Bangkok: People are expressing concern over the slowdown in Thai tourism, with a notable decrease in foreign tourists, especially from China. They are proposing strategies to quickly address this issue. The government is working on expediting the "We Travel Together" project to boost domestic tourism and prevent further economic downturn.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nattapol Towijakchaikul, a Chiang Mai MP and member of the Tourism Committee of the House of Representatives, highlighted that the tourism sector has been declining since the first quarter of 2015, with significant drops in visitors from China, Malaysia, and South Korea. Conversely, there has been an increase in tourists from Russia and India. Major tourist destinations like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Songkhla have all experienced decreases in tourist numbers compared to the previous year.
Mr. Nattapol emphasized that while events like the March earthquake contributed to the decline, other internal and external factors are also at play. These include global economic fluctuations, policies from countries like China encouraging domestic travel, and safety concerns due to incidents such as shootings and scams, which have tarnished Thailand's image. He cautioned that the uncertainty in tourism will challenge the government's ability to effectively manage the situation.
The People's Party has proposed both short-term and long-term solutions to address the decline. Short-term measures include targeting less-affected tourist groups and clarifying the "We Travel Together" project's budget and privileges. Long-term strategies involve improving safety standards, breaking up crime groups, and enhancing infrastructure.
Mr. Chalermpong Saengdee, an MP for Phuket, also raised concerns about the sluggish tourism in Phuket, a key revenue-generating destination. He noted that while January saw an increase, the following months witnessed declines in tourist numbers and revenue. The high costs of raw materials and electricity have burdened local businesses. Additionally, infrastructure issues and environmental challenges pose significant obstacles to maintaining Phuket's competitive edge.
Mr. Chalermpong urged the government to address these issues to ensure Thailand remains competitive among leading tourist destinations. He acknowledged Phuket's natural beauty but stressed the need for visionary leadership to resolve infrastructure and tourism challenges. He cautioned that while visa-free programs may offer short-term benefits, they could have long-term negative impacts on local communities and tourism.