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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40021020

3 spots in Trat, Mae Hong Son, Chai Nat named Thailand’s top ‘sustainable’ tourism sites

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2022

Three tourism spots in Thailand were included in this year’s “Top 100 Destination Sustainable Stories” list compiled by Green Destinations, a non-profit organisation that supports sustainable tourism.

The destinations featured were Trat’s Koh Mak in the Governance, Reset and Recovery category; Mae Hong Son’s Huay Pu Keng in Thriving Communities; and Chai Nat’s Sappaya Tourism Community Enterprise in the Culture and Tradition category.

Government spokesman Anucha Buraphachaisri on Friday put the success of these sites down to the government’s Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA).

He said under the scheme, Koh Mak became the first low-carbon destination in Thailand through cooperation between the community and public and private tourism organisations. This cooperation led to digital technology and research to boost efficiency in absorbing and storing carbon.

In Huay Pu Keng and the Sappaya Tourism Community Enterprise, DASTA focused on community-based tourism by boosting local people’s skills to create souvenirs, while supporting the environment to give visitors a great experience and improving the quality of life for community members.

Anucha said DASTA had nominated these three destinations in line with the Green Destination standards and forwarded the names to the judges.

He added that both public and private organisations worked hard to push for sustainable tourism. This award will help promote these sites among eco-tourists as well as prove that Thailand is focusing on conservation and creating a balance with nature.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40021015

Thailand woos big spenders from Europe, Americas to meet 1.5-tr baht revenue target

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2022

THE NATION

European and American tourists are expected to bring at least 300 billion baht to the country this year, or 30-35 per cent of tourism revenue recorded in 2019 before the pandemic.

Siripakorn Chaewsamoot, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s deputy governor for marketing – Europe, Africa, the Americas and Middle East, said on Thursday that he expects more tourists from Europe and the Americas to arrive in Thailand during the winter months.

“We expect to see more tourists from these markets in the last two months of this year, who will help match our goal of up to 1.5 trillion baht in tourism revenue in 2022. TAT is confident this is achievable,” he said.

Siripakorn added that though the Covid-19 situation is improving worldwide, Europe and the Americas are not without problems.

“The biggest challenge for long-distance markets is that they rely on long-haul or connecting flights, some of which have not returned to pre-Covid levels,” he said.

Besides, he said, airlines are also raising the prices of long-haul flights due to the rising cost of fuel and to make up for the losses made during the Covid-19 shutdown.

“Plus next month, the 2022 World Cup finals kick off in Qatar, motivating Middle East airlines to direct more of their flights from Europe and the Americas to Qatar. It is likely they will not add more connecting flights to other countries, including Thailand,” he said.

However, he said, TAT is coordinating with airlines to encourage them to provide more flights to Thailand. If necessary, he said, the authorities will offer chartered flights to markets that have a high demand for Thailand, but not enough scheduled flights.

“We will also promote the Long-Term Resident [LTR] visa, which offers a multiple-entry 10-year stay in Thailand to wealthy foreigners, retirees and those who wish to work here. They can fly in and out of the country without having to get re-entry permits for the entire time,” Siripakorn said. “This visa, effective since September, should attract big spenders from Europe and the Americas to stay in Thailand, especially the digital nomads or those who can work from anywhere in the world.”

THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40021011

Thailand joins global race to lure wealthy foreigners with residency visas

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2022

THE NATION

As Covid-19 recedes around the world, many countries are granting special long-term visas for affluent foreigners in a bid to boost tourism and attract talented professionals to speed up their economic recovery.

Thailand launched the updated Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa on September 1, joining Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates in granting long-stay rights to targeted foreigners – though terms and conditions vary from country to country.

From last month, Thailand halved the fee for its LTR visa, which lasts for 10 years, from 100,000 baht to 50,000 baht to attract four groups of foreigners – wealthy people, retirees, those who want to work in Thailand, and experts. The government expects the LTR visa to bring in at least 1 million people per year, significantly boosting economic recovery after Covid.

Specific conditions have been set for each group. Affluent applicants must have combined assets of at least US$1 million and an income of at least $80,000 per year. They must also invest at least $500,000 in Thailand, in property or other assets.

Meanwhile, retirees and experts must earn at least $80,000 per year, while the latter must have at least five years’ experience working at a specialist level in a targeted industry.

Those who want to work in Thailand must earn at least US$80,000 per year and also have a minimum five years’ experience working in legally registered companies with total revenue of $150 million in the past three years.

The visa also covers up to four family members, including dependents under 20 years of age.

Elsewhere, Japan has launched the High End Talent Visa to attract skilled labours in agriculture, construction and other fields where demand is high for foreign workers. Applicants must pass a language test and other relevant training. The visa has unlimited validity.

Singapore plans to launch the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) in January next year. The pass is valid for five years but can be renewed. Applicants must have at least 700,000 baht fixed income per month and must demonstrate that they have been working for an established company overseas for at least 1 year, or will be working for an established company in Singapore. Individuals with outstanding achievements in the arts and culture, sports, science and technology, and academia and research qualify for the ONE Pass, even if they do not meet the salary criterion.

The UK launched its High Potential Individual Visa in May this year. The visa is valid for two years but can be turned into a long-term work visa if conditions are met. Applicants must have graduated with a degree from an eligible institute outside the UK in the past five years and scored B1 or higher in the English language test. A criminal record check is also required.

The UAE, meanwhile, launched the five-year UAE Green Visa last month to attract highly skilled workers, digital nomads and investors. Eligible candidates must earn at least 150,000 baht per month and hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Business owners can also apply provided that their revenue exceeds 3.5 million baht in the past two years.

THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40021006

Unique Bangkok community offers visitors cultural and culinary treat for 10 days

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

Unseen cultural, art and architectural attractions, as well as food and beverages, are awaiting visitors during “Song Wat Week” at Song Wat community in Bangkok’s Samphanthawong district from October 21 to 30.

Apart from the cultural heritage and unique architecture, the Song Wat community is also a home to a new generation of business operators who are ready to present undiscovered aspects to visitors.

“We intend to promote our community to become an area that inspires visitors,” the activity organisers, who called themselves “Made in Song Wat”, said.

The organisers said visitors can witness spectacular artworks and architecture along Song Wat Road, while they can taste special foods and beverages during the two-week activity.

“Meanwhile hotels are ready to give a warm welcome to all visitors,” the organisers said.

The organisers said “Song Wat Week Pass” at 1,196 baht per package also offers 10 coupons of discounts on foods and beverages, local products and hotel rooms at participating venues in the community.

“Meanwhile, package holders can join the “Song Wat Walking Tour”at the Play art house on October 22 and October 29 from 11am to 3pm,” the organisers said, adding that the tour is limited to 10-15 participants per round.

In addition, people can exchange the package envelope for a cloth bag after using all 10 coupons, the organisers added.

Interested people can reserve Song Wat Week Pass from Friday (October 14) via “Made in Song Wat” Instagram and Line official account, or contact participating venues, namely Play art house, Mesa 312, Chata, FV BKK, Woodbrook and Luk Hostel.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40021002

TAT confident of 10 million arrivals this year as tourism sector places hopes on high season

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

Thailand is set for a strong recovery in tourist arrivals during the “high season” in the last quarter of the year.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) remains optimistic of achieving its target of 10 million tourists this year while the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) predicted “at least 20 million” foreign visitors woupd enter the country next year.

TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said that his agency was still confident of the country receiving 10 million tourists this year. In the last quarter of the year, the TAT estimated that at least 1.5 million foreigners would enter Thailand per month, representing 50 per cent of the pre-Covid level in 2019, when Thailand welcomed an average of 3 million tourists per month.

“Despite the global economic recession, people across the world are travelling in great numbers after years of frustration due to the Covid-19 crisis,” Yuthasak said.

According to him, flight schedules for the winter of 2022-23 show 573,538 booked passenger seats per week for flights to Thailand, a 74.2 per cent increase from 329,288 seats in the summer 2022.

Of the booked passenger seats, 211,744 per week are passengers from Southeast Asia, representing a 60.9 per cent increase from summer 2022 flights, and 175,588 are from East Asia, a whopping 153.7 per cent growth.

Western Europe sees a 57.8 per cent increase, with 56,354 seats per week, and the Middle East a 30.1 per cent growth with 44,900 seats.

Meanwhile, ATTA president Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn said the association expected at least 20 million tourists to enter Thailand next year, double the TAT’s estimate of 10 million tourists this year.

He added, however, that most of the foreign tourists travel on land from Thailand’s neighbouring countries, particularly Malaysia. About 1 million Malaysian tourists came to Thailand in the first nine months of 2022.

Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, the president of the Thai Hotel Association (THA), pointed to many positive factors that could boost Thai tourism in the last quarter of the year. These include more direct flights to Thailand, the downgrading of Covid-19 to an endemic, and the lifting of the face mask rule.

She said that the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit to be held in Bangkok in mid-November also would help boost Thailand’s tourism and economic recovery.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40020988

Visitors throng Doi Inthanon to catch glorious sunrise, sea of fog and revel in cold

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

Many tourists flocked to Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai’s Chom Thong district on Thursday, the first day of an extended weekend holiday.

Today is His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great Memorial Day, while Friday is a special holiday approved by the Cabinet in a bid to stimulate domestic tourism.

Most tourists whipped out their smartphones to snap pictures of a spectacular sunrise and a sea of fog amid cold weather.

Temperatures in the Northern province have been on the decrease, much to the delight of many.

The temperature at Doi Inthanon peak and Kew Mae Pan nature trail as of Thursday morning was 11 degrees Celsius.

Doi Inthanon National Park chief Kriangkrai Chaipiset said the park has been reopened to tourists since November 10 last year. Facilities and local guides are ready to welcome tourists, he added.

Kriangkrai expects reservations for accommodations at the national park to keep increasing especially during winter.

“The Kew Mae Pan nature trail is a tourist attraction which features bounteous nature, especially viewpoints that allow visitors to witness a beautiful sunrise and a sea of fog,” he said.

Meanwhile, red millennial roses found on the nature trail can only be seen during the cold season, Kriangkrai added.

Separately, the Thai Meteorological Department expects temperatures in the North to drop a further 2-4 degrees Celsius from October 16 to 18.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40020946

Foreign currency exchanges by Thai travellers soar 73%

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2022

Thais made 73 per cent more foreign currency exchanges in September compared to the previous month as more countries reopened fully to visitors, according to statistics collected by YouTrip Thailand.

The operator of the multi-currency travel wallet reported on Tuesday that the significant rise in demand for foreign currency was due to Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong last month lifting travel restrictions and quarantine requirements for international visitors imposed since the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The Japanese yen saw the biggest hike in demand from Thai travellers, with a 341 per cent increase, followed by the Australian dollar at 77 per cent and the British pound at 56 per cent compared to August,” said YouTrip Thailand founding partner Juthasri Kuvinichkul.

Juthasri pointed out that another contributing factor for the rising demand of foreign currency among Thai travellers was the weakening of the baht to 37.5-38 baht to the US dollar – the weakest in 16 years.

“Thais will need to exchange more money for their overseas trips to travel and purchase souvenirs,” she said.

“Meanwhile, the number of international trips booked by Thais is also rising among both business and casual travellers, as people have been forced to postpone overseas trips for nearly three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Juthasri added that Japan was among the top destinations for Thai travellers in September.

She cited statistics from OTA Insight, which said the search for plane tickets from Thailand to Osaka and Kyoto had jumped 27 and 26 times, respectively, since Japan announced it was lifting travel restrictions.

Unlike hotels in New York and London, those in Japan still maintain discounted prices used during the Covid-19 crisis, which is about 40 per cent cheaper than pre-pandemic normal prices, Juthasri said.

However, she estimates that operators will gradually raise prices as more tourists return.

“This year-end is a good start to overseas travel either for business or pleasure, and is a positive sign for the travel industry that has been on pause for three years during the outbreak,” Juthasri said.

“Due to high demand, travellers will need to plan their reservation and travel schedule ahead, as well as prepare more money to spend on trips due to global inflation and a weakening of the baht,” she advised.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40020939

Thailand eyes at least 10,000 high net-worth foreigners for its Elite Card scheme

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2022

Nongluck Ajanapanya

As part of its sustainable tourism strategy, Thailand is planning to pull in more than 10,000 high-potential foreigners who can afford its exclusive elite visa.

Currently, there are some 20,200 Thailand Elite Card holders in the country and the number is expected to grow.

Apichai Chatchalermkit, acting president of Thailand Privilege Card Co, which operates the Elite visa scheme, told the press on Tuesday that the tourism authorities will prioritise social responsibility to attract more environmentally conscious high-worth foreigners.

Hence, based on the ESG (environment, social and governance) philosophy, the company has laid out strategies to improve services and ensure sustainable growth.

Apichai, who is also deputy governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s tourism products and business department, said the goal is to strengthen communities and pave the way for growth in line with the government’s bio-circular-green (BCG) economy model.

“More schemes are required to entice quality tourists to the country, and ESG will have a lot to do with it,” he added. “The company has created a value-creating network based on the ESG philosophy under the concept of a ‘network of inclusive growth and sustainable society’.”

He said that under this concept, the company has invested part of the profits generated from the sale of membership cards to benefit organisations involved in local tourism and social development. The organisations gaining from the investment are Hug Muang Nan Foundation, Operation Smile and Dynamic School Thailand.

“So, our members will realise and appreciate that their visit to Thailand is very valuable,” Apichai said, adding that each Elite Card holder can be expected to generate at least 100,000 baht in revenue while in the country.

Thailand has always been popular among foreign tourists, and according to TAT, the country saw some 5.6 million arrivals between January 1 and September 30, 2022, generating 200 billion baht in revenue.

These statistics are consistent with the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), which recently released a list of countries based on their tourism recovery. Thailand topped the list in terms of hotel bookings and came in second for confidence among 10 countries.

Thailand Privilege Card Co was founded in 2003 and is the operator of Thailand Elite Card. The company is a state-owned enterprise under the jurisdiction of TAT, which is also its sole shareholder.

Thailand Elite Card holders are granted a whole host of benefits, including five years of multi-entry visa, 24/7 concierge services and other exclusive services. The cost of an Elite visa can range from 600,000 baht to 1 million baht.

Nongluck Ajanapanya

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40020889

TAT launches ‘Amazing Village’ campaign to promote 15 ‘unique’ communities

MONDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2022

THE NATION

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has shifted its focus to promoting tourism in communities by launching its “Amazing Village” campaign.

The campaign, which will focus on 15 communities across the country’s five regions, was recently launched at Bangkok’s Bang Lamphu Museum. The aim of the project is to offer tourists a new, unique experience. TAT also hopes it will encourage travel during weekdays.

The 15 communities covered in the project are:

North

• Tha Chai in Sukhothai province
• Ban Bueng Krachang Ngam in Nakhon Sawan
• On Tai in Chiang Mai

Northeast

• Ban Duea in Nong Khai
• Ban Khok Muang in Buri Ram
• Suksomboon in Nakhon Ratchasima

East

• Bang Kobua in Samut Prakan
• Ban Thammachat Lang in Trat
• Ban Thale Noi in Rayong

Central

• Banglamphu in Bangkok
• Khlong Ta Cha in Samut Songkhram
• Ban Phu Kae, Hua Pli Market in Saraburi

South

• Chulabhorn Pattana 9 in Yala
• Ban Laem in Nakhon Si Thammarat
• Ban Hua Khao in Songkhla

Visit https://amazingvillage.tourismthailand.org/ for more information.

THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40020837

Thai food, heritage campaigns named top tourism promotions in Asia

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 08, 2022

THE NATION

A Thai food campaign has been named the best digital tourism promotion in Asia after gobbling up competition from 56 other countries.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s “Khao Thai” (Thai Rice) campaign beat 136 promotions by 56 tourism organisations to walk away with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold Award 2022.

Impressed by its theme of “Guess the Dish” accompanied by delicious visuals, judges at Friday’s virtual award ceremony handed “Khao Thai” the award for top Digital Marketing Campaign.

“Khao Thai” was launched via social media to tickle taste buds of the Indian tourism market during the Covid-19 pandemic from May to June 2020 and April 2021.

A Thai tourism campaign showcasing Buri Ram’s ancient Khmer kingdom relics also starred at Friday’s awards.

“Rejuvenating Ban Khok Mueang’s Heritage through a Sustainable Practice of Community-based Tourism” won the PATA Heritage Gold Award.

PATA has held the awards to find Asia-Pacific’s best tourism campaigns in marketing, creativity and innovation since 1984.

Two main categories – Marketing and Sustainability, and Social Responsibility – offer 25 individual awards for specific themes including Marketing Campaign, Travel Photography, Community Based Tourism and Climate Change Initiative.

THE NATION