Rallies threaten tourism recovery
March 11, 2010 by Chanida Sa-ngiamphaisalsuk
Filed under News
Four more countries have issued travel advisories that warn travellers to avoid Bangkok between 12 to 14 March. Warnings have been issued by 31 nations so far.
Tourism Authority of Thailand deputy governor of marketing communications, Prakit Piriyakiet, confirmed the latest additions stating it was due to the “intense and sensitive political situation in the country”.
The latest advisories were issued by Brazil; Latvia; Czechoslovakia and Cambodia.
Ministry sets up assistance centres
March 11, 2010 by Chanida Sa-ngiamphaisalsuk
Filed under News
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports deputy permanent secretary, Thanittha Maneechote, said the Ministry would set up a National Tourist Assistance Centre operating from 12 to 23 March to facilitate foreign tourists around the clock.
Ms Thanittha revealed she had meetings with representatives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tourist Police, General Insurance Association, Tourism Council of Thailand, Thai Hotels Association and Association of Thai Travel Agents to start the project rolling.
Cabinet ups security
March 10, 2010 by Chanida Sa-ngiamphaisalsuk
Filed under News
The Thai Cabinet has authorised the use of the Internal Security Act BE 2551, from 11 to 23 March, in Bangkok and seven nearby provinces. Also it approved the use of 18 related laws during its meeting yesterday.
Contrary to media reports the Cabinet did not announce a “state of emergency.” Red shirt leaders have also given assurances that they will not attempt to close airports. Security around airports has increased with roadside checkpoints.
Yesterday, the UK ambassador in discussions with opposition party Puea Thai that supports the red shirt leaders raised the issue of Bangkok’s airports and whether red shirt protestors would attempt to close them during their rallies, noting that a closure would harm both investment and tourism.
Honouring top tour guides
March 8, 2010 by Chanida Sa-ngiamphaisalsuk
Filed under Trade Talk
Tourism Authority of Thailand invites tour guides to apply in a competition that will identify the country’s best tour guides.
Zero-dollar battle continues
March 4, 2010 by Chanida Sa-ngiamphaisalsuk
Filed under News
A law to enforce minimum pricing on tour packages will be introduced this April.
According to the legislation, due to be come into effect 6 April, tour companies registered in Thailand must comply with a tour pricing rule that states the price to the customer should not fall below a pre-determined cost level.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ Tourism Business and Guides Committee approved, 2 March, the addition of an article to the Tourism Business and Guides Act BE 2551.
THA AGM sets for 30 March
March 4, 2010 by Chanida Sa-ngiamphaisalsuk
Filed under Trade Talk
Thai Hotels Association will hold its Annual General Meeting, 30 March, when it will elect a new board for the period 2010 to 2013.
Overland tourism in spotlight
March 3, 2010 by Chanida Sa-ngiamphaisalsuk
Filed under Mekong Region
Thailand and Yunnan province in China have agreed to establish a joint tourism working group.
Myanmar arrivals increase
March 3, 2010 by Chanida Sa-ngiamphaisalsuk
Filed under News
Visitor arrivals to Myanmar improved by 17.64% during 2009 topping 227,421 arrivals, according to the Myanmar Marketing Committee latest report.
Tourists from Asia peaked at 147,708, an increase from 128,279 in 2008, which represented 64.95% of the inbound market share. West Europe was the second largest supplier with 47,161 arrivals, while there were 16,608 tourists from North America.
Stimulus measures extended
March 3, 2010 by Chanida Sa-ngiamphaisalsuk
Filed under News
A Thai Cabinet resolution, yesterday, approved the extension of most of the tourism stimulus measures that were introduced last year.
The special measures extended until 31 March 2011 include: Visa fee waiver for foreigners from all nationalities; reduction of landing and parking fees; Budgets for government units to hold seminars and meetings up-country; reduction of utility fees for hotels; 200% tax refund for expenses on accommodation and meals linked to company meetings and training sessions in the country; and the US$1 per head tourist insurance scheme will continue cover disruption of travel due to political disturbances until 31 March 2011.
Advisories signal amber light
February 25, 2010 by Chanida Sa-ngiamphaisalsuk
Filed under News
Tourism Authority of Thailand reports that 27 countries have updated travel advisories on Thailand, warning of possible political disturbances linked to the court ruling on former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra’s assets seizure case, due tomorrow, 26 February.
The authority identifies three levels of advisories.
Level 1 Advisories recommend that citizens should be alert and follow the news. The countries at this level are: China; Macau; South Korea; Taiwan and Sweden.
