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One night in Bangkok_blog  

Statement from Tourism Authority of Thailand    

Posted by: Editor     

 
"I personally feel very saddened by the recent events in Bangkok. The Tourism Authority of Thailand very much regrets the closure of the airports and the affects it has had on tourists and travellers.
 
I would like to begin by thanking the airlines and tour operators who worked tirelessly to assist stranded and inconvenienced passengers. Your patience and support was a great help in easing the passengers distress. Throughout the 9 days the airports were closed TAT was contacted many times by the UK press and we were conscious to convey the message that, despite the chaos caused from the non-operation of flights, that the protests were not aimed at the tourism industry and that Thailand was still a safe destination to travel to, albeit via an alternative Asian hub. Thank you to our media friends who supported us with positive messages during difficult times.
 
The Governor of TAT, Khun Phornsiri Manoharn is also deeply saddened by the recent events in Thailand. She very much wishes she could be here today to personally thank you all for your continued support, however she must stay in Thailand where she is needed most to begin the activation of a worldwide recovery plan for Thailand's tourism. Instead, she has asked me to read you her personal message"
 

 
Statement from Khun Phornsiri Manoharn, Governor of TAT, as read by Khun Tanes Petsuwan:
 
"I am sure you have all seen and read about the political news of Thailand, especially since the closure of the Bangkok airports between November 25 to December 3, 2008. In democratic tradition, these protests unfortunately have to be dealt with. We may not always agree with the protestors, or their methods, but that is the price we pay for living in a free society. Strikes, protests and demonstrations are common in western democracies too. Many people, worldwide, are affected by strikes and unions involving public mass transit systems, baggage handlers, pilots, etc. We are relieved that all sides exercised maximum restraint and there were no major outbreaks of violence. We are saddened by the sporadic acts of violence that did occur and for those who were affected. The protest leaders have since extended their apologies, and we echo their sentiments.
 
On behalf of the Thai tourism industry, we offer our sincere apologies to all those who were affected by this tragic incident, including their friends and families. The protests at the airports and the following closures caught us all completely off guard. We were left to deal with a completely unforeseen and unpredictable situation, at a level we have never experienced before, which did complicate matters, however, the entire industry was mobilised to provide help and assistance in every way and as quickly as possible.
 
I can tell you that hundreds of people, across the entire spectrum of the Thai travel & tourism industry, worked around-the-clock to help the thousands of tourists seeking to be reunited with their friends and families in the wake of the closure of Bangkok's two airports, including:
 
  • TAT and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports provided accommodation, transfers and meals to passengers who were unable to travel as of 25th November 2008.
  • TAT prepared a 24-hour centre to assist foreign visitors, track the situation and house a dedicated PR team who communicated with TAT offices worldwide daily.
  • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs set up the Emergency Coordinating Centre to assist foreigners who needed to contact their embassies and consulates.
  • The Aviation Department worked to get special permission of charter flights to/from U-Tapao International Airport. Some emergency and relief flights were operated from other airports, especially the U-Tapao naval base further south of Pattaya beach resort.
  • City terminals were established in designated hotels and at the BITEC convention and exhibition to ease passenger flow at the airports for check-in

 
RECOVERY PLAN
Once we have a new Thai government, The Tourism Authority of Thailand will be doing everything possible to mount a worldwide recovery campaign to regain the confidence of visitors and investors.
 
Now that situation in Thailand has returned to normal and the airports are fully operational again, TAT is preparing to mobilise its marketing resources to resume visitor flows, especially from our major markets, the UK of course one of them. Emphasis will be placed on inviting travel agents and media to see Thailand for themselves, especially the fact that life is normal in all the popular tourist spots of Thailand.
 
The TAT will also organise road-shows to the source-markets in order to reinstate the confidence of both the visitors and consumers. We have just recently visited London during the World Travel Market so perhaps we will be unable to come but I am confident that TAT London office will be attending all the key trade and consumer shows and festivals.
 
The private sector is already calling for all sectors of the industry and government to redress the colossal damage. The plan has to include the airlines, Board of Investment [BOI] the Department of Export Promotion [DEP] and should draw in the Ministries involving Finance,
 
Trade and Industry and should be spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism and Sport or the prime minister himself. Many local and international travel groups and associations such as Skal Intl, PATA chapter have already agreed to start helping.
 
The industry is suggesting promotional packages and incentives, amazing airfares and fam trips, a huge journalist programme to get articles and stories of "back to normal", and promotional competitions, activities and advertising.
 
We firmly believe that Thailand is and continues to be a wonderful diverse tourism destination with great beaches, food, spas, hotels, nature, sports and of course is the land of smiles, and we will all join hands to ensure that the industry returns to normal as soon as possible."
 

 
Khun Tanes statement, continued...
 
"In the 25 years I have worked for TAT this is the worst case scenario I have experienced for the effects on Thailand's travel and tourism industry. I fully appreciate, and you have my understanding, how difficult the past few weeks have been and the negative impacts as a result. Myself and my team are ready and willing to assist you in every way possible so that together we can regain consumer confidence in Thailand and re-boost sales.
 
The message is that Thailand is ready to welcome tourists and that the Thai people look forward to welcoming them very soon!
 
We are ready to support you with tactical marketing campaigns, agent training, agent fam trips, media trips and by any other new and diverse means we come up with from today...
 
Today we have brought together airlines, hoteliers, tour operators and the media. I encourage you all to use today as an opportunity to share your thoughts on the recent events and discuss ways in which we can collectively work together to positively promote Thailand. TAT is here to support you and offer information as best we can. Please do keep in contact with us and share your plans for 2009.
 
To end, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of you for your help and cooperation in developing the Thai travel and tourism industry so far. Thank you for giving up your time to be here with us today. I hope you find this afternoon productive and that your participation here will go a long way towards helping you boost your business with Thailand.
 
Finally, on a happier note, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. Khob khun krub."
 
Following these statements, guests were invited to discuss recent events and propose ways in which to regain consumer confidence and reboost Thailand sales for 2009 over lunch. After lunch, guests were invited to join a more informal gathering over coffee during which time statements were heard from Thai Airways International, EVA Airways and Bangkok Airways.
 

Tags: Tourism, Authority, Thailand, Airports, Closure, ...
  
Thai    

Posted by: vacanza     

Country profile: Thailand

Map of Thailand

Thailand is a country of mountains, tropical rainforests and flat plains. Religion, the monarchy and the military have helped to shape its society and politics.

The 1980s brought economic boom, and the agriculture-based economy changed as Thais flocked to work in industry and the services sector.

But the bubble burst in 1997 with the south-east Asian financial crisis. Stock and property prices plummeted, dragging down the currency and leading to bankruptcies, recession and unemployment.

Overview

The government of the time - under Chuan Leekpai - worked with the IMF to reform the battered economy.

But the 1997 experience caused many Thais to regard international finance with deep distrust. Mr Chuan lost the 2001 elections to an opponent who promised to help people with their daily difficulties.

Bangkok: Skyline with cranes and 85-storey Baiyoke 2 skyscraper
Cranes vie with the capital's tallest building, the Baiyoke 2 tower

Though Thailand's recent governments have been civilian and democratically-elected, the country has seen turbulent times. The military governed, on and off, between 1947 and 1992 - a period characterised by coups, coup attempts and popular protests.

In September 2006, the military once again stepped into politics, carrying out a bloodless coup against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra while he was at the UN General Assembly.

An interim prime minister was appointed a month later.

By the end of 2007, the military junta had drafted a new constitution and held general elections, marking the beginning of the transition back to civilian rule.

Thailand has a minority Muslim population, concentrated in its southern provinces.

A decades-old separatist struggle in the region - which abated in the 1980s - flared again in 2004. The violence has claimed more than 3,000 lives.

Thailand's capital, Bangkok expanded rapidly with the influx of workers during the boom years. It is one of Asia's most vibrant, and heavily-congested, cities.

The large-scale sex industry which flourishes there contributed to the incidence of HIV infection - a major concern for the Thai government.

Thailand has taken the lead in the region in distributing cheaper generic drugs for Aids sufferers and awareness campaigns are credited with reducing the number of new infections.

Thai cuisine is known throughout the world for its use of hot, sweet and sour spices. Sculptures of the Buddha in sitting or reclining positions are also characteristic of Thailand, as is classical dance.

Facts

  • Full name: Kingdom of Thailand
  • Population: 64.3 million (UN, 2008)
  • Capital: Bangkok
  • Area: 513,115 sq km (198,115 sq miles)
  • Major language: Thai
  • Major religion: Buddhism
  • Life expectancy: 66 years (men), 75 years (women) (UN 2008)
  • Monetary unit: 1 baht = 100 satangs
  • Main exports: Food including rice, seafood and live animals, office equipment, textiles and clothing, rubber
  • GNI per capita: US $3,400 (World Bank, 2007)
  • Internet domain: .th
  • International dialling code: +66

Tags: thailand, BK
  

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