Have laptop will travel: Thais more keen on working holidays, survey finds
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 02, 2022
THE NATION
Almost two-thirds of Thai travellers expect to work while on their next holiday compared to the global average of 36 per cent, a recent survey released by hotel commerce platform SiteMinder showed.
The survey was conducted on more than 8,000 travellers worldwide, including 800 in Thailand.
SiteMinder found that Thai travellers were more into “Bleisure” (business and leisure) travel, with Indonesia and China coming in second and third.
The platform said it expects accommodation providers to adjust themselves to keep up with this new preference.
The survey also indicated that Thai travellers are more open to technology than other travellers.
“For those working on their next trip, accommodation now is more than simply a place to lay their head,” SiteMinder said.
The survey also indicated that Thai travellers are more open to technology compared to other travellers around the world:
• 78% of Thai travellers are “influenced” or “very influenced” by social media when making bookings, well ahead of the global average of 43%
• 72% of Thai travellers prefer automated check-in versus the global average of 54%
• 93% of Thai travellers would visit the property in metaverse first if they can versus the global average of 72%
• 14% of Thai travellers consider chatbots an important aspect of a property’s website compared to the global average of 8%
Bradley Haines, SiteMinder’s regional vice president, said the long-awaited resurgence of travel has come up with a new type of traveller, especially those who are more open to working away from the office.
He said working travellers value smaller details like scents and artwork at a property and are more influenced by targeted advertising and social media.
“All of which will have growing implications for accommodation providers in the future as the number of working travellers is expected to increase,” he said.
AOT earmarks nearly THB16 billion to upgrade Chiang Mai airport, double its capacity
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
THE NATION
Airports of Thailand (AOT) is speeding up the upgradation of Chiang Mai Airport with a budget of 15.8 billion baht for the first phase.
Kerati Kijmanawat, AOT’s senior executive vice president of engineering and construction, said that AOT has found the number of passengers in the passenger terminal is exceeding its capacity so it had decided to develop the airport.
He said that the project would be studied and designed with a budget of 280 million baht for the consulting firm.
AOT is expected to hire the consulting firm in October and work will start in April 2023. He expected it to be finished by March 2024.
AOT is also undertaking an Environmental Impact Assessment, which is expected to finish in February 2023.
He said the project is being reviewed by the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council and would be sent to the Cabinet for approval within October 2023.
Kerati said that the bidding and construction process will start in 2024 and the renovated airport will open in 2026.
He said the number of domestic passengers in 2019 was 8.1 million per year, far exceeding the 6 million capacity.
The number of international passengers in 2019 was 3.2 million per year, far exceeding the 2 million capacity.
After the first phase is finished, he expected that the airport would be able to welcome 16.5 million passengers per year, double the previous capacity of 8 million passengers per year.
Meanwhile, the second phase of the project is undergoing preliminary feasibility study to improve the passenger terminal, expand the airport apron, and expand the internal road system.
After the second phase of the project is finished, the airport will be able to receive 12 million domestic passengers and 8 million international passengers per year.
Easing Visa Restrictions May Bring Thailand Closer To Tourism Target
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2022
THE NATION
Thailand’s Tourism Industry May Not Achieve The 1.5-Trillion-Baht Revenue Target That The Tourism And Sports Ministry Had Set For This Year.
Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said on Monday that the ministry recently adjusted the tourism target to 1.08 trillion baht based on the current trend of tourists. This would be equivalent to 6 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
He expects Thailand to welcome 10 million foreign tourists this year, while local tourists are expected to make some 120 million trips.
Foreign arrivals will generate 670 billion baht in revenue, while 410 billion baht will come from Thai tourists, he said.
“As of September 17, Thailand has welcomed 5.43 million foreign tourists,” Phiphat said. “We estimate there will be some 1.5 million foreign arrivals each month in the last quarter of this year, which will help meet the target of 10 million tourists.”
The ministry initially set a target of 1.5 trillion baht in tourism revenue for this year but adjusted it down to 1.2 trillion baht mid-year after realising that there were far few bookings from far-flung countries.
In the last quarter, the following measures are expected to attract more foreigners: reduction of the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa fee from 100,000 baht to 50,000 baht, extending visa on arrival from 15 days to 30 days and allowing visitors from visa-exempt countries to stay for 45 days instead of 30 days.
6.6-billion-baht venue to serve as a tourist magnet revitalizing the island’s tourism market
Phuket, September 1, 2022 – Phuket FantaSea is getting ready to launch “Carnival Magic”, the world’s first Thai Carnival theme park. The 6.6-billion-baht park, covering an area of more than 100 rai, will fling open its doors on September 20, just in time for Thailand’s tourism high season. With travelers returning as the COVID-19 situation eases, the theme park expects to welcome as many as 2 million domestic and foreign tourists next year, which should help revitalize Phuket’s economy.
Mr. Kittikorn Kewkacha, President and Chief Executive Officer of Phuket FantaSea Public Co. Ltd. and Carnival Magic Co., Ltd., said: “Building upon Phuket FantaSea’s 22 successful years as the ultimate Thai cultural theme park, we are ready for the next stage – the opening of Carnival Magic – The Magical Kingdom of Lights.”
“The new theme park will offer spectacular Thai-style carnivals augmented by modern technology. Covering an area of more than 100 rai, the venue is located in Phuket’s Kamala Beach area, adjacent to Phuket FantaSea. We expect Carnival Magic to become a new landmark in Thailand that provides tourists with a memorable, unmatched experience,” he added.
Carnival Magic is the world’s first Thai Carnival theme park. Inspired by the fun and colorful parades, carnivals, and temple fairs across Thailand, the park features many interesting and unique attractions and dazzling light decorations that match international standards. The park will offer visitors other-worldly experiences that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
The theme park is divided into 4 main zones, namely:
Zone 1: Carnival Fun Fair
In this zone, visitors can make their way through a shopping street and enjoy shopping for high-quality products in a festive, celebratory atmosphere created by a huge array of bright and colorful shops.
Guests can also enjoy all-night-long carnival performances, VR games, snacks & desserts, many photo & selfie opportunities, carnival games, and kiddie rides.
Zone 2: Bird of Paradise Buffet Restaurant
With a seating capacity of 3,000 guests, the grand hall is made to look like a beautiful paradise guarded by 2 giant peacocks fanning their tails. On the menu are more than 100 delicacies from the East and the West, including Indian, vegetarian and Halal dishes.
In the near future, there will be another luxury restaurant called the River of Bliss. Inspired by Thailand’s famous Loy Krathong floating lantern festival, the restaurant will offer set-menus served in beautiful krathong. But before guests make their way to the tables, they will need to get to the Happiness Falls and board the Barge of Happiness which will then lift them 7 meters above ground to the dining hall.
Zone 3 – River Palace
The River Palace, designed to look like a palace in the ancient Kamala Kingdom is an enormous 16,000-square-metre (10 rai) indoor show theater – one of the largest in Thailand and among the largest in the world. The theater with a 70-meter-long and 22-meter-high stage can accommodate 2,200 spectators and will showcase the world’s biggest indoor parade show called the River Carnival.
River Carnival is a 50-minute extravaganza that blends fantasies, festivals, and traditional parades of Thailand augmented with modern technology and special effects. Among the highlights are more than 88 gigantic floats with millions of lights, automation, and cutting-edge special effects. The best feature is the world’s longest float that is more than 70 meters long or about the size of the world’s largest passenger jet, the Airbus A380.
Zone 4 – Kingdom of Lights
Built as an illumination park, this zone features more than 40 million lights to create a dazzling masterpiece that sparks visitors’ imagination. There are 9 areas to explore in the Kingdom of Lights, where visitors can walk around enjoying stunning illuminated decorations and sculptures. The centerpiece is the River of Lights where millions of lights glitter from uniquely designed steel plates called the “luminaries”.
The steel plates used to create the luminaries are over 50 kilometers long and they are installed around a lake. Visitors can enter the area by crossing a bridge, which offers them a panoramic view of millions of lights from all directions.
“In creating Carnival Magic, we were inspired to build something that is uniquely Thai and never before seen anywhere in the world,” said Mr. Kittikorn. “This resulted in Carnival Magic becoming a theme park that broke many records both in Thailand and overseas, including 9 Guinness World Records”
The 9 Guinness World Records that Carnival Magic has set are:
1. The longest single-chassis parade float
2. The most lights used in a permanent light-and-sound show
3. The largest LED sculpture (supported)
4. The largest LED structure
5. The largest popcorn machine
6. The largest outdoor chandelier
7. The largest paper – mache sculpture (supported)
8. The tallest proscenium arch
9. The most LED lights on a van
“We have begun our marketing and communication efforts domestically and internationally through more than 1,000 tour operators. So far, we have received a great response,” Mr. Kittikorn said.
“International tourists account for 70 percent of our customers, while domestic visitors account for the other 30 percent. Among international tourists, we will specifically target those from India, China, Europe, Australia and the Middle East. Carnival Magic will open on September 20, 2022, with the aim of serving some 2 million visitors in 2023,” he added.
“Phuket’s tourism industry is expected to recover and grow now that international tourists have started returning. Phuket’s provincial Tourism and Sports Office reported that thanks to the lifting of the Test & Go requirement on May 1, it can safely expect 5 million international arrivals to the island this year, marking 50 percent of the pre-pandemic level, which was 10 million international tourists,” he said.
“In addition, Phuket is a favorite destination for Thai tourists, especially during the cooler months. The grand opening of Carnival Magic during the high season will not only help boost the Thai economy by attracting visitors who will spend but will also boost local employment and revitalize tourism at both local and national levels. This should help steer the country back on the right track towards growth,” Mr. Kittikorn said.
Carnival Magic will open its doors on Tuesday, September 20. It is located at 999 Moo 3 (next to Phuket FantaSea), Kamala, Kathu District, Phuket Province. For more information, call the Public Relations department at 076 385 222, email pr@carnivalmagic.fun or visit www.carnivalmagic.fun
Bangkok’s Yaowarat Road was named the world’s eighth coolest street in the latest Time Out poll, which saw pollsters asking more than 20,000 people about post-pandemic life in their city.
Time Out magazine released its list ranking 33 coolest streets last week. The ranking is based on food, fun, culture and community.
The magazine describes Yaowarat as “one of Bangkok’s oldest thoroughfares, with a history that dates back to the city’s foundation, Yaowarat Road winds and curves through Bangkok’s riverside Chinatown.
“Lined with neon signs and bustling day or night, this cultural hub is home to temples, restaurants, markets and legions of acupuncturists and dispensers of Chinese medicine.
“It’s been a street food lovers’ favourite for generations, but lately the area has seen cool galleries and high-end restaurants move in too, keeping Yaowarat as relevant and culturally diverse as the day it was paved.”
The top 10 coolest streets in the world are:
Rue Wellington, Montreal, Canada
Gertrude street, Melbourne, Australia
Great Western Road, Glasgow, Scotland
Yongkang street, Taipei, Taiwan
Værnedamsvej, Copenhagen, Denmark
Karangahape road, Auckland, New Zealand
Tai Ping Shan street, Hong Kong
Yaowarat Road, Bangkok
Oranienstrasse, Berlin, Germany
Hayes Street, San Francisco, US
Meanwhile, Bangkok came in at 51 among 53 top cities in the world in 2022, while the capital’s Ari area was 47th among 49 coolest neighbourhoods in the world by Time Out.
Ubon Ratchathani’s annual “Parading Shrimp” festival is expected to attract hordes of tourists to the Kaeng Lamduan Wildlife Study Centre in Nam Yuen district in September.
In a Facebook post on Monday, the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) announced that the annual natural phenomenon is expected to start from September 1 and last until the end of the month.
“Once a year around September, an army of shrimps will march on the rocky banks of Kaeng Lamduan creek on their quest to hunt for food and to avoid being crushed by gushing torrents caused by rain,” the post said.
“These shrimps [Macrobrachium eriocheirum] are referred to locally as ‘hairy claw shrimps’, and they have been doing this march for decades to ensure the survival of their species.”
The DNP said the shrimp will start “parading” after sunset at around 6pm until 10pm depending on weather conditions. When the current is not too strong due to less rain, fewer shrimp will be seen marching on the rocks as most will stick to the safer path underwater, the department said.
To accommodate the surge in tourists, the Kaeng Lamduan Wildlife Study Centre will close at 10pm throughout September and provide tour guides to help visitors navigate the path in the dark. Visitors are advised to carry flashlights and wear facemasks to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
For more information, call (097) 212 3951 or (094) 287 4156.
Thailand welcomed more than four million foreign tourists from January 1 to August 16, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reported on Wednesday.
TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said 4,015,504 foreign tourists visited the country in the seven-and-a-half-month period, while the first half of August saw an average of 42,000 international arrivals per day.
He said the tourism sector has recovered to a great extent after the government eased several Covid-19 prevention measures, including removing the Thailand Pass entry system from July 1.
TAT expects the number of foreign tourists to reach 4.5 million on August 31, Yuthasak said.
It aims to attract an overall 10 million tourists this year, with more than 1 million per month in August and September and 1.5 million per month in the fourth quarter.
Yuthasak expects foreign tourists to generate 625.8 billion baht in revenue for the country this year, while another 656 billion baht is likely to come from 160 million domestic trips by Thai travellers.
The top five countries from which the most tourists arrived from January 1 to August 16 were:
Malaysia – 526,051
India – 395,025
Laos – 218,043
Singapore – 213,523
UK -193,003.
And the top five entry points were Suvarnabhumi Airport, Phuket International Airport, Don Mueang International Airport, the Sadao border crossing in Songkhla, and the Nong Khai border crossing, TAT added.
The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) is confident that more than 12 million foreigners will visit the country this year.
TCT president Chamnan Srisawat said the tourism sector needs to welcome 12 million to 16 million foreign tourists to survive.
This number, he pointed out, is 30 to 40 per cent of total visitors before the Covid pandemic or 40 million in 2019.
Chamnan said he was confident Thailand would see more than 12 million foreign tourists this year, while the government sector has a set a target of attracting 10 million.
The country saw only 2 million international arrivals in the first half but more than 1 million came in July, Chamnan noted, adding that he expected the number of tourists to shoot past the 1-million mark both in August and September.
As for the high season from October to December, he expected more than 2 million foreigners to visit the country each month.
Chamnan said the tourism sector is waiting for a 1.03-billion-baht budget from the government in the form of a “booster shot” to help the industry recover.
Tourism and Sports Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn said his ministry is requesting the government to provide 2 billion baht, with 1 billion being used to stimulate the sector while another 1 billion will be used to support sport tourism.
Pipat said Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan told him he is waiting for the National Sports Development Fund manager to answer whether there is enough money to boost the tourism industry.
The tourism minister said he believed that budget is enough and is waiting for money which he hopes will be available from October 1.
As for the so-called “booster”, he said the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has sent a plan to the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council and is awaiting approval from the Centre for Economic Situation Administration.
The budget will be used to attract 10 million foreign visitors this year and boost the number of domestic trips to 160 million to generate 1.2 trillion baht in income.
TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said 3,977,631 foreign tourists visited Thailand from January 1 to August 15, with the daily number of tourists being around 35,000 to 40,000 on average. He expected the figure to reach 4.5 million by August 31.
Meanwhile, the number of domestic trips is increasing, touching 60 million in the first six months.
He said TAT had asked the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration to approve visa extensions for foreign travellers:
From 30 days to 45 for visas for visitors from 56 countries.
From 15 days to 30 for those entering with a Visa on Arrival.
TAT wants arrival cards scrapped for visitors coming through land borders with Laos and Malaysia as a lot of tourists are arriving via the two countries.
Yuthasak said TAT also expects Chinese tourists to be allowed to visit Thailand at the end of the year as the government there has eased several anti-Covid measures.
Moreover, the Chinese government is allowing local organisations to consider whether people can travel out of their provinces.
TAT speculated that increasing interest rates will not affect tourists’ decision to travel and the authority will not adjust its goal of foreign and domestic travellers because it believes they would still travel but cut down on expenses.
Yuthasak added that TAT is more worried about the increasing fuel prices.
Great Wall Motor (GWM) is continuing its partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on a strategic partnership to promote Thailand’s Ecotourism with new energy mobility.
The collaboration reiterates GWM’s commitment to becoming Thailand’s xEV leader ready to work with partners in all sectors to revive inbound tourism and drive the country’s transition to an EV society, following the government’s direction, while sustainably growing its business alongside Thai society.
Held at the GWM Experience Center, ICONSIAM, the signing ceremony was presided over by Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports; and Wang Liping, The Economic and Commercial Minister-Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, who were welcomed by Elliot Zhang, President Asean of Great Wall Motor. The MOU was signed by Michael Chong, General Manager of Great Wall Motor (Thailand); and Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said: ” The collaboration between the TAT and the company showcases the significant role of the state and private sector in driving the government’s and the ministry’s national strategy as well as Thailand’s transition to good carbon governance. Plans will be developed to support ecotourism activities and create business collaboration in terms of travelling with new-energy vehicles to benefit both parties. We hope to further the scheme by promoting a new series of unseen regional attractions (Unseen New Series) to drive forward the tourism industry, the new-energy vehicle industry, and improve the country’s environment ”
Elliot Zhang, President Asean of Great Wall Motor, said: “Since the very beginning of our business in Thailand, we have focused on the mission of ‘In Thailand, For Thailand’ or growing while improving Thailand for Thai people. In our second year of business operations in Thailand, GWM will continue pursuing such mission and offering new experiences to Thai consumers with quality electric vehicles and services, while strengthening the country’s EV ecosystem. We are pleased to collaborate with the TAT in promoting new-energy vehicle usage for ecotourism activities, which will contribute to the growth of tourism and environmental preservation in general. In the meantime, we will support public relations tasks on social and media channels to create awareness of eco-travelling with new-energy vehicles. Additionally, we will further this partnership to bring to life many activities to promote Thailand’s tourism consistently. This is another testimonial for GWM as Thailand’s xEV leader with a mission to carry out social activities under the ‘GWM Initiative’, which focuses on improving the social environment, promoting cultural diversity, and developing communities in a sustainable way.”
Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said: “It is the TAT’s mission to promote marketing and public relations activities as well as to build trust to expand the quality markets, making Thailand an ever-popular destination for tourists while driving net-zero-carbon-emission tourism i.e., focusing on reducing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions from tourism activities. It is a great opportunity to further reinforce our partnership with GWM through the MOU on counselling, analyzing, planning, and supporting ecotourism activities, for which new-energy vehicles are being utilized. The TAT will work closely with GWM to drive tourism towards good carbon governance (carbon dioxide management in tourism), and we would like to thank the company for continuously supporting tourism activities.”
GWM has consistently provided high-performance electric vehicles packed with superb safety technology and cutting-edge innovation, including the All-New HAVAL H6 Hybrid SUV and All New HAVAL JOLION Hybrid SUV, supporting the TAT’s initiatives e.g., ‘TAT BCG Road Trip’, promoting simple tourism in the central region; ‘TAT YEC Green Road Trip’, strengthening the bond between the central and the eastern regions; ‘Green Road Trip’ in the northeastern region; and ‘Green Road Trip’ in the southern region. Meanwhile, the TAT has offered counsel for the ‘GWM Life Road Trooper’ program.
All of this has promoted travelling with eco-friendly alternative energy vehicles as well as ecotourism across Thailand.
GWM, as the ‘Global Intelligent Technology Company’, is committed to developing products and innovations that offer clean, safe, and comfortable commute experiences for Thai consumers.
In addition, the company focuses on supporting society and elevating the country’s automotive industry while standing alongside society and consumers to drive forward Thailand’s economic growth.
Yala is one of three deep South provinces in Thailand that many tourists overlook due to its distance from Bangkok. Yala’s Betong is the southernmost district in Thailand, sharing a border with Kedah and Perak in Malaysia. However, this small province has plenty of other attractions awaiting visitors besides its southerly location.
One of the most obvious features of Yala city is its urban planning. Yala was ranked by www.wtfintheworld.com as the world’s 23rd best location in the terms of city planning. The provincial capital is divided into zones covering government complexes, residential buildings, shopping districts and public parks, enhancing quality of life under the administration of the Yala Municipality Office.
Yala has also developed into a “city of learning”, with features such as TK Park Library housing books and information from all around the world, and public parks offering “edutainment” activities for children and the general public. The Exploring Park in Muang district features a state-of-the-art learning centre, playground and workout zone, outdoor amphitheatre, and green space for people to relax. Admission is free.
For your first visit to Yala, you could begin by paying respect to the Yala City Pillar Shrine in front of the city hall in Muang district. You will be greeted with a view of beautiful shrine revered by local people, surrounded by a public park with decorative shrubs and trees as well as a running track for exercising.
For those who enjoy street arts, head to Saphan Dam (Black Railway Bridge), which crosses Pattani River in Sateng subdistrict. This new landmark features street arts and performances by local artists, as well as the colourful “Rainbow Buildings” along the train tracks.
Yala is a city of multiple cultures, with local residents descended from different races, religions and cultures. The multicultural mix has created a unique charm reflected in many tourist attractions. For example, Wat Khuhapimuk in Na Tham subdistrict is a Buddhist temple that also has a shrine of Lim Ko Niao, a deity worshipped by Chinese people in southern Thailand. During Chinese New Year, Chinese communities in Yala host an annual fire-walking procession of faithful attendants to honour the deity. Meanwhile, the 80-year-old Yala Central Mosque in Sateng subdistrict offers proof of the piety and prosperity of local Muslim communities, with a beautiful and majestic design making it an unmissable attraction for Thai and foreign tourists.
Yala’s food also reflects the multicultural roots of the province, combining unique flavours of Thai, Muslim and Chinese Teochew cuisines. Recommended hotspots for foodies are Anna’s Garden for roti (flat bread), fried chicken and nasi dagang (Malaysian aromatic rice); Kuay Chap Thepwiman with its Teochew-style noodles; Rice Kafe for Thai-Southern fusion cuisine; and Lae Pha Na Tham restaurant in Na Tham subdistrict, where a towering cliff provides a natural backdrop while you enjoy Yala’s traditional jungle cuisine.
Yala is also a paradise for coffee lovers, with chic and vintage cafés dotted throughout the province. Look out for the Bali-style Bev Bar with selfie-friendly corners, and the Moon Café for its fusion menu of desserts and drinks made from the delicious local mangoes.
Speaking of fruits, Yala’s signature product is durians, as can be seen from the orchards scattered throughout the province as evidence of the government’s support for cultivation and research. The Saded Nam Durian variety is exclusive to Yala as the province is characterised by steep mountainous areas with lodes – making the soil rich in minerals and nutrients. Yala durians are renowned for their firm flesh, unique texture, and creamy taste.
Other notable fruits grown in Yala include Betong Mandarin oranges, which have a unique fragrance, high acidity and soft peel; and Longkong (southern Langsat) whose thin peel and semi-transparent flesh are prized by Thais nationwide.
Yala has a wealth of urban attractions, but there are many more to explore outside the city area. For your next vacation, consider visiting Yala – you will not be disappointed.
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