Can Thailand Still Rely On Tourism To Repair Post-COVID Economy? | Insight | Southeast Asia

Before the pandemic, tourism accounted for almost one fifth of Thailand’s economy. But COVID-19 brought all that to a halt, as visitor numbers fell by almost 99%.
Thailand is banking on the revival of tourism to jump start its post-pandemic recovery. With the removal of its mask mandates and relaxation of its border policies, the Land of Smiles is hoping to woo visitors back.
But persisting restrictions on Chinese travellers and global inflation could take a toll on the growth of international visitors. Will the reliance on tourism prove a bad move?
0:00 Introduction
1:47 How COVID-19 impacted Thai tourism
8:14 Plight of sex workers over COVID-19
14:42 Fewer Chinese travellers hamper tourism recovery
16:00 Thailand pivots to wellness tourism
21:24 Challenges to Thai tourism recovery
23:45 Can agriculture help drive Thai economy?
36:46 Effect of COVID-19 on Thailand's poor
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[@markrus6604]

Absolutley love Thailand, i even traveled there in 2021 covid peak and did 15 nights quarantine. One big minus is their unreasonable bureaucracy which makes people to think twice

[@default123default2]

How did you pass the time ?

[@techlife9853]

@@default123default2 How do u think ...hahahahah

[@natpaterson6786]

I completely agreed with you. I recently moved back to Thailand from the US and I just cannot stand that! But I do have a family obligation so I have to suck it up!

[@aksbeixhev]

I did the same quarantine, 15 days felt like 2 months. The bureaucracy is the biggest obstacle to tourism. Maybe we get a change at next election, I hope so.

[@mnizammasood]

Tourism does contributes to a significant chunk of the Thai economy, as the video said, 1/5. The activity is huge and diverse and they are literally offering you everything before covid. The reason why the industry's demise during covid is because the Thai tourism industry is not owned by big corporations. Which is a good thing if you ask me. It relies on small and medium enterprise to drive the tourism growth. They employ worker with minimal / medium wage. They arent poor, but they arent rich either. They 'just had enough' to live by. And they had been doing it excellently. For tourists, this allow us to have variety of choices and packages to choose from and also, cheaper competitive price. And of course you cant beat Thai Hospitality. But this small and medium enterprise is in dire needs of govt handouts during border closure. When tourists dried up, they had to change their customer based to local one. They might survive the 3 months of closure. But reaching 8 months of border closure, they simply dont have the means to sustain the small business they own. And this is a sad thing. Some of them are not temporarily closed, their business just vanished and they wont be greeting the tourists again. Of course the situation will be better in the future but the player might be different. There might be a big tourism monopoly by some rich fat Thai man in Bangkok employing 3000 workers for even more lower wages. The charm we see and the variety of choices that they used to offer, some of them wont be smiling to you again. And thats sad. Really sad. All those small enterprises built and owned over 2 maybe 3 decades just gone.

[@gaiamagna9156]

Kindness of most people, unique culture, beautiful places, delicious food and fruits, reasonable prices and etc...Well, I can't wait to go back there! See you soon, Thailand ❤

[@Hijoe-pq3go]

I hope that some Day you figure out why the people are so kind to you. Unique Culture?? You should have been in Thailand 30 years Ago.

[@prechabahnglai103]

@@Hijoe-pq3go I wonder why too... when I see foreigners on the street I just had the itch to be accommodating to them. Maybe it is our expectation of ourselves to be a good host. Probably different with the people in the tourist industry though, their main concern is to feed their family - and who can blame them. What was my country like 30 years ago? I wasn't born yet back then. Was it nice?

[@angxiang3186]

A perception of yesteryears’; not a good representation of current. Thailand civil servants has no “bribes money” income due to closure of so many businesses and common people jobless n desperate for living. Poverty drive the desperation into crimes.

[@Kipper1997]

@@Hijoe-pq3go really like to hear/know more about what you said Jeff which'd be much appreciated

[@Kipper1997]

@@angxiang3186 is this right now happening in thailand?

[@donalain69]

4:30 Tourism makes almost a 5th of Thailands GDP.. and 2/3 of it is from international tourism. thats less then 13% in total.. not exactly enough to casue widespread poverty like the documentary tries to sell to the viewers by playing sad music and adding some grayscale to the scenes. I live in Thailand since 20 years.. times here always changed.. and people always adopted to it. Those covid restrictions and people wearing masks are the reason why Thailand had only around 30k deaths and not 180k like the UK with a comparable population.. but thats something western media doesnt like to talk about.

[@Thomas-lk5cu]

And do you really believe those numbers? Tell me again, how much does it cost to get a covid test in Thailand? Maybe the locals have bigger problems than a little cold/fever, so they focus on real problems instead of getting tested all the time. And the masks? I've seen more people wearing their masks incorrectly, than people wearing them correctly. Masks don't do anything.

[@albertkanaan2748]

So what is the reason for the crisis

[@grayrabbit2623]

Agree Media always say like tourism is 90% of Thailand GDP it’s true that there are people got affected by tourism but they have to adjust themself to survive.

[@chenchacrit621]

True

[@donalain69]

@@albertkanaan2748 You ask me for the reason for a crisis i just claimed does not exist? did i understand that right?

[@u4411175]

As a Thai, we do not just rely on tourism because we have other products to export. Even though tourism can bring tremendous money into the country. During the pandemic, we exported food and other products more than ever.

[@aksbeixhev]

Manufacturing is also a big part of your economy. Many people think Thailand is completely dependent on tourism but you have many more pillars supporting the economy. But the strong bath threatens your manufacturing base. Stagflation will limit the comeback of the tourism industry. But I still believe in a bright future for Thailand long term.

[@eduardochavacano]

But tourism is the most important. the backpackers can save Thailand.

[@hub6490]

@@eduardochavacano That is far from the truth. even before covid at peak of Thai tourism. Money from Tourism contributed to only 9-12% of GDP. (only $60 billions) Majority of GDP come from exporting vehicle part and electronic appliance.

[@KGopidas]

Happy and relieved to see the reply!!. Wish the society comes out of all itsproblens at the earliest!!!!!

[@gcb4763]

So many countries suffered from the drop in tourism, but what is tourism? It is a time when people come to visit your country and spend their money on things you can offer, I live in New Zealand where we have had many tourists in the past but when tourism died New Zealanders cancelled their travel plans and instead borrowed, not for travel, but for DIY projects around their homes. They also travelled locally. |It wasn't so much a drop in the economy it was a change of spending. I remember the years of the 1960s when there was very little tourism, but we did other things with our money.

[@richardwell6822]

Thailand is the luckiest country in the world they have the best king who robbed the people's tax money and stash it in Germany more than 15 billion, another lucky is they have the best religion in the world, they have so many magicians monks who preach about poverty and sickness caused by the Kama or bad deed in a previous life as far as Jurrasic period instead of people been rob of money for Social Service system. Thailand has nothing called Human Service whatsoever, people have to make a living on street food or prostitution while all the revenue goes to the palace and military barracks for Thai military generals.

[@hongng3963]

I wish we could go back to the way we lived during the 60s. But now with social media and technology it’s very hard especially with younger people.

[@farhangalantino2425]

New Zealand was really far away from Asian Mainland. So New Zealand couldnt really rely on tourism. While Thailand located almost centrally in Asian Maindland. Tourist from all over Asia could easily coming to Thailand, thats why the tourism industry boom. Dont forget that China Mainland getting richer so a lot of Chinese Mainland tourist flocking around South East Asia, and they are the biggest contributor for SEA tourism industry. But with the condition of China Mainland still in lockdown, i dont think tourism industry will flourish again.

[@tofaanshinwari6431]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5-opZKDrbR2f9kق

[@msbrownbeast]

That's easier in an affluent country like NZ. But in Thailand, so many people live below the poverty line.

[@MithunOnTheNet]

Here's hoping Thailand's tourism recovers. I can't believe what COVID must have done to Bangkok since my last visit in November 2019. Hope to return someday, best wishes from India!

[@izzatfauzimustafa6535]

Maybe Thailand should consider doing something to ensure its middle class people have plenty of work opportunities as well as cutting down on heavy dependency towards mass tourism to get hard currencies from foreign tourists. Thailand's automotive, agricultural, food & beverage, retail and chemical industries are pretty strong. The ethanol fuel sector in Thailand also has potentials as well.

[@leehyunsong7001]

Do something, so easy to say something, i applaud your naive

[@Iceyfire12]

@D R Thailand’s population hasn’t grown at all! It’s actually shrinking plus there are more Malay and Indo Muslims procreating in Bangkok/Thailand than ever before!

[@anantachonnambat6701]

@D R It is true that Thai population hasn't start shrinking yet but the manpower shortage is looming. Thailand was already considered an "Aging Society" as less and less people are born while more and more got older and quit the workforce. Right now the fertility rate is at 1.53 (While the country needs 2.1 in order to keep a healthy demographic) and has a growth rate of 0.23% as of 2022.

[@cloudzero1547]

@D R Get your numbers right. From Thailand’s official statistics, the population in Dec 21, 2021 is not 72 million, but 66,1 million. And in year 2000 the population was 61,8 million. That is an increase of 4,3 million and not 10 million since year 2000. Furthermore Thailand’s population has started shrinking since last year due to low birthrate.

[@Invictus888]

@@cloudzero1547 Right on. Good for you. Unfortunately Thailand was destroyed by mass tourism. They thought the gravy train would never end. I make my home in Vietnam for the last 18 years. I don't regret a minute of it. Still have many friends in Thailand who I visit periodically. Be well, best from Vietnam.

[@patsim1615]

Thailand is still a unique country in it's own colorful way of cultural. Definitely people will still visit. As due to Covid now, lesser tourists expected.

[@indiandaeng]

Govt red tape and lack of more than 28 day visa without a month of paperwork to apply in Thailand only for a longer visa which by Thai standards would take months even after you paid the bribes to every civil service employee.

[@KSMrK]

Every country has the same issue but so far we have received more than 2m visitors since the country opened its door to foreigners.Things looking much better now although not 100% like before but life is almost back in full stream now for most.

[@Thomas-lk5cu]

Yep, that's what I've heard as well. I'm currently in Ao Nang, and the locals are optimistic (as always). We have to remember that it's currently low season, and hopefully the tourism will bounce back in November going forward.

[@user-on8do9xn7k]

Great content.

[@huehlu93]

Just came back from Bangkok was there for 2 weeks and honestly I can say everything this video said is true. We visited Ko Samui and it was very depressing to see that only 40% of the shops were opened, you can see the abandon buildings from a lot of the businesses. As much as I love Bangkok I don't see myself visiting again for another few years. I hope the locals aren't suffering too much with the economy decline. I pray that more tourists will go back to support this loving country.

[@Thomas-lk5cu]

If you love Bangkok/Thailand, you should visit again soon. I'm in Thailand right now, and things are pretty much like they use to be during low season. The locals need our business, and there's still a ton of things to do/eat/see. Some of the best restaurants and cafes are still packed every night, so this is just a natural process of weeding out bad apples. I think it benefits Thailand on the long run, and hopefully some of the bad businesses won't reappear.

[@dontlaughtoomuch11]

@@Thomas-lk5cu I hope the sex tourism stays gone!! Thailand is a good model of WHAT NOT TO DO on a macro economic level as a country!!!! Look at Vietnam and all the economic investment it attracts from Japan, China, USA...

[@think_again82]

nice content documentary keep it up.

[@chrisbarber3531]

Be hard for people to get there with the way the airlines are doing business.

[@raymondleehawaii]

Most informative and without bias . Program well produced. Thanks You for sharing. Aloha !

[@rickdeckard7470]

Great interview!!! I saw you at Terminal 21 a few weeks ago tried to say hi but I was going escalator

[@user-hg6rx6sh8v]

เมืองไทยเมืองพุทธ เมืองแห่งพระพุทธศาสนา เมืองแห่งรอยยิ้มและน้ำใจ 🙏🏻🇹🇭❤️

[@stanleystuart2008]

The problem with Thai governments and believe me I have been studying Thailand for over 30yrs they seem to live in a noddyland mentality

[@tamsinthai]

It's not called Toyland for nothing, with it's Potemkin institutions, strutting about with medals not one of them went to war to win. Pathetic really.

[@farhangalantino2425]

Another problem was that plane ticket now was crazy expensive. I used to be able buy ticket to Bangkok for 70 USD one way, now it cost 140 USD one way. So backpacker would have a hard time to travel again since everything getting more expensive.

[@kastelvetro1491]

wait till winter, its going to be brutal. thailand was pre 2006 35-60 percent cheaper and the baht was 25 percent weaer, it was once fun and cheap now its sterile rude and more then the west on all things but rent and msg food.

[@JazzFunkNobby1964]

USD 70 from which city?

[@emerson-sheaapril8555]

Hahaha, so lucky not to live in North America, it's expensive for us to fly anywhere, at least $1000 to Thailand

[@farhangalantino2425]

@@JazzFunkNobby1964 from Jakarta, Indonesia. Still in SEA, thats why it's cheap.

[@farhangalantino2425]

@@emerson-sheaapril8555 at least minimum wages in USA was 3000 USD for Bachelor Graduate. Here in Indonesia usually Bachlor Graduate minimum wages only 300 USD.

[@rufanuf1]

This documentary loses the plot around 16 minutes. Thailand's tourism industry is ALREADY massively diversified. Wellness tourism is well developed, as are many other sectors of tourism. The real issue for Thailand is that as the economy develops some aspects of Thailand's appeal will be lost forever. Namely VALUE FOR MONEY. Thailand was once an amazing destination for this reason. Now not so much. This is not about being CHEAP, it is about being amazing, the term used so much in TAT's marketing, and in the past this was very very true. If the Thai authorities wish to improve the prospects of Thailand's tourism sector once again they need to let small businesses trade freely with few restrictions and tax, making destinations good value once again. The government should collect their fees at the airport! As they once did, as opposed to banging on the doors of small businesses for ever more tax and bureaucracy.

[@jennypai1776]

Authorities should collect fees in the consulates - like how the US, UK, Australia do for their visa tourist fee that are way more expensive than all the fees Thailand charges

[@rufanuf1]

@@jennypai1776 Maybe...but that process is pretty user unfriendly. It use to be a simple arrival or departure tax, your 500BHT note in a machine as you go thru immigration. The point I was making is that small businesses can no longer offer great value on the streets of tourist zones as they are now too heavily taxed and regulated by local authorities. Many street hawkers in Bangkok have simply been banned. In the meantime bars, and entertainment zones have been taken over by the big bucks, losing all their character and charm. Its a shame. I guess they call it progress!

[@Kipper1997]

@@rufanuf1 can you elaborate on "taken over by the big bucks" which'd be much appreciated

[@rufanuf1]

@@Kipper1997 Simple. These businesses are no longer owned and ran by small business owners. More often than not they are now part of larger corporate operations with multiple business operations. They are not owner led businesses anymore.

[@JazzFunkNobby1964]

@@jennypai1776 People would choose a similar destination without the visa fees.

[@TitoTimTravels]

I would rather live in a Buddhist country, like Thailand, but they make it way too complicated for long term tourists (Chiang Mai was my #1 choice). I retired to the Philippines almost 10 years ago, and nothing could have been easier! The PIs welcomes long term tourists, and Thailand cries. After China reopens and allows tourists out, Thailand will be ok... if they can hang on that long...

[@plos2765]

Exactly. Too much headache, worry, paperwork etc. It's off my list. Even Malaysia seems to let ppl in 6 months a year visa free. No paperwork at all

[@JackSmith-fy8qw]

I've been to Thailand roughly 20 times since 2012, this damage is self inflicted. Even after they "opened" the Thai pass, quarantine, etc and other rules kept the majority of tourists out of Thailand. They lost over $120 billion USD in tourism revenue over two years. Pre-covid they had roughly 40 million tourists, now they are struggling to get to 5-8 million for this year. Lots of folks found different destinations during covid. It will take many years before they get back to pre-Covid tourism numbers, if ever.

[@SS-mf5bz]

Absolutely 💯 %

[@Iceyfire12]

If they never implanted any measures like other East Asian Countries the stupid Protestors would call the government incompetent putting its citizens life at risk for Tourism! In a way it was for the government not receive a backlash and making sure with enough time and slowly opening none of its citizens can complain riot protest that they were incompetent and put tourism first before its own people!

[@oneviwatara9384]

Someone needs to be arrested for the lockdown around the world.

[@IndoHound]

Undonesia is worse. The present crop of politicians this country is blessed with has singularly capable of undoing the 2000 to 2010 economic boom. Even the forgotten 2010 to 2020 period is remembered with fondness compared to what we have now. Thank God for our large internal market and the relative autonomy of a major part of our local economy from the depredations dreamed up by the movers and shakers in Unkarta.

[@beerman204]

glass half empty

[@geoffreyrose1620]

In the West many people are finding it hard to maintain themselves.

[@jking6620]

Fundamental strategy flaw regarding cherry picking the tourist focus (wealthy, wellness...). With all due respect, Thailand is in no position to be selective. If you have a pulse and enough money to come to Thailand, please come. Thailand still isn't wide open and 99% of people are still wearing masks in Bangkok, both outdoors and indoors. The steak place I went to last weekend they were wearing two gloves, masks, and face-shields-with a security person in front of the place to make sure you took temperature and wore your mask to your table. So that you could immediately take it off in a very crowded room. The entire theater show needs to end and bandaid needs to be ripped off-longer/free visa on arrival for 60-90 days, the population to show their smiles again, and a warm welcome for everyone (rich, poor, working, retired). Used to be something for everyone in Thailand and that's what made it so great. Anything short of this will miss the mark.

[@Iceyfire12]

If they never implanted any measures like other East Asian Countries the stupid Protestors would call the government incompetent putting its citizens life at risk for Tourism! In a way it was for the government not receive a backlash and making sure with enough time and slowly opening none of its citizens can complain riot protest that they were incompetent and put tourism first before its own people!

[@Iceyfire12]

Longer Visa you just need to enjoy the first week and take a day to apply for a visa extension. If your a seasoned tourist you should understand the process.

[@lucca_lee]

Its no longer mandatory to wear mask outdoor but if people like to wear its their own choice. If you wanna look like an alien just dont wear it people wont mind just some may not need you to be near.

[@tofaanshinwari6431]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5-opZKDrbR2f9kگ

[@IndoHound]

Terrific comment J King! I see the agenda behind this official attempt to limit travel numbers to the well healed only. The chi-chi Wellness industry particularly appeals to left wing metro sexual types of the West and proto West countries. They do not want to encounter the hoi polloi from their own countries while traveling. This is why they get their minions in foreign countries to institute policies to minimize travel.

[@secrets.295]

I like the new strategy. One of the reason why I avoid going to Thailand is no 1, I dont like beaches. I like city tourism, but Bangkok has a reputation of very wild night life, which I am not comfortable with. Focusing on wellness is a good step. Bangkok can reposition its image, and get rid of large scale prostitution for good.

[@vassanab4243]

Dude you confuse Bangkok with Pattaya. And btw there are more female traveler than male,do you think female go to Thailand for prostitute?

[@chandraprakashchourase8959]

Tourism will increase in coming months. Tourism from south asia and South east asian is on peak. But the government should ease the travel with safeguarding the health too.

[@harshb747]

Yeah many thirsty indians waiting to enter 😂

[@dangerousvillain7278]

Thailand's economic growth has been stuck and stagnant since years even before covid. This country is really dependant with foreign tourists. Even the gap between Bangkok and second biggest city is mind-boggling. Thailand's economy is so centralized in Bangkok metropolitan.

[@Andrew-ry6qw]

Well, I am not sure it sounds like "depending on foreign tourists" is a major revenue for Thailand and I don't think that is a true statement. Since the tourism is the 3rd largest revenue after agriculture and manufacturing. It is very easy to see in the news that anything related to tourist industry like the shops, the beaches or any attraction places are closed but behind those scenes the manufacturers still going and also agriculture and that the reason we still okayed (not great) when compare to other ASEAN countries. So let see what happen next, this is not only Thailand's crisis and the whole world will have impact to this more or less in each country including your country. Every country in the world are facing "inflation" and "Covid". However I agree more/less with your comment about "Thailand's economy is so centralized in BKK only". I have tried to explain to my Thai friends that it is wrong to do that. We have to open up all the major cities in every part of the country to be closest level to BKK, reduce the gap especially in infrastructure. FYI, actually the second cities (as you called) like Chiang Mai, Had Yai are doing well, their economy is good but they need more attention in infrastructure from the central government. The country has to spread out the wealth and living standard throughout the country not only BKK.

[@lucca_lee]

What wrong with that? You are talking just like ordinary Thai who though they know better than other. if you just look at the number and nothing else of course it is. Bangkok is huge because the size of city administration. If you look at Paris for example it seem to be small interm of population because their adminstration land area is small. If you only count the number of people who live in Paris alone but infact Paris together with the neigboring cities of Île-de-France region they are totally merge, much more connected without gap than Bangkok and the vicinity then It become more than 12 million in Île-de-France which is 6 times larger than Lyon the second largest city in France and 2 time more than the whole region of Rhône-Alpes. Another example is S. Korea. Seoul got the population of 10 million and it totally merge to Incheon city with over 2 million all together is larger than Bangkok and it vicinities and Im talking about the city with just 50 million that means 1/5 live lives around Seoul. And another example is KL if you just count KL alone then it 1.8 that how their land adminstration work but in reality KL is the centre of Klang Valley the area with over 8 million ihabited for the country with 30 million population. And if you just look at the GDP per capita. Bangkok isnt the best in the country some other small provinces got better GDP than Bangkok. So what's ur solution? shrink down the size of Bangkok or turn a small peaceful provinces into polluted iver crowded just like Bangkok? There are some provinces in tbe eastern corrier is transforming into even more industrial estate rather than leaceful fishing village isnt that good?

[@tofaanshinwari6431]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5-opZKDrbR2f9kے

[@Andrew-ry6qw]

@TravelerPat I don't blame you.

[@michaelmassino6344]

@@Andrew-ry6qw Chiang Mai is NOT doing well. It will take years IF they ever recover from Covid.

[@delilah28100]

traveled twice to Thailand before the pandemic and I can't wait to return

[@momentos_sg]

Will take some time for the tourism fully recover. Beautiful country

[@dansky03]

This is a lesson for everyone not just Thailand. It is really beneficial if the economy is diversified. I just noticed that service driven economy is thriving this pandemic. Hope government will check other lucrative areas to grow.

[@dellcruz2818]

can we say this to philippine economy. consumer driven.. millions of filipinos work abroad.. DH. SEAMAN..TEACHERS.. construction workers. entertainers.. send money home..

[@stanleystuart2008]

I love Thailand but I can also see the bigger picture needs to sort out alot of its major issues

[@ThaiLifeSingapore888]

another good production from cna! good job!

[@SS-mf5bz]

A government makes and directs a company fact it hasent been governed well for about 40yrs

[@suradechtongbunchu1174]

Can, don't worry, it's getting better.

[@Andrew-ry6qw]

Thailand is one of the most productive agriculture country in the world. We are not a rich country but we never have starvation or lack of food supplies in our history. However we need to modernize/improve Technology in agriculture section as soon as possible in order to do better. Thailand is Southeast Asia's third-largest economy (after Indonesia and Singapore), the World Bank calls a "middle-income" country. The three main economic sectors are (1) agriculture (2) manufacturing (3)services/tourism. Thailand have to learn to live with Covid (the virus), lock down country is not a good strategy. " Doing something is always better than doing nothing ".

[@chrinsamvisal]

It’s Indonesia that has the largest economy in ASEAN due to its large population. But Singaporeans are the richest in terms of per capita income. As for per capita income, Thailand is #4 behind Singapore, Brunei, and Malaysia.

[@kastelvetro1491]

youll be eating those words this winter, youll have rice but everything else is gonna cost u more.

[@somboonsaetang6380]

@@chrinsamvisal As for per capita income, it will be more accurate only when a country has less inequality income. How does it count when a country has a high per capita income but 10% of the citizen own almost 90% of the country gpd :(

[@Andrew-ry6qw]

@@kastelvetro1491 Well the whole world has to deal with this including your country not only Thailand. If you are ready we are ready. Let see.

[@Andrew-ry6qw]

@@kastelvetro1491 Well the whole world has to deal with this including your country not only Thailand. If you are ready we are ready. Let see.

[@joytato]

p’surang wasn’t done why y’all cut her off😐

[@johnbrookhaven7134]

All visitor come to vietnam now

[@fredob43]

Have to agree the tourist sector Was picking up. That was until the war in Ukraine. The Russians have stopped coming and so have the Chinese. That only leaves the UK EU USA OZ but they are finding it hard due to the increase in local costs in there own countries. Flight price have gone through the roof. How long for? Buddha only knows. Until they reduce it'll never get any better. Having lived in Thailand for over 25 years I have never seen tourism so bad as it is now. Tourist resorts are dead, how if it will return could take years. But what do I know I just use logic.

[@ch.su.695]

Sindhorn Kempinski's PR Effort?

[@anuragjoshi47]

I miss Thailand.

[@Kenkalsi]

Hope Thailand is in Green in last quarter of 2022.

[@lekraththaphon2104]

Information is unreliable. I am Thai. In Chiang Mai, on the night of July 16-17, 2023, tourists filled the Saturday and Sunday Walking Street Market. Double check the information and the number of flights. Best wishes.

[@aaaddd8888]

They should’ve obtained an updated information from the foreign youtubers in Thailand.

[@lekraththaphon2104]

@@aaaddd8888 it seems like this content is done at home at late night and presented to his boss the next morning without checking for updated information.

[@nikbaumann]

@@lekraththaphon2104Exactly!

[@hanooi7450]

Well, I'm not sure what 2023 is going to be like. On my side of the globe, that year hasn't come to pass yet. Still 2022 in the USA.

[@lekraththaphon2104]

@@hanooi7450 just wait and see, that’s all.

[@jarrodyuki7081]

nope red note.

[@tainanking]

Most visited city in the world. I’m impressed

[@ashjan3317]

lets HOPE the relaxed CANNABIS law will take off and bring back the tourists and agriculture could thrive with the growth of this industry as it is worth 100s of billions worldwide

[@indiandaeng]

THC of 3.5% is like cbd or hemp, which now is legal in Thailand. In USA THC level 25-30%. You cant get high on legal pot in Thailand and would be arrested for any stronger pot.

[@graemebuchan1919]

@@indiandaeng This is untrue, in every possible way

[@michaelmassino6344]

@@graemebuchan1919 Agree. His information is out of date.

[@JazzFunkNobby1964]

@@graemebuchan1919 Isn't it only medical cannabis that's been legalised?

[@graemebuchan1919]

@@JazzFunkNobby1964 Yes, in the same way medical aspirin and paracetamol are legal

[@stanleystuart2008]

Alot of farmland in Thailand is not being farmed at all

[@edwardlumsianming3430]

In the past alot come because it is cheap for some other countries in terms of currencies.

[@kastelvetro1491]

after cheap rent everything is less quality for the same money and more money then in the usa forquality goods. facts.

[@hengong6476]

Food business is the key

[@See_U_2morrow]

Don't worry about Tourism of Thailand , we can do everything better, you worry about your country first.

[@kunalagarwal8510]

They already stated robbing tourist! Everything is so expensive in Thailand! I wonder how local survive!

[@pigking3135]

Do you know Thailand well? Thailand does not rely solely on tourism. You guys should be more concerned about yourself.

[@Best-SiLenZ]

Hmm.. not sure if you're a Thai or not but look at the number. Yes we don't only rely on tourism but it's a big percentage in our country's GDP.

[@pigking3135]

@@Best-SiLenZ Yes, Thailand has high tourism income, but Thailand also has other industries such as food, agriculture, automotive, fishery or petroleum.

[@emerson-sheaapril8555]

@@pigking3135 yes but everything is also connected. So let's say tourism was only 10% of GDP. If you made 10% less that would be substantial. But that 10% is a national average for the country. As a person, if you are in tourism then over the years that means made almost nothing. So now you have a large section of people that used to spend money at shops, resturaunts ect..not spending anything. It's a snowball effect that just pulls people down. One sector falls and so does another. You can see this by all the shops that have closed. It's complicated. I guess ideally, what should happen is that these people who were in toursim should have been able to move into another area but they couldn't either because 1. Didn't want to. 2. Not suitable for anything else 3. No jobs available I do think a lot of industries that were involved in tourism didn't want to try to change because they made a disproportionately high amount of money from tourism more than any other occupation.

[@NaphaphonNuuk.123]

ขอพระเจ้าอวยพรประเทศไทย May the Lord bless Thailand.

[@stanleystuart2008]

I have to give a massive mention to many foreigners who contributed to feeding and given donations to local Thai people

[@JW-dy8ru]

Thank you

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

Just Tam Bun out of Ngam Chai and for the Karma. With pleasure. Best wishes from Germany

[@billygrabgrab9215]

I hope this covid can be resolved quickly in Thailand

[@peanuts8677]

I live here since 2018. I love this country and i've seen what the lockdowns did to the country. Bangkok luckily has its business income but many parts like Pattaya, Phuket and other Southern islands like Koh Samui and Koh PhaNgan where hit hard. Local and foreigner businesses where shut down. Many walking streets buzzing with life where like ghost streets. Long lines of poor people gathering for food donations. Hopefully it will get better now

[@paulscottfilms]

It won't not ever. Thailand Government does not have the nouse to accomplish this.

[@peanuts8677]

@@paulscottfilms luckily getting better already. Still far from back to normal but at least money is coming and old and new businesses are opening on a weekly basis

[@pongpong123able4]

Ive been visiting Thailand almost yearly since 2015. After the pandemic lockdowns, i was looking to travel to bangkok again in 2021 but couldn't because there were still many travel restrictions. So i went to palawan and boracay in the Philippines instead. I was shocked at the natural beauty of both islands. Thailand has nothing that could compare to El Nido, coron and boracay. Plus the people in the Philippines were really conversant in English. Thailand has better infrastructure but only by a little margin..but it terms of beauty of nature, there is a large gap in favor of the Philippines

[@default123default2]

Boracay is ok I thought. I still prefer any of the Thailand equivalents. Everything in Thaiand is more developed. The markets have way better stuff, way better motorbikes to rent ect I hope Phillipines can become as developed as Thailand soon

[@Yamie1101]

@@default123default2 ..idk ..but for me Sir, its okay that some area in Phils.like some beaches are not reachable, we like it as it is. . Many island in the Phils are untouchable until now..i hope it will stay the way it is. Hoping for your understanding.. Thailand is the center of Tourism in South East Asia.. And we llove it! Been to Thailand, very beautiful place with warm and hospitable peiple.. The local tbink that I am Thai.. Nice experienced. Thnks! Have a nice day!

[@think_again82]

Philippine infrastructure is also upgrading on a fast pace since 2016 at the time of President Duterte"s amazing build build build projects.

[@tkpctt2001]

​@@think_again82Is it all infrastructure complete now?

[@khrysztoffe27]

@@default123default2 Thailand maybe more developed in terms of infrastructure but this weak aspect of The Philippines as many would think can give tourists a whole new and totally different experience from the same safe and smooth experience but for the ones who like raw, unconventional and nerve-wracking experience as they'd want adrenaline rush then The Philippines can cater these plus you could get to places that few have traveled on but you'll never be left alone less lonely in The Philippines for millions awaiting to befriend and support you. Life can't be more happier without taking challenges and risks which The Philippines can absolutely provide you that experience. Just be careful it's gonna be a rabbit hole experience, you surely will miss half of your life if you won't dig in.

[@qazwsx6104]

Can Singapore Still Rely On Chicken rice without chicken?

[@Kvasiir]

I wonder if Singapore would survive without being a tax haven?

[@Invictus888]

They would. They don't depend on money laundering or offshore money

[@ahyarhartanto1802]

back then? no today ? yes

[@arnoldhooi6023]

Agriculture Industry can provide food security.

[@oneviwatara9384]

You need a buyers though that's why most of farmers are still very poor worldwide.

[@siambulldog1]

bunch of BS from NGO producers.

[@jarrodyuki7081]

i see.

[@kujuakusg]

Thailand should consider not too rely on tourism industry,this covid teach them a lesson , especially Thailand rely on china tourist as till now many china people still cant able to leave their country,it hit Thailand tourism hard

[@stevenk1468]

When we talk about employment, the "quality instead of quantity" will not work.

[@AllSpace]

The Rich get Richer,and The Poor People get the Picture!

[@pisanto-sook8156]

We can't, and within TaT office knew this. Extreme bureucracy force them keep saying in positive tone. Higher-up fixed the income per count of tourists at 70,000 Thb. regardless of how much each tourist actually spend. This inflated number income were fixed for over 20 years. Falsifying tourism income value trick investors. The investor's loan, capital wasted unproductively on tourist facilities.

[@sasibee39]

yes just bring me back home

[@veramann]

Thailand is a very lucky country because it was not invaded by the French like Vietnam, not invaded by the British like Myanmar, or hurt itself like the civil war in Cambodia. Plus, a big part of the lands in Thailand was stolen from the Khmer people when the Khmer Empire began to fail after 600 years of domination and control of Southeast Asia.

[@stevenbarton5949]

gee thanks for the ancient history lesson !

[@vassanab4243]

Thailand was invaded by French that’s why they have to give Laos and Cambodia to French. Pls learn history. Laos and Cambodia use to be part of Thailand otherwise Thailand couldn’t give them to France.

[@GalaxyJ-mr3lp]

Yes sir Thailand have super hero project tourist and ee and see

[@xrc5540]

The places look so shabby and rickety.

[@ebx100]

I just don't see a lot of wealthy tourists coming. Thailand used to be popular to tourists seeking a good value. Wealthy tourists won't put up with constant unfinished roads and buildings, and a non-English speaking population. Maybe the French Rivera, but not Pattaya.

[@xstensl8823]

@@ebx100 i have been to both, but prefer Thailand

[@Kipper1997]

It Always Has Been Like That. Malaysia Is 100% More WorthWhile.

[@Iceyfire12]

@@ebx100 Yes because Thailand is the only country in SEA not colonized so they never were forced or had the need to learn English! Only the ones interested will learn English and want to converse with them! Shabby you don’t go from one modern city to another city unless that’s your thing. Thailand has the Best malls than all SEA countries. You can travel by boat train taxi grab Uber. How many other modern cities can do that??? Bangkok now has Electric boats and new piers, new parks, and expanding its rail networks.

[@Iceyfire12]

@@ebx100 please go and converse in English with colonized Philippines and Singaporean Singlish.

[@dellcruz2818]

philippine economy is consumer driven. OFW send home dollars. yen. name the currency they have it. Domestic helper. caregiver. seaman. engineers. nurses. doctors. skilled workers and entertainers these filipinos abroad have one in common. sending money home. ... tourist arrivals were down but OFW have return to work order.. sending money home. ... but the case of thailand is just temporary.. after this covid.. tourist will return... and if entry to thailand is EASY .. vaccination clearance from country of origin...millions of tourist will return.. human nature love entertainment.. and thailand have this. plus street food . cheap food prices.. is a plus for tourist

[@readwrite1815]

I visited Thailand 5 times. I love SEA countries, except Singapore. Because Singapore has no unique culture and not much activities to do.

[@tonythaiger93]

Singapore 🇸🇬 is for sightseeing few places then meeting rich clients

[@amandant]

Marijuana def help being back tourist

[@indiandaeng]

Thai pot 3.5% thc cant get high on it. 25-30% thc is norm in most countries. This is equal to cbd and hemp, declared nonintoxicating in the USA.

[@JazzFunkNobby1964]

@@indiandaeng That's old news. All cannabis legalised June 9th 2022. Yippeeeee

[@setzero8624]

Thailand is busy now, I just got here!

[@Youyu1234]

Thailand was even worse having a stupid and shameless prime minister and his team. Many countries help the small businesses and people when the country lockdown with sufficient financial support but Thailand help with very small amounts which not really enough for them to survive.

[@michaelmassino6344]

I totally agree with you. The government runs as a money machine for the elites only.

[@SS-mf5bz]

Also to much mafia in tourist spots control alot of revenue coming into the industry

[@michaelmassino6344]

Like Phuket taxis?

[@JazzFunkNobby1964]

The Boys in Brown.

[@iamrenzramientos]

I love Thailand because it is like also in Philippines even the faces of Thai are same hahahaha.

[@24mithuna]

Tbh, I'm so bored with the way foreign medias portray Thai economy by showing tourism thingy over and over. 😒😒

[@kengibson746]

Seems these T A T Officials who predict the future inflow of tourist must pick their numbers out of a lucky bag.The entire world is on the verge of a entire financial meltdown and they are predicting millions returning. If only

[@Iceyfire12]

Try booking a air flight to Thailand in December! All Japan Airlines are fully booked! There will be many people who have jobs that will travel regardless especially to Thailand now that most of its restrictions and hassles are over!

[@kastelvetro1491]

@@Iceyfire12 the restrictions arent over!!!! wow bar girls who are 5ft tall and fat and want mre then it cost to date in the usa a real humanoid!!!!! all yes all flights are booked!!! yes exclammation marks!!!!! local facts dunce= houseing up, rent up, inflattion up, thai inflation up, tickets up, and coid restrictions still around like mask etc plus covid might cause another lock down in low i.q thailand

[@tofaanshinwari6431]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5-opZKDrbR2f9kع

[@tejasam1]

Unconditional right to stop our own life whenever we want, for all adults

[@beachrockmoxam2729]

I rather go to de Caribbean, its closer for me and my family incase if there is on Emergency it will only take me 3 hours to reach back home to NYC .

[@Spark-Hole]

U r right, Thai never care about American tourists, they hardly come anyway but rather Chinese, EU, Russian, AU.

[@Kipper1997]

True.

[@plos2765]

No thanks. Not after they made the whole process of going there like a hell. Used to be easy to get a visa and stay a few months or even do a visa run and stay a bit longer. Now it isn't and if you fly in you can never be sure if something weird will happen and they don't let u in. Too much hassles and things to worry about sorry. Used to be a good place until around 2015 when all the difficulties began

[@geoffreyrose1620]

Farangs love Thailand but they too are doing it hard.

[@liar-liar]

Can, as long as there's clubs

[@fabianteruel5748]

I worked over 20 years here in tourism, it will never be as it was before. To satisfy the tourist industry would need 40 million visitors a year incl. all those cheap Charly Chinese. We are light years away from that. Yes, tourism will come back here and there but not to the extent of 2019.

[@JazzFunkNobby1964]

Thailand's Tourism sector has always come back stronger after each setback so I'd say you didn't learn much in your twenty years.

[@fabianteruel5748]

@@JazzFunkNobby1964 looks like you haven't been on this planet for a while, this is not only about Thailand anymore. To fully recover again you need a booming global economy, peace and the Chinese. Well yeah you can add the Indians in this mix if you want if they qualify as quality tourists is another story.

[@JazzFunkNobby1964]

@@fabianteruel5748 But we are talking about Thailand not the rest of the World. People like you make me laugh. The ones that say they've lived or worked in Thailand for many years that think they know it all yet know absolutely nothing.

[@fabianteruel5748]

@@JazzFunkNobby1964 555 loser, no idea about anything but a big mouth. Pathetic, go crawl back into the hole you came out from

[@stevenbarton5949]

sounds like Nobby knows so much more than Fabian ,wow very impressive!

[@stanleystuart2008]

The road to recovery will be long but the road will be even very very longer if the Thai people don't vote this government out of power

[@tamsinthai]

'vote' and 'government' don't exist here or anywhere else for that matter. Wake up.

[@diabloimmortal1117]

As usual foreign news agency pretend to know what is what on Thailand and make it sound worse than it actually is. Tell me which country that popular for tourist doesn't suffer from Covid? Yes we do suffer from Covid like everybody but tourism is not our main source of income like this channel described. We have agriculture, produce goods, exporters. We are one of the kitchen of the world. Everything that essential of living goods we can produce in house. So there are ways to earn living income other than tourism. Thailand already bounce back. Tourists are flooding back to the country at increasing rate. Hotel rates now are almost the same as pre-covid.

[@stanleystuart2008]

Power to the children

[@lucca_lee]

Not all Thai people are in the tourism industry. Im Thai my work isnt depending on tourism and I hate this industry, the government gone too far relying too much on this sector 5% is ok 15% is too much (foreign). Most of tourist who come to Thailand are abnormal people the government did the right thing to try to get another group of quality tourist or atleast good attempt that doesnt seem to be success. I dont wanna have anything to do with these weird tourist in Khaosan Nana or Patpong. I was so happy when Thailand close the border (minus the lock down of course) People here are too spoil they are expecting too much from the society or the government what did they give to society before apart from bad reputation and all the mess for their own survive? They arent even pay direct taxes like I did if anyone who should get the help from the government it should be me not those who work on the grey businesses. And now these none tax paying people start to demand things they dont deserve. They can die trying. Maybe in the next life ( if it does exist) .

[@oneviwatara9384]

You mean a lot of tourists visit Thailand are dirt poor? How to resolve that problem is very easy all the non Asians people tourists must have an income of $50k annually to enter Thailand problem solved.

[@IndoHound]

Wow Hog Deer aren't you a nice person!

[@stevenbarton5949]

Hog is the right name, Hey maybe just put all those smelly people in the gas chamber,huh?

[@pip07200]

Obviously, being too reliant on tourism just increases the risk to external shocks. Sadly all the talk about building back better and more sustainable economic fundamentals we heard in 2020 has now been forgotten ..

[@boysiedent6149]

building back better and more sustainable economic fundamentals - mentally retarded diatribe

[@AriDuang]

First of all, we must oust the coup out of our land first 🤣🤣🤣

[@heroes8844]

why are people still talking about covid? iam here in vietnam and covid feels like a year long death awhile ago. Whats so bad broo, what are u people doing wrong.

[@stanleystuart2008]

Thailand has dropped to number 4th in the world.d for export of rice fact cause rice crops are very labour intensive

[@willyyoung5512]

Channel News Asia, the voice of a changing Asia.

[@IndoHound]

It is actually the mouthpiece of the Singaporean government.

[@user-ii8mt6bk3m]

ขำคอมเม้นว่าจีนครอบงำไทย555 กลิ่นตุๆแทบประเทศข้างๆ🤣🤣🤣

[@thomaswwwiegand]

I life here since 2006, and have seen the changes as of growing tourist industry. Too Focused on less areas, and too less security for the workers. My partner was freelancer tour-guide, and asking for for money, just get replaced by another one, do it cheap and create then a lot of complaints from tourists. As of the low payment of about 1.500 Baht a day (full day travel in German, less in English) and the need to cover the own costs of special accommodation, we know other companies payed 1.800 or even 2.500 Baht. So she lost work Beginning 2021 and also all income, but the fixed stuff at also here Office she got most of contracts still got payed. As of my clear announcement that this pandemic will at least take 2 years, and operators didn't want to pay more, she started her own restaurant making our income. This your the company asked her again even with 2.000 a day as of many costumers asked especially for her to guide, we still remember their behavior before and during the pandemic and denied the offer, which as of rising price still is less than the own income now. How can a tourist industry hope on their own old worker after lest them alone in Covid-19. The same problem also makes it so difficult to restart, similar to German airports missing staff to handle the rising travels, here it was much too late to get owner and renting people together to keep the environment as restaurants, massage shops, etc. open. The owner wanted full rent, so all shops are gone. I see it in Chiang Mai about 2 times a week on the way to market.

[@bobbysalane5656]

Each previous outbreak was caused by negligence and incompetence by ppls in charge… boxing gym and massive parties while other places were locking down… as bad as the damage was… it could’ve been better managed so there’s a softer blow..

[@SS-mf5bz]

About 10 % of thailamds tourism of gdp needs a new direction to much of a percentage of gdp in its economy. I know the lthe medium to longterm fix of this shift . Let this be a lesson the west they have a saying never put all your eggs in one basket

[@user-eh5xr1mh6w]

I'm so proud to be Thais

[@clivebaxter6354]

why? it's just an accident of birth, nothing special about Thailand, except for some of the music

[@JazzFunkNobby1964]

It's good to be proud of your country. Chok dee.

[@clivebaxter6354]

@@JazzFunkNobby1964 What is there to be proud about re Thailand?

[@JazzFunkNobby1964]

@@clivebaxter6354 Why ask me that? I'm not Thai.

[@LeeC678]

ฉันคิดเหมือนคุณเจ้าของคอมเม้นท์ ทุกประเทศมีข้อดีกับข้อเสียหมด ใครไม่ชอบประเทศไทยเป็นสิทธิ์ของเค้า และฉันก็ให้เกียรติประเทศนั้นๆที่ดูถูกประเทศไทย โดยส่วนตัวฉันรักประเทศไทย

[@JFKennedy-wy5ez]

Now they are going to implement two prices, one for locals and the other for tourist. Ok good luck with that I’ll take my euro 💶 somewhere else

[@lucaspierre9305]

It’s always been the case in Thailand. They dislike tourists, they only like their money.

[@dinhgiatien6893]

So what? In term of adult industry, Thailand ist still the best in the world

[@oneviwatara9384]

I think you should take your Euro and donate to NEO-NAZIS Ukrainians soldiers I think they need that money to fight Russia 🤣😂

[@Invictus888]

Been like that for years......you just weren't told

[@JazzFunkNobby1964]

@nambawanme What did you catch?

[@indiandaeng]

Thailand has made it so tourists do not want to go there. My wife in Thai had an operation, contacted embassy in Chicago for 90 day visa, directed to Thailand website so you have to apply in Thailand now, translate bank statements-income statements into Thai, submit them with all other types of paperwork. Airlines want $350 to change flight from 28 days to 90 days IF a visa is granted in time which is not likely.

[@JazzFunkNobby1964]

Is it easy for a Thai National to visit the USA and then get a 90 day extension? Or is it actually impossible in most circumstances?