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[hammered]

It could just be that there are more choices for Japanese tourists in the region these days with places like Vietnam and Cambodia becoming relatively more popular.
Still it does seem that there are record numbers of Russians visiting. It is probably worth looking at tourism as a whole rather than just the fall in one group, and trying to score a cheap politcal point.

[inmemorylsx]

george, on 2008-06-06 22:47:25, said:

80 per cent of tourists from Japan disappear because of protests: Govt spokesman

BANGKOK: -- Government Spokesman Wichianchot Sukchotrat Saturday blamed the protests led by the People's Alliance for Democracy for the disappearance by some 80 per cent of tourists from Japan.

Wichianchot said the protests on the Rajdamnone Avenue by the PAD scared away foreign investors and tourists.

He said the disappearance by tourists also affected the aviation industry.

The spokesman said the government was trying to negotiate with the protesters to move to another site because the protests had severely affected the country and affected many other people's rights.

-- The Nation 2008-06-07

Living in Japan and a true love of Thailand as well as yearly 2-3x frequent tourist over the past 3 decades, I would say the feeling in Japan is travel to is based on a weak yen and strong baht.

Thailand is a great country with a wonderful culture, food, people etc. Japanese are taking shorter flights to Korea for 2-3 days or Shanghai for shopping.

When the yen strengthens you will see more Japanese return!

[ray23]

One thing for sure it certainly more expensive to visit here then it a few years back. Well maybe they are getting what they wanted the upscale money folks, simply not as many of them as the run of mill garden variety tourist.

[Scott]

I would be very interested in knowing how you set up a study (statistically) that shows this type of outcome!

[ray23]

I seriously doubt it. I think if anything it would be the cost of travel effecting things

[PhilHarries]

The sad part of all this is that the vast majority of the people in Thailand who have a say in who is elected (i.e. the Thai electorate) lack sufficient education to see through lies and deceipt of this kind. They then extend the effects of the protest to explain why they are getting less customers at their noodle stall etc and thus the mob becomes easier to manipulate and turn on whoever the politicians decide they don't like.

This tactic has been used by rabble rousers throughout history.

[MacauThai]

80% is a lie.

[ray23]

T.T ( Tis Thailand) Which one to believe up to you take your choice

" LEGAL CORNER
Tourism booms, Thailand gets hotel act together
By Swangchit Tricharoenwiwat
Published on June 9, 2008


Tourism is among the fastest growing sectors of the global economy and is favoured by developing countries as a means of promoting growth, boosting foreign investment and increasing foreign reserves.


The sector is expected to add Bt800 billion to Thailand's coffers.


With the sector growing, construction of hotels and resorts has seen a boom.


This has provided higher employment opportunities, boosted infrastructure development and benefited associated industries such as banking, finance and manufacturing.


In Thailand, small hotels and guest accommodations have seen higher growth. Small hotels provide personalised service and are often eco-friendly. Sometimes a family opens its house to paying guests, providing them a unique cultural experience and in turn, earning extra income. However, small hotels have encountered problems while applying for a licence due to the criteria set down by the Building Control Act BE 2522.


The importance of the hotel industry on the Thai economy has motivated the government to amend the Hotel Act BE 2478.


On May 23, the Interior Ministry issued the much anticipated Ministerial Regulation clarifying the provisions of the Hotel Act. The key features are:


n The definition of a hotel will exclude residential premises for rent with no more than four rooms whether in a single building or severalbuildings and serving 20 guests. The owners of such premises will have to report to the Hotel Registrar but their building will not be categorised as a hotel.


n Hotels have been classified into four types depending on the number and area of rooms, and the facilities provided. Owners of lodgings that have four rooms or less will not be required to apply for a licence. The lodgings will compete with serviced apartments, guesthouses, resorts and small hotels with licences. However, medium-sized hotels may continue to face problems in applying for licences.


For more information, visit www.mayerbrownjsm.com"