Boosting Thai Touris Market!

September 4, 2013

Thailand Chamber of Commerce is concerned about global recession outcomes and therefore, rushes to issue free visas for ASEAN members to help boost tourism in Thailand.

Mr.Nawan Ponvichai, Director of the Center for Economic and Business Forecasting University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce claims that the Thai tourism industry has shown a growth, even though the world economy is in recession i.e Europe, America. Countries like India and China that are major tourist markets for Thailand are dealing with currency depreciation however , this has not affected Thailand’s tourism industry.

It can be measured from the first quarter of the year that the growth rate for Thailand has increased by 20% as compared to last year. South-east Asian has had 50% growth this year as for the ASEAN market has increased by 20%. Thailand has major tourist attraction and also served as the connecting hub for the ASEAN (AEC).

The factors that could affect Thai tourism is the political situation in Thailand. The current political situation and the mob situation had caused violence, this issue still needs to be kept an eye on especially in the months of September and October. Political situations, economic recession and an increase in costs of living are factors that are affecting the Thai tourism industry for the three months high season at the end of this year.

Mr.Somchai Phokpasniwan, an economist claims that Thailand must rush in investing in restaurants and hotels. The country could also boost tourism by representing Thai food, because Thai food has become very popular around the world. Especially the fact that people are more health-conscious and are shifting towards a more healthy meal, Thai food should be ranked in the top three in the next few years.

Mr . Somchai also claims that the government should cooperate with ASEAN countries are planning to issue ASEAN visa so that travelling into each member country is much easier. This visa could be comparable to the Schengen visa for EU members.