Thailand's tourism takes a tumble

[Jaime]

But with the Hypothetical windfall, so Holidays can be taken wherever and whenever, would you still make Thailand your home/future home (depending on peoples situation)

Honestly, no.

I'd still have a home there though and probably stay two or three months of the year - but again only because of the family ties. When the in-laws are gone I think the time we spend there will be considerably less.

If money was no option I'd probably base myself in a country house in Britain because despite everything I still think it's the best place in the world!

If money was no option I'd also have a mansion in London, a secluded finca in Mallorca, a home in Switzerland and a ranch in Montana! YEE-HAHH!! Then I'd go by train through the Andes, take road trips across the States, jungle bash through Indonesia, cycle across China, 4x4 it from Istanbul to Vladivostok, hot air balloon it from Cairo to Cape Town and soooo much more.....

[Super Joe]

What I like about Thais is they couldn't give a hoot if foreigners feel welcome or not. They don't pander to us and I don't blame them. They have an all round product foreigners love and they know it.

There's a lull period right now due to Thai and world events, when its over tourists and expats will flock back, thats what we do. For every foreigner who stops coming to Thailand others will take their place.
If I had a 20 Baht for everytime I've heard "they don't love me, I'm off to Malaysia" ..........

SJ

[BaaBaa.]

The Mansion in London, Secluded Villa in Spain etc just wouldnt have the same daily entertainment value though.

I get your point but I hate leaving the place, frustrations and all.

[margaretcarnes]

It would be interesting to see some more detailed stats on the drop in tourism, broken down by country (such as China) and based on previous numbers per country and percentage drop by country.
China may well be the biggest problem for Thailands industry this year. The Brit situation has been well explained by Jaime, Kendo and others. Far too expensive, so people opt for places like Greece, Portugal and Turkey now as value for money and easily accessible. (That might change following recent collapses of tour operators though.)
If it's any consolation, I asked about trade at the Hull Consul this week and was told they'd noticed no drop, and had in fact been very busy this month. Granted maybe not a typical snapshot - as they deal with a lot of Thailand regulars, but not all doom and gloom either.

[Bamboo Grove]

The embassies will not be the first to notice, as most of the tourists from Europe, North-America, Australia, New Zealand and so, come for about two weeks and thus need no visa.

[JAJA]

We will still be coming at Christmas, but on a tighter budget. Our tickets (frequent flyer redemptions) were booked in February so we are locked in. However, I am worried about our incomes post the current financial meltdown, as will many other would be travellers.

[margaretcarnes]

Hi JaJa - as Bamboo Grove has rightly pointed out, most tourists won't register on Embassy figures. But I don't think those same tourists will be particularly concerned about the exchange rate either. The very poor euro buying power against the pound this year doesn't seem to have been a factor in continued travel to Europe either.
Only us long stay LOS mugs will suffer!