Tourism

Thailand’s Tourism Operators Have Mixed Feelings Over Free Visa for Chinese

M. Shiva, owner of a Chiang Mai hotel in northern Thailand, has mixed feelings about the upcoming start of a visa-waiver program for Chinese visitors to Thailand.

The 32-year-old hotelier acknowledges the positive impact Chinese tourists have on the local economy, but his annoyance with the proliferation of so-called “zero-dollar” trips, offered by Chinese tour operators, is growing in tandem with their numbers.

Visiting Chinese visitors have a significant effect on local economies in Thailand, according to Shiva. The 2012 Chinese box office success “Lost in Thailand,” gained a lot of notoriety in China and has led to increased interest in Thailand, he said.

We need them, but we don’t know how to clean up the illegal tour operators in order to provide optimal support for Thai business owners.

By “illegal tour operators,” Shiva meant the plethora of businesses the government has taken to court, accusing them of coercing tourists for spending money at a collection of extortionately priced establishments owned by Chinese nationals.

Chinese Taking jobs away from Locals in Thailand

In a series of rulings that wrapped up last year, all 13 defendants were exonerated, but some tour guides and company owners are still wary.

“There are worries that Chinese businessmen will come here and establish up businesses, taking jobs away from local Thais. “They claim to have arrived because of the free-visa campaign, but in reality, they have been here for a long time,” a local tour guide named Paisarn Suethanuwong told BenarNews.

The free visa policy should be beneficial to the economy, according to Paisarn, a member of the Professional Tourist Guides Association of Thailand.

Last week, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin stated that, from September 25 through February 29, 2024, tourists from China and Kazakhstan will not need a visa to enter Thailand. The government anticipates that the initiative would attract 30 million international tourists this year, 5 million of whom will be Chinese.

Some in the tourism sector, the general public, and the media have had mixed reactions to the policy. The authorities know it’s risky, and China’s slowing economy might still wreck it.

Official data shows that before the COVID-19 outbreak in 2019, almost 40 million tourists from China visited the Southeast Asian country.

Since Beijing relaxed its strict pandemic regulations in January, Chinese citizens have been gradually returning.

According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, there were around 18.5 million international visitors to the country between January and September 10. Of these, 2.21 million were Chinese, making up the second largest group of visitors after Malaysians. In 2017, just 262,441 Chinese visitors visited Thailand.

Chinese Exempt Visa Fees

According to Suphachai Charoenkittipaisarn, a researcher in the economics department at Burapha University in Chonburi province, the visa-waiver programme could help increase Chinese arrivals by making travel easier and cheaper because tourists will not have to pay visa fees.

“The targeted 5 million Chinese tourists is attainable,” he said.

According to the Bangkok Post, Immigration Bureau Commissioner Lt. Gen. Pakpoompipat Sajjapan warned earlier this month that the initiative could provide a backdoor for transnational criminal organisations, illegal businesses, and call centre gangs to enter the country.

Meanwhile, the Agence France-Presse stated that the August Chinese blockbuster “No More Bets” has caused some potential tourists to avoid visiting Thailand out of fear for their safety.

The film, which is alleged to be based on “real events,” follows a programmer “who ends [up] in a violent scamming compound in Southeast Asia after being trafficked through an unnamed country remarkably similar to Thailand,” according to AFP.

Local media claimed last week that Tourism Minister Sudawan Wangsupakitkosol had promised tough enforcement of the law against illegitimate firms, citing the fact that this year’s 2.2 million Chinese visitors had brought in over 100 billion baht.

After international borders closed and Thailand implemented its own limitations on foreign tourists, international tourism became a major drag on economic growth. Since then, GDP growth has averaged 1.5% each year, peaking at 2.6% in 2022.

Senior analyst at Siam Commercial Bank’s Economic Intelligence Centre Kamonmarn Jaenglom predicted that once tourism recovered, it would boost the economy as a whole.

In 2023, “[We] forecast Thai economic growth outlook to be 3.1%,” Kamonmarn added. Private spending and vacations continue to be a driving force. However, a full rebound in Thailand’s tourism industry may take some time due to difficulties in the global market.

To return to pre-pandemic levels, Kamonmarn predicts it will take until at least 2024, adding that “cost pressures due to high commodity price and labour costs” will keep international arrivals down until then.

Tourism

Interior Ministry Introduces New 180 Day Destination Thailand Visa

People from more nations will be now able to enter Thailand without a visa beginning Monday. This is part of an effort to increase tourism and encourage visitors to stay longer, Interior Ministry spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul said on Friday.

According to Ms. Traisuree, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has signed four documents that will make it easier for foreigners to travel. These modifications will all take effect on Monday, provided they are published in the Royal Gazette.

The instructions include 93 more nations on the list of individuals who can visit Thailand without a visa, up from 57 previously. People from these countries can stay for a maximum of 60 days. Additionally, from 19 to 31, nearly twice as many nations will be able to obtain visas on arrival in Thailand.

To attract digital nomads, artists, and tourists interested in learning or practicing skills such as cooking and Muay Thai, the country will also introduce the Destination Thailand Visa service.

The new form of visa, which is valid for five years, allows travelers to stay for up to 180 days.

According to Ms. Traisuree, students holding visas for master’s degrees or higher will not be required to leave Thailand immediately upon graduation. They will be able to stay for an additional year to hunt for work or vacation.

In order to enhance the economy and tourism, the cabinet took a general decision on these additional measures in May. The statement was meant to be released in June, but it was pushed back.

Ms. Traisuree believes that this is the greatest sort of visa for persons who want to work from home in the Land of Smiles and explore the nation without the various restrictions and complications that come with conventional tourist visas.

Getting a DTV will give you a 5-year multiple-entry visa that lets you stay in Thailand for a total of 180 days a year, with the opportunity to stay for another 180 days.

Ms. Traisuree said that the Destination Thailand Visa is great if you want to work from home in the Land of Smiles and see the sights without the many restrictions and problems that come with a regular tourist visa. The Destination Thailand Visa will cost 10,000 THB.

Qualifications for the Thailand Destination Visa (DTV)

According to Thai Embassy, to be eligible for the visa, you must fulfill the following conditions (which could change):

You have to be 20 years of age or older
You have to be able to afford the cost of the visa
To sustain your stay in the nation, you must demonstrate that you have at least 500,000 THB in your bank account
Proof of your employment with a recognized company is required.

For digital nomads or remote workers who want to make the most of their travels and yet have the opportunity to work while they’re there, the Destination Thailand Visa is designed just for you. Additionally, it is ideal if you are traveling to Thailand in order to partake in any of the following activities:

Thai food prepared with Muay Thai
Instruction and conferences
Sports medicine therapy
International talent International music and art events

Thailand DTV Visa Benefits

Additionally, there is uncertainty about these details and they could change:

In comparison to other Southeast Asian nations that provide comparable visas, Thailand has less stringent income requirements and charges for the visa. For another 10,000 THB, you can extend the visa once, for a maximum of 180 days.
There are ninety-three foreign nations that qualify for the Thailand DTV Visa.
With this visa, you can lawfully operate remotely for foreign clients and companies while in Thailand.
Your spouse and any children under the age of twenty may accompany you.
You are exempt from paying taxes on your foreign income because the visa allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days.

Drawbacks of a Thailand DTV Visa

You are unable to work for a Thai company that needs a Thai work visa, even though you are still able to engage in some activities and make money. Your DTV will end if you decide to change the kind of visa you are currently on.

Additional information on the visa’s release date and application process will be available in late June or early July of 2024. You will most likely be able to apply for it via the Thai immigration office, a Thai embassy, or a Royal Thai Consulate.

Tourism

Hotels in Thailand Fret as German Itravel Group Files for Bankruptcy

Thailand’s Hotels Association (THA) reports that another German tour operator has gone bankrupt, but that this will have a far less effect than the recent bankruptcy of FTI Touristik.

Following notification from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Thai Hotels Association has now confirmed that the Cologne-based luxury tour operator Itravel Group has formally filed for bankruptcy.

Southern Thailand is home to numerous high-end resorts, which Itravel aims to attract, according to Thai Hotels Association president Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun.

As a result of Itravel’s bankruptcy, he said, the hotels association is currently collecting data from its members.

On Monday, the organization wrote to the TAT and the Foreign Ministry, requesting that they assist hotel operators in keeping up with legal developments surrounding the bankruptcy of the German tour operator FTI, which resulted in a loss of almost 111 million baht for hotels around the country.

Hotels having issues with Itravel

On Monday, during the THA monthly meeting, Mr. Thienprasit noted that they also emphasized the case’s urgency to Minister Sermsak Pongpanit of Tourism and Sports.

In response to allegations that hotel operators with business partnerships with Itravel were experiencing issues with financial transactions, the agency issued an alert to the industry, according to Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas.

He speculated that the losses might be lower with Itravel, an online travel agency that focuses on the niche luxury market, than with FTI, the third operator.

According to the Bangkok Post, at Monday’s THA meeting, Mr. Sermsak stated that the ministry will look into measures to assist hotels, especially since the goal of 3.5 trillion baht in tourism earnings for this year is still very ambitious.

According to Mr. Thienprasit, the organization is opposed to the government’s plans to increase the legal foreign ownership of condominiums from 49% to 75%. This, he added, might lead to an increase in unlawful accommodations and make other condo residents feel uneasy about having more guests around the clock.

Unscrupulous investors

He said that some international investors are already breaking the law by renting out their rooms to day guests, even though the Hotel Act only permits rentals of at least 30 days.

An increase in the foreign ownership quota for condos, according to Mr. Thienprasit, could entice unscrupulous investors and lead to the construction of even more unlawful rooms, which now exceed the number of registered hotel rooms by a factor of two.

The success of Thailand’s hotel industry is highly dependent on the business of tour operators. These collaborations bring in a constant flow of visitors, particularly during busy seasons.

It is more convenient for passengers to book comprehensive packages offered by tour operators, which include hotel accommodations and activities. Because of this arrangement, hotels may anticipate a specific amount of bookings without having to spend a lot on advertising.

Additionally, hotels are able to provide more affordable rates, which appeals to guests who are mindful of their budget. But if tour operators go through slumps or start focusing on other places, this dependence might be disastrous.

Source: Bangkok Post, Thai PBS

Tourism

Embracing Paradise: Your Guide to an Unforgettable Vacation in Los Cabos

Nestled at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Los Cabos emerges as a paradise where the desert meets the sea, offering a unique blend of natural wonders, luxurious accommodations, and vibrant culture. Whether you seek serene relaxation, thrilling adventures, or cultural explorations, Los Cabos promises an idyllic escape that exceeds expectations.

Discovering Pristine Beaches

Los Cabos is renowned for its stunning beaches, each with its own charm and allure. Sink your toes into the soft sands of Medano Beach, a bustling stretch perfect for sunbathing and people-watching. For a more secluded experience, explore the rugged beauty of Santa Maria Beach, ideal for snorkeling amidst vibrant marine life in crystal-clear waters. Enhance your beach experience with guided tours and snorkeling excursions offered by https://boattripsloscabos.com/, where you can explore the coastline and underwater wonders with expert guides.

Embarking on Aquatic Adventures

Venture into the azure waters of the Sea of Cortez and Pacific Ocean for thrilling water activities. Dive into snorkeling or scuba diving expeditions to discover underwater treasures like colorful coral reefs and curious sea creatures. Set sail on a whale-watching tour during the winter months to witness majestic humpback whales breaching against the backdrop of the Pacific horizon.

Exploring the Baja Desert

Beyond its pristine coastline, Los Cabos boasts dramatic desert landscapes waiting to be explored. Take an ATV or jeep tour through the rugged terrain of the Baja desert, where towering cacti and unique rock formations paint a striking contrast against the deep blue sky. Visit the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve for hiking trails that lead to hidden oases and panoramic vistas of the surrounding desert.

Indulging in Culinary Delights

Los Cabos is a culinary paradise, offering a fusion of traditional Mexican flavors with international influences. Sample fresh seafood tacos at local taquerías or dine on gourmet cuisine crafted by world-renowned chefs at upscale restaurants overlooking the ocean. Savor authentic Baja cuisine with dishes like fish tacos, ceviche, and grilled octopus paired perfectly with locally produced wines and craft cocktails.

Experiencing Vibrant Nightlife

As the sun sets, Los Cabos transforms into a lively nightlife destination. Explore the vibrant nightlife scene in Cabo San Lucas with its array of beachfront bars, live music venues, and pulsating nightclubs. Dance the night away under the stars or enjoy a sunset cocktail overlooking the marina, where the atmosphere buzzes with energy and excitement.

Relaxing in Luxury Resorts

Los Cabos boasts a plethora of luxurious resorts and boutique hotels that cater to every traveler’s desire for relaxation and indulgence. Unwind in infinity pools with panoramic ocean views, rejuvenate with holistic spa treatments inspired by ancient Mexican traditions, or tee off on world-class golf courses designed by golf legends amidst stunning coastal landscapes.

Immersing in Local Culture

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Los Cabos with visits to historic landmarks like the Mission San Jose del Cabo Church or art galleries showcasing local and international artists. Browse through vibrant markets selling handmade crafts, textiles, and souvenirs, or attend cultural festivals and events celebrating Mexican traditions, music, and dance.

Planning Your Los Cabos Escape

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Los Cabos offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. With its breathtaking landscapes, diverse activities, and warm hospitality, Los Cabos ensures a memorable vacation that leaves you rejuvenated and inspired, promising a return to its paradise shores time and again.