem" behavior of the Farang who likes to show off with his money, in order to play the big buddy. Especially the latter, who accept any price, and also give an exaggerated tip, give many Thais the impression that they can easily ask too much at a Farang.
If you drink a beer in the bar in Pattaya, you often see these guys, who have nothing else to say, and want to impress in such a way.
Hopefully someone will finally wake up in Thailand before it's too late.
Myanmar (Burma) is coming that's for sure.
And Laos and Cambodia too.
But I think on a lesser scale , as Myanmar has a long and beautiful coastline .
It's good that there is finally some competition in the tourist industry in SE Asia.
If I were 10 years younger , I might consider starting something in Myanmar with my Thai spouse .
A resort or something, we often talk about it sometimes, but I'm already over 61.
Myanmar offers opportunities, so a tip for younger entrepreneurs who want to start something in this region.
Thailand has been losing its luster for years, and it's getting worse by the day.
Myanmar we are coming.
Jan Beute.
Hi Jan Beute,
Please return your e-mail address so that we can go into detail about what our joint
dream turns out to be, a resort in Myanmar ! (a peer and former hotel manager)
Sincerely, Marc
Well, good connections? Just drive from Phuket to Bangkok, the road surface is more like a washboard with deep, life-threatening pot holes. It cost me my left front tire 2 weeks ago.
The beaches have nothing to offer anymore, no lounger, no umbrellas, no cup of coffee, no cool drink. Who is going to keep the masses of tourists in check, because people come home from a rude awakening. Only the taxi and jet ski mafia have survived the recent crackdown by the military. The “Little Thai” is now unemployed. So the sickening mafia practices of the increasingly very unpleasant Thai have brought more to the greedy.
In addition, Phuket (and not just Phuket) is being frantically excavated by Thai and foreign developers, who buy up the land from any Thai who wants to line their pockets. Phuket is no longer a tourist destination, it is a dirty construction site.
Those who live here, of course, have nothing to object to this. We are saddened to see the enormous erosion and threatening slope processes.
Amazing Thailand, that's been it sir. To future visitors to SE Asia, I would like to say: spend your hard-earned money in the surrounding countries, if you still want to meet friendly locals and still want “value for money”.
Warm regards to them.
Hehe finally what every experienced Thailand goer knows for a long time now told by an (important) Thai himself. Maybe they will finally listen to that, I myself have often said what is described above. So Thailand is taking a new direction because you are already losing lots of mainly Western tourists.
Don't go to the well-known tourist places for once, but visit Isaan or go to places between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Last year we went to Suphan Buri, a nice hotel where you are really welcomed or go to Nakhon Sawan, very fun going out there and without them being after your money. A small tip is more appreciated there than a larger one in Pattaya.
Arie
Dick's introductory story could also have been written with reference to Spain or any other country with mass tourism. Spain has an area about the same size as Thailand. The population is also about the same. The decline in quality occurs precisely in countries with mass tourism, including Spain. Still, Spain ranks third in the World's Top Tourism Destinations table and Thailand ranks tenth. How could that be?
Dear Dick. I wonder what you mean by "the quality and morals of Thai".
@ Frans Nico You ask what I mean by 'the quality and morals of Thais'. You should ask Sugree that question. He explains his concerns about the future as follows: 'The key reason is that the quality and morality of Thais these days are terrible.' And a bit further he talks about 'Thai's morality and integrity'.
Arie is right. Thailand is much more than the overrated tourist attractions such as Samui, Phuket, Pattaya, Ao Nang, Chiang Mai, Pai, I have visited all these places at some point. I therefore avoid these tourist trap places
The Thailand I know is just as friendly, open, service minded and honest as it was 40 years ago
Arie mentions cities there, which in fact he would be better off not doing. My hope is that such places will remain free from modern tourism. These cities, and others for that matter, do not need tourism.
Thailand is a very beautiful country with beautiful nature and people, and fortunately only a small part of this has been spoiled by Western tourists
One should learn to be a traveler instead of a tourist. Everyone would benefit
Henry, do you have any idea what what you consider a bad tourist brings to the Thai government? Do you have any idea what will happen if that money disappears for the cities you mention and where the tourist has to stay away? What is the difference between a traveler and a tourist for the fat of the valley? What's wrong with me working my ass off all year round to relax on the beach and enjoy the sun? What's wrong if I work my ass off all year and I decide to travel through Isaan for a month? Let every tourist enjoy his worth and decide for himself how he fills in his holiday! You say it's still the same as 40 years ago. So you have to say this from experience, so you are already at an older age I can deduce from that. How can you reason like that when there is a whole generation gap in between? Sorry, I don't understand that, because if the new generation doesn't visit Thailand anymore, you should see what a blow that is for the whole of Thailand, including your cities and villages!
I do draw a conclusion: Countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia and so on see you as a great friend! They embrace “this” tourist with open arms. Why? Right, it brings a lot, a lot of money into the economy!