Travel Archives - Hua Hin Today English Newspaper Info, Reports, Events and News Social Life Info, Reports, Events, News and Social Life from Hua Hin Fri, 31 Dec 2021 01:02:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 What will the travel trends be for 2022? https://www.huahintoday.com/travel/what-will-the-travel-trends-be-for-2022/ https://www.huahintoday.com/travel/what-will-the-travel-trends-be-for-2022/#respond Fri, 31 Dec 2021 01:02:57 +0000 http://www.huahintoday.com/?p=52585 Predicting the future is fraught with difficulties, Covid has taught us to expect the unexpected and here in Thailand to be patient in all things. Generally, we escaped the worst for that we are grateful. At home in the UK they are still dealing with 40k new coronavirus cases everyday but are slowly learning to […]

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Predicting the future is fraught with difficulties, Covid has taught us to expect the unexpected and here in Thailand to be patient in all things. Generally, we escaped the worst for that we are grateful. At home in the UK they are still dealing with 40k new coronavirus cases everyday but are slowly learning to live with the virus.

My sister walks dogs for friends and family and whilst cautious normalcy returns she still advocates most strongly that masks must be worn and social distancing practiced when dealing with people. A former senior teacher who taught teachers to teach is based in the beautiful village of Cookham in Berkshire.

She is out walking her 2 dogs most days along with other dogs that owners ask to be looked after while they are away. She is happy but puts masks on near people. She has twice battled Covid and is very cautious. Here in Thailand daily figures are a quarter of those back home. Life here is also slowly returning. People are very keen to have normalcy and our government is very keen to keep figures low.

At the time of going to press Thailand will have administered 93m doses of Covid-19 vaccine, 70% of the population will have received at least 2 doses and a third booster shot will also be widely available too. There is no doubting the world has changed. With conventional travel brought to a standstill in 2020 and 2021, most of us have and will continue to explore locally. Staycations and domestic trips are sure to increase.

If getting on a plane is considered risky, people will avoid it staying instead closer to home. The variety and scope of staycations will expand and will again be popular throughout 2022.

Many of us are eager to travel internationally but will patiently wait until next year and look instead to discover and explore hidden gems nearer to home, they are easy to access, and may not involve air travel, with the added bonus that local domestic trips are on the whole better for the environment.

More specialised and certainly more diverse, whether targeted demographically by age, gender or by our special interests and hobbies, all will be catered for. Future Trends in Travel – I’ve identified 6 major trends that we are likely to see in the future:

1. Travel agents and travel professionals will become essential
2. Sustainable tourism will soar
3. Small and local communities will benefit
4. Quality over quantity will be paramount
5. Staying closer to home will become the norm 6. Travelling and planning trips are good for you and aid your mental health. We all want to book holidays that have cancellation options without penalties.

We don’t need the stress and worry and will look for increased flexibility. Thankfully most travel agents, OTAs, airlines, hotels and car hire companies understand this and offer sensible booking conditions and are beginning to offer improved terms and policies.

With 2020 and 2021 travel being decimated by the pandemic – an incredibly tough two years for the global population, I join my travel industry colleagues in their mostly positive assessments and I’m hopeful that the forced rethinking and re-engineering of the whole travel industry will lead to better travel practices in 2022 and beyond. We all want to book holidays that have cancellation options without penalties.

We don’t need the stress and worry and will look for increased flexibility. Thankfully, most travel agents, OTAs, airlines, hotels, and car rental companies understand this and offer sensible booking conditions and are beginning to offer improved terms and policies.

With 2020 and 2021 travel being decimated by the pandemic-an incredibly tough two years for the global population, I join my travel industry colleagues in their mostly positive assessments, and I’m hopeful that the forced rethinking and re-engineering of the whole travel industry will lead to better travel practices in 2022 and beyond.

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45-Day Tourist Visa likely to be considered https://www.huahintoday.com/tourism/45-day-tourist-visa-likely-to-be-considered/ https://www.huahintoday.com/tourism/45-day-tourist-visa-likely-to-be-considered/#respond Wed, 09 Dec 2020 03:20:25 +0000 http://www.huahintoday.com/?p=38644 The current 30-day ‘visa on arrival’ in Thailand could likely be extended to 45 days to attract more foreign visitors into the country. The additional 15 days will obviously cover up the 2-week quarantine spent in ASQ facilities/hotels, thus giving tourists a full 30-day holiday. NSC Secretary-general Nathapol Nakpanit, who also leading a ‘business easing […]

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The current 30-day ‘visa on arrival’ in Thailand could likely be extended to 45 days to attract more foreign visitors into the country. The additional 15 days will obviously cover up the 2-week quarantine spent in ASQ facilities/hotels, thus giving tourists a full 30-day holiday.

NSC Secretary-general Nathapol Nakpanit, who also leading a ‘business easing committee’ says the committee members will discuss the proposal with the government as soon as possible. The 45-day tourist visa will automatically be applicable for visitors from 56 selected countries who are already entitled for the 30-day visa.

Currently, the only available visa option for visitors is the 60-day Tourist Visa and the long-term Special Tourist Visa.

In any case, check the latest update with your local Thai embassy before making a trip to Thailand, as new rules are constantly being applied.

Source: The Thaiger

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2021 International tourism is unpredictable, says TAT https://www.huahintoday.com/tourism/2021-international-tourism-is-unpredictable-says-tat/ https://www.huahintoday.com/tourism/2021-international-tourism-is-unpredictable-says-tat/#respond Fri, 27 Nov 2020 08:13:22 +0000 http://www.huahintoday.com/?p=38163 The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has always been super optimistic with the future of Thailand’s tourist industry. But after being battered by the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic, international travelling and the tourism sector seemed to be unpredictable in 2021. TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said: “There are unpredictable factors that come into play when […]

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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has always been super optimistic with the future of Thailand’s tourist industry. But after being battered by the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic, international travelling and the tourism sector seemed to be unpredictable in 2021.

TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said: “There are unpredictable factors that come into play when trying to determine how 2021 will pan out, like the availability of a Covid-19 vaccine, the number of coronavirus infections and travel restrictions. The tourism sector might not have what’s considered a normal revenue, at least 80% of the pre-pandemic level, until 2022.”

“We set 2021 as a year of adjustment before seeing a leap in 2022. We forecast Thailand will achieve 2.5 trillion baht in tourism revenue in 2022, or 80-90% of 2019, which recorded 3 trillion baht,” he added.

Yuthasak says he met with an official from the Chinese Embassy and said that large groups of Chinese tourists, making up around 10 million, or 25% of foreign arrivals in 2019, will probably not travel to Thailand until a Covid-19 vaccine is commercially available.

Sources: The Thaiger | Bangkok Post
Photo: AP Photo/Amr NAbil

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Udon Thani is calling https://www.huahintoday.com/travel-and-lifestyle/udon-thani-is-calling/ https://www.huahintoday.com/travel-and-lifestyle/udon-thani-is-calling/#respond Thu, 12 Nov 2020 10:00:08 +0000 http://www.huahintoday.com/?p=37525 Whether you need to get away for a few days to recharge or just want to see more of Thailand, it’s time to pack you bag and head to beautiful Udon Thani! There is no better time to explore Thailand than right now, especially with direct flights from Hua Hin to Udon Thani now available. […]

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Whether you need to get away for a few days to recharge or just want to see more of Thailand, it’s time to pack you bag and head to beautiful Udon Thani!

There is no better time to explore Thailand than right now, especially with direct flights from Hua Hin to Udon Thani now available. Air Asia flies to and from Udon Thani Fridays and Sundays, making it a great way to spend a weekend, or leave Sunday and back Friday for a bit longer in the northeast.

The flight takes just over an hour. Having become somewhat of an important regional transportation hub, Udon Thani connects Thailand’s northeast with the rest of the Kingdom as well as Laos. There is a lot to offer travellers, with everything from amazing temples to a vibrant food and café scene to the ruins of one of the world’s oldest Bronze Age civilisations at Baan Chiang.

This bustling city of 130,000 people is big enough to offer all modern amenities, like Central Plaza shopping complex and metred taxis, yet small enough that you’ll be able to navigate easily around town and take in the historic buildings and structures with glimpses of a Thailand from yesteryear.

If you are in Udon over a weekend or a public holiday, the best way to familiarise yourself with the city is to take the Udon Thani City Tour Tram.

This covered, open-sided tram leaves twice a day from Central Plaza, with the tour taking 90 minutes showing you all the sights Udon has to offer.

Food options shine in Udon Thani with an abundance of local restaurants as well as a large and comfortable covered food court called UD Town, which has pretty much every food option you can possibly imagine in a very open and clean environment.

For those wanting a more upmarket dining experience, Mak Khang is a must-try for their very traditional and exceptional Thai flavours and their use of high-end ingredients like Wagyu beef. This is Bangkok-style dining in Udon Thani, though, thankfully, without the Bangkok price tag.

Another great place to dine is the lakeside café at Brown House Hotel by Blu Monkey. Serving up great Isaan food the traditional way, this restaurant takes pride in its flavours and presentation. Udon Thani is also a great base to explore the surrounding districts, either by hiring a car or a driver to take you to the many places of interest.

A recommended day trip would be a drive east to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Baan Chiang, or drive south to Khon Kaen, just over 100 km from Udon. An hour’s drive north of Udon is Nong Khai, situated on the banks of the mighty Mekong River.

Air Asia flies from Hua Hin to Udon Thani at 11.30 am Fridays and Sundays.

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Thailand Riviera Project to go ahead https://www.huahintoday.com/tourism/thailand-riviera-project-to-go-ahead/ https://www.huahintoday.com/tourism/thailand-riviera-project-to-go-ahead/#respond Thu, 12 Nov 2020 04:54:40 +0000 http://www.huahintoday.com/?p=37492 Following mobile cabinet meetings in Chumphon and Ranong some years ago, plans were made for the Thailand Riviera Project to upgrade coastal attractions further south from Cha-am and Hua Hin as an extension to these already popular destinations. Officially named the Royal Coast Project, Thailand Riviera covers the area on the western coast along the […]

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Following mobile cabinet meetings in Chumphon and Ranong some years ago, plans were made for the Thailand Riviera Project to upgrade coastal attractions further south from Cha-am and Hua Hin as an extension to these already popular destinations.

Officially named the Royal Coast Project, Thailand Riviera covers the area on the western coast along the Tanao Si Range, Phetchakasem Road and the southern railway. This stretch of coastline between Phetchaburi in the north and Ranong in the south is deemed to have the potential to become an international resort similar to the French Riviera.

At its heart, Thailand Riviera is a sustainable tourism development scheme focused on road and railway travel. Transportation development is a vital component in its implementation, with plans being drawn to improve, expand and connect existing roads. The “sustainable” part of the scheme, however, requires multi-agency coordination and cooperation.

Fresh water resources along the coastline will have to be well-regulated to prevent conflicts from arising between the farm and tourism sectors when demands from the latter grow. New roads will need to be built to ease traffic and allow access to spectacular views along the coastline.

Major train stations will also have to be renovated to make them icons of their districts. As the region’s most popular tourism hub, Hua Hin will have an important role to play in the development of Thailand Riviera, and the majority of local people and enterprises have welcomed the government’s decision to push ahead with the scheme.

However, some tourism industry leaders have proposed that Hua Hin and Cha-am should be connected to ensure adequate tourism capacity and quality, and that royal projects in Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan should be part of the attractions.

The government should also aim to attract more Scandinavians, who now make up the majority of holiday makers in Hua Hin and Cha-am, they suggest. As part of a marketing push for Thailand Riviera, the government plans to host an international festival with Hua Hin as the host city. Organising the festival requires close collaboration between Hua Hin Municipality and Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau.

Recently, city officials met with representatives from Cha-am Tourism Business Association and event organisers to discuss ways to ensure the event’s success. Thailand Riviera is a multi-billion-baht

project that has the potential to elevate  tourism in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan and the upper south to another level.

Hua Hin is poised to be a major beneficiary, especially if efforts are made to showcase its distinctive features to the full. The project was first initiated more than 10 years ago but was approved again during a mobile cabinet meeting in Phetchaburi in 2018.

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Singapore-Hong Kong travel bubble starts on November 22 https://www.huahintoday.com/sports/singapore-hong-kong-travel-bubble-starts-on-november-22/ https://www.huahintoday.com/sports/singapore-hong-kong-travel-bubble-starts-on-november-22/#respond Wed, 11 Nov 2020 05:57:49 +0000 http://www.huahintoday.com/?p=37444 A travel bubble between Singapore and Hong Kong will begin on November 22, announcement was made on Wednesday by the two tourist cities as they resume overseas travel and lifting the burden of quarantine procedures for foreign visitors. Singapore and Hong Kong ministers said the scheme would begin with one flight per day, with a […]

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A travel bubble between Singapore and Hong Kong will begin on November 22, announcement was made on Wednesday by the two tourist cities as they resume overseas travel and lifting the burden of quarantine procedures for foreign visitors.

Singapore and Hong Kong ministers said the scheme would begin with one flight per day, with a limit of 200 travellers per flight. And starting December 7, it will increase to two flights per day into both cities.

But if the Covid-19 situation worsens in either city the scheme would be suspended indefinitely, they said.

Singapore’s Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung said he believed the travel bubble was the first of its kind in the world allowing both cities to open their borders in a safe and controlled method.

“While we may be starting small, this is an important step forward … It will be a useful reference for other countries and regions that have controlled the epidemic, and are contemplating opening their borders,” says the minister.

“Visitors from both cities must travel on designated flights and must undergo Covid-19 tests. No quarantine would be required in either place and there would be no restrictions on the purpose of travel,” he added.

Original writer: REUTERS

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The Thailand Golf Travel Mart has been a landmark golfing event https://www.huahintoday.com/sports/the-thailand-golf-travel-mart-has-been-a-landmark-golfing-event/ https://www.huahintoday.com/sports/the-thailand-golf-travel-mart-has-been-a-landmark-golfing-event/#respond Thu, 27 Aug 2015 05:00:16 +0000 http://www.huahintoday.com/?p=9263 The Thailand Golf Travel Mart has been a landmark golfing event which took place ‘off course’ in August at the Dusit Thani Hua Hin. This was a major showcase of what Thailand golf has to offer travelling golfers from all over the globe. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in cooperation with the International Association […]

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The Thailand Golf Travel Mart
The Thailand Golf Travel Mart

The Thailand Golf Travel Mart has been a landmark golfing event which took place ‘off course’ in August at the Dusit Thani Hua Hin. This was a major showcase of what Thailand golf has to offer travelling golfers from all over the globe.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in cooperation with the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) hosted golf tour operators and buyers from key markets worldwide to connect with suppliers from all of Thailand’s golf destinations. The Petchaburi and Prachuap Khirikhan Golf Course Association was another main participant to ensure that local golf courses were high on shopping lists.

Apart from representatives of Thailand golf courses, the buyers came from 29 countries from Europe, Asia and Australia with 146 individual businesses; from Belgium to Bulgaria, from the Netherlands to Norway and from Sri Lanka to Sweden. The Chinese contingency alone consisted of 39 separate business operators. The TAT was well represented with staff representing Thailand tourism from 27 countries worldwide attending as well as local and regional management.

The Event included pre-scheduled appointments with buyers and ‘speed-dating sessions’ where suppliers met buyers without pre-scheduled meeting arrangements. Apart from the serious business, delegates enjoyed a social scene with all the trimmings and a round of golf at Royal Springfield. The IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators) is the global trade organisation for the golf tourism industry. Established in 1997, IAGTO’s membership comprises 2400 accredited golf tour operators, golf resorts, hotels, golf courses, receptive operators, airlines, tourist boards, approved media and business partners in 98 countries including, at its core, 589 specialist golf tour operators in 61 countries.

It is estimated that IAGTO’s operators control over 85% of golf holiday packages sold worldwide. “We strive to provide information, create opportunities and make introductions that will help you develop your business faster, with less effort and less cost. Our staff around the world are constantly developing new services for our members to take advantage of. We pride ourselves on being at the heart of the golf tourism industry and invite you to join us.” says Peter Walton, Chief Executive, IAGTO.

The 5th Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) will take place in Chiang Mai from 24-27 April 2016. The AGTC is a premier golf travel event in the Asia Pacific region. It is likely to attract a record number of golf tour operators from around the world, along with golf travel suppliers from every golf destination in the Asia Pacific.

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Thailand Travel Mart 2015 https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/thailand-travel-mart-2015/ Wed, 28 Jan 2015 03:44:49 +0000 http://www.huahintoday.com/?p=7606 An Opportunity to Promote Hua Hin Tourism The Thailand Travel Mart, the country’s largest annual tourism and travel trade event, has been set for 3 – 5 June 2015, and opened for early-bird registration by buyers and sellers. To be held at the IMPACT Muang Thong Thani Convention and Exhibition Centre, the event will be […]

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Thailand Travel Mart 2015
Thailand Travel Mart 2015

An Opportunity to Promote Hua Hin Tourism

The Thailand Travel Mart, the country’s largest annual tourism and travel trade event, has been set for 3 – 5 June 2015, and opened for early-bird registration by buyers and sellers. To be held at the IMPACT Muang Thong Thani Convention and Exhibition Centre, the event will be organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in cooperation with the Tourism Council of Thailand, Thai Hotels Association, Association of Thai Travel Agents, Thailand Incentive and Convention Association, Thai Eco Tourism and Adventure Travel Association and tourism business sectors.

It is designed largely to showcase the emerging generation of creative small and medium sized enterprises to give them an opportunity to network with international buyers. Hua Hin tourism operators are expected to take a keen interest in the event. The event is expected to be attended by more than 400 quality sellers across Thailand. In line with the TAT’s strategic marketing plan, the four major nichemarket segments — Ecotourism, Health and Wellness, Wedding and Honeymoon and Experience Thainess — will be highlighted in a special pavilion. Buyers will also be able to get a complete range of product updates, educational forums and take part in pre- and postevent tours to many new destinations being opened up around Thailand.

TAT Governor Thawatchai Arunyik said, “This year will be an especially important event because of the extensive changes and improvements taking place in the entire regional operating environment.” “We encourage buyers, especially those with a proven business track record, to take advantage and establish contacts with the many new products, services and facilities that will be exhibiting.

We believe it will help them design creative and valuefor-money tour options for many different customers.” Further details about registrations for both buyers and sellers are as follows: Sellers Registration Now – 13 February 2015, Early bird registration (30,000 THB / Booth) 14 February – 31 March, 2015, Normal Rate Registration (35,000 THB / Booth) Buyers Registration Hosted Buyer, 300 USD (9,600 Baht) International Buyer, 200 USD (6,400 Baht) Domestic Buyer, 100 USD (3,200 Baht) On-site Buyer, 150 USD (4,800 Baht) Date of registration: 12 January – 31 March, 2015. Online application at www. thailandtravelmartplus.com

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Thailand Travel Shield Insurance Now Available https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/thailand-travel-shield-insurance-now-available/ Wed, 30 Jul 2014 22:32:20 +0000 http://www.huahintoday.com/?p=6559 The Tourism Authority of Thailand has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC), to create low-cost insurance schemes for foreign tourists that start at just 650 THB per person. Thawatchai Aranyik, the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and OIC Secretary-General Prawet Ongatsitthikun have signed the MOU for […]

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Thailand Travel Shield Insurance Now Available
Thailand Travel Shield Insurance Now Available

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC), to create low-cost insurance schemes for foreign tourists that start at just 650 THB per person. Thawatchai Aranyik, the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and OIC Secretary-General Prawet Ongatsitthikun have signed the MOU for the low-cost insurance project, which will see participation by Muang Thai Insurance, Siam City Insurance, Chao Phraya Insurance and Krung Thai Phanit Insurance companies.

The “Thailand Travel Shield” insurance scheme allows foreign tourists to purchase insurance to ensure protection against threats that may not be covered by the tourists’ primary insurance. Such threats include riots, terrorism and political turmoil. The premium for Thailand Travel Shield is between 650 baht and 12,000 baht. The duration of coverage spans from a week to one year. Thailand Travel Shield has been offered to tourists starting 25th July.

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THAILAND CONSIDERS COMPULSORY TRAVEL INSURANCE https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/thailand-considers-compulsory-travel-insurance/ https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/thailand-considers-compulsory-travel-insurance/#respond Tue, 10 Sep 2013 06:49:30 +0000 http://www.huahintoday.com/?p=4476 The Tourism and Sports Ministry is planning to make it compulsory for all foreign tourists to have travel insurance before entering the Kingdom because unpaid hospital bills are putting a huge strain on public hospitals in major tourist destinations. However, some tourism-business operators warn that this measure might keep away travellers as well as tarnish […]

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The Tourism and Sports Ministry is planning to make it compulsory for all foreign tourists to have travel insurance before entering the Kingdom because unpaid hospital bills are putting a huge strain on public hospitals in major tourist destinations.

However, some tourism-business operators warn that this measure might keep away travellers as well as tarnish the country’s image.  It is noted that such a requirement does not apply to other Asian destinations such as Singapore, Hong Kong, or Malaysia.

The Tourism and Sports Minister Somsak Pureesrisak has been quoted in the media as saying that the ministry was readying to implement the regulation to cut down on foreign tourists’ unpaid medical bills that cost the country more than Bt200 million annually.  Somsak is discussing the matter with Public Health Minister Pradit Sintavanarong and Deputy Prime Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong.  “They agree that foreign tourists should buy an insurance package, which would cost about Bt500,” he said.
This would first be applied to tourists who apply for visa at Thai diplomatic missions overseas. The ministry has yet to decide whether this would apply to those who do not need a visa to enter the country.

According to Yuthachai Soonthronrattnavate, president of the Association of Domestic Travel, tourists coming to Thailand on tour packages are already required to buy travel insurance, which allows them to claim Bt1 million for death and up to Bt500,000 for injuries.
Based on the Tourism Ministry’s data, up to 6.19 million tourists, or about 28 per cent of the total 22.35 visitors, came to as part of a tour package last year. The Kingdom earned Bt984 billion in revenue from tourist spending in 2012, and expects to earn as much as Bt2.2 trillion from visitors in 2015.

Most of foreign patients in the province were suffering from motorcycle-related road accidents. Some foreign patients who have health insurance are able to receive emergency treatment at private hospitals but for those who do not have are advised to seek treatment at public hospitals.
On top of the unpaid bills, the Public Health Ministry had to cater a special service for foreign patients: through medical mediators, their problems at public and private hospitals would be resolved within 90 days. In 2012, 59 per cent of foreign patients filed complaints to the ministry, mostly about service quality at clinics.

Yuthachai of the Association of Domestic Travel disagreed with such an initiative and said it should rather be a ”voluntary” measure, not compulsory.  He expected complaints from foreign tourists if this takes effect. While saying that it is too early to estimate the negative impact on the number of tourist arrivals, he said this will surely create a barrier.
Noting that Thailand would have a problem in enforcing this rule on tourists travelling without tour packages, he said the regulation is sending a negative message to the world that accidents are high in Thailand.  He insisted that most foreign individual travellers can take care of themselves. For the minorities, Thailand’s third-party motor insurance scheme should be enough to foot their bills.

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Thailand a Top Hub of Business, Leisure and Medical Travel https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/thailand-a-top-hub-of-business-leisure-and-medical-travel/ https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/thailand-a-top-hub-of-business-leisure-and-medical-travel/#respond Wed, 06 Mar 2013 10:36:22 +0000 http://www.huahintoday.com/?p=2852 Thailand continues to be celebrated as a world-class travel destination, whether for business, leisure or medical care. Offering excellent infrastructure, reliable full service and very affordable prices, the country is considered a prime location by travelers from Asia to the Middle East to the West. Business travelers from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, mainland China […]

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Thailand continues to be celebrated as a world-class travel destination, whether for business, leisure or medical care. Offering excellent infrastructure, reliable full service and very affordable prices, the country is considered a prime location by travelers from Asia to the Middle East to the West.

Business travelers from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, mainland China and India have ranked Thailand among their top destinations of the first half of 2012, according to a recent survey by the France-based hotel chain Accor.

The company also found that Thai entrepreneurs themselves traveled more in the January-June period, with the upward trend expected to continue during the second half of the year. In the first half, Thai business people made nine trips (domestic or overseas) on average, up from five in 1H 2011. Entrepreneurs indicated that they are increasing travel activity because business is growing.

“We found that Thai business travelers are more confident about the economic strength this year and are seizing new business opportunities both locally and abroad,” said Evan Lewis, vice-president for communication at Accor Asia-Pacific.

New York-based Travel & Leisure, with 4.8 million readers, also views Thailand most favorably. In its 2012 poll, the magazine has once again voted Bangkok as the world’s best city for tourism. The Thai capital’s attractiveness as a tourist center outranks Florence, Istanbul, Cape Town, Sydney, Rome, New York City, Hong Kong, Kyoto and Paris.

Thailand welcomed about 19 million foreign tourists last year and the figure for 2012 is projected to shoot well past 20 million visits. According to Department of Tourism statistics, activity was vigorous in the first half of this year with 12.43 million arrivals, up 8.34% from the same period in 2011. During 1H, visitors from China led the way at 1.40 million, followed by Malaysia at 1.36 million, Japan with 730,590, Russia with 726,041 and South Korea at 640,230. Visitors from India, Laos, Australia, the United Kingdom, Singapore, the United States, and Middle Eastern countries also came in high numbers.

They flock to Thailand for the shopping, nightlife and ancient palaces of its cities, beautiful beaches, delicious Thai cuisine, and scenic mountains and valleys.

Thailand’s tourism industry is on track to reel in revenues from foreign visitors totaling 1.04 trillion baht in 2013, 1.23 trillion baht in 2014 and 1.45 trillion baht in 2015, according to estimates by the Tourism and Sports Ministry. Local tourists will spend an additional 480 billion baht next year, 520 billion baht the year after and 550 billion baht in 2015. The expenditure by foreigners and locals combined elevates the country to a 2 trillion baht tourism market in three years.

Besides business and leisure, Thailand is also a hub of medical tourism. With government agencies and business associations pushing the concept of medical, health and wellness tourism, the country already welcomes 2 million foreign patients each year. Services range from heart bypass procedures to hip replacements to dental care. In a cost comparison example, a heart bypass runs about US$130,000 in the United States, US$20,000 in Singapore but only US$11,000 in Thailand.

Some 1,400 public and private hospitals are situated far and wide throughout the nation, offering state-of-the-art equipment and overseas-trained doctors who operate at international standards. Thailand’s quality care is a fraction of the cost of procedures in many other countries.

In addition to the affordable world-class medical services, Thailand has its excellent coastal, highland and cosmopolitan tourism sites as a bonus for medical tourists who want to bring their families along. The country’s medical tourism packages are all-inclusive. Besides arranging the needed medical services, they provide the foreign patients with airport-hotel transfers, accommodation and meals, and cultural activities such as visits to temples, floating markets, traditional Thai dancing shows, elephant and crocodile farms, and beautiful coral coasts.

To help make treatment more convenient, the Cabinet in August 2012 approved a Ministry of Interior measure allowing visitors from six Middle Eastern nations who seek medical services to stay in Thailand for up to 90 days without visas. This is part of the government’s work to enhance Thailand’s status as a major tourist destination. The six countries are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. According to the Tourism Authority, the new measure should boost Middle Eastern medical tourists substantially from the current annual number of about 527,000.

Thailand’s position as a leading global center of tourism will be further strengthened when the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) takes shape. In 2015, the 10 member countries of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) are to launch the AEC as a single market. Tariffs will be eliminated and investment sectors liberalized between Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Brunei and the Philippines.

With this, a free flow of goods, services, capital and people will blossom across the regional bloc. Under the so-called AEC Blueprint, health care and tourism are two of the priority service sectors targeted for removal of all restrictions by 2015.

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Social Travel Site Lists Favorite International Destinations Bangkok is the 6th most popular among Gogobot.com users https://www.huahintoday.com/sports/social-travel-site-lists-favorite-international-destinations-bangkok-is-the-6th-most-popular-among-gogobot-com-users/ https://www.huahintoday.com/sports/social-travel-site-lists-favorite-international-destinations-bangkok-is-the-6th-most-popular-among-gogobot-com-users/#respond Sat, 09 Feb 2013 07:22:46 +0000 http://www.huahintoday.com/?p=2610 2012 was a record-setting year for tourism as an estimated 1 billion vacationers went abroad worldwide and seemingly just as many documented their trips on social media. Gogobot.com, a site designed specifically for people to share their travel experiences, has released their list of the most “shared” places in the world and Bangkok came in […]

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2012 was a record-setting year for tourism as an estimated 1 billion vacationers went abroad worldwide and seemingly just as many documented their trips on social media.

Gogobot.com, a site designed specifically for people to share their travel experiences, has released their list of the most “shared” places in the world and Bangkok came in as the 6th most popular; no surprise as nearly 22 million tourists visited Thailand last year. As reported by CNN Travel, the list is a popularity ranking of cities across the globe based on the quantity of stories, photographs, and “virtual postcards” – an app that allows travelers to document the sites they are visiting and post them to Facebook. Bangkok, which is no stranger to top-10 rankings in travel-related polls and surveys placed sixth, just behind #5 San Diego, USA and ahead of #7 Rome, Italy.

Leading the way was Paris, France. Bangkok entry indicates that over 459,000 people in the Gogobot.com community have visited the city and features recaps of its hotels and vibrant restaurant scene, and countless images of famous temples and other landmarks, wet market and nightlife scenes, and river life on the Chao Phraya. The rankings are derived from over 10 million travel “documents” from the 2 million+ users connected by the growing social travel platform, and other cities making the list include Barcelona, New York and Venice.

Here’s a look at the top-10 most shared destinations:

  1. Paris (France)
  2. Las Vegas (USA)
  3. San Francisco (USA)
  4. Barcelona (Spain)
  5. San Diego (USA)
  6. Bangkok (Thailand)
  7. Rome (Italy)
  8. New York (USA)
  9. Venice (Italy)
  10. Marrakech (Morocco)

 

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The iTravel Channel.tv films Hua Hin tourist spots! https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/the-itravel-channel-tv-films-hua-hin-tourist-spots/ https://www.huahintoday.com/thailand-news/the-itravel-channel-tv-films-hua-hin-tourist-spots/#respond Fri, 30 Nov 2012 06:43:00 +0000 http://www.huahintoday.com/?p=2205 The iTravel Channel is an English language online travel and lifestyle channel that produces television-quality videos that showcase the best restaurants, hotels, spas, nightlife, shops, property, events and tourist destinations in Thailand. Currently the iTravel Channel is in Hua Hin to film the best that Hua Hin has to offer. The iTravel has already filmed […]

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The iTravel channel
The iTravel channel

The iTravel Channel is an English language online travel and lifestyle channel that produces television-quality videos that showcase the best restaurants, hotels, spas, nightlife, shops, property, events and tourist destinations in Thailand. Currently the iTravel Channel is in Hua Hin to film the best that Hua Hin has to offer.

The iTravel has already filmed locations in town such as Hilton Hua Hin Resort, Hyatt Regency Hua Hin, Black Mountain Hua Hin, Lotus Hua Hin Villas, Hua Hin Floating Market, Mondo Vino, La Grappa etc. The iTravel online episodes can be viewed online on The iTravel Channel website, National TV and various online platforms such as Facebook and social media networks that showcase Thailand. Just the Thailand specific Facebook pages target potential 150,000 viewers.

The programs are hosted by professional presenters and each script is created specifically for a target audience and professionally edited. The iTravel Channel is strategically placed to capture new travelers that use the internet to make their decision on what to do, where to eat and where to stay whilst on holiday.

And what is better than seeing the products and services in moving image before the visitor even arrives for their holiday. The iTravel Channel audience are those who like the good things in life. They are English speaking Thais & expats living in Bangkok and of course the well to do travelers on holiday to Thailand.

The iTravel channel offers hotel & restaurant reviews as well as travel tips on shopping and attractions to businesses in Thailand. Besides The iTravel branded Video productions the company creates company profile videos and does photography services for hotels and restaurants.

For more information on The iTravel Channel go to www.theitravelchannel.tv, or feel free to contact us at E-mail brigitte@theitravelchannel.tv for more information. Do not forget to like us on the theitravelchannel Facebook page!

http://www.facebook.com/TheiTravelChannel

Website: www.theitravelchannel.tv

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Award for Six Senses Hua Hin Six Senses Hua Hin Wins Two Top Honours at the World Travel Awards 2012 https://www.huahintoday.com/sports/award-for-six-senses-hua-hin-six-senses-hua-hin-wins-two-top-honours-at-the-world-travel-awards-2012/ https://www.huahintoday.com/sports/award-for-six-senses-hua-hin-six-senses-hua-hin-wins-two-top-honours-at-the-world-travel-awards-2012/#respond Thu, 15 Nov 2012 07:32:44 +0000 http://www.huahintoday.com/?p=2074   Six Senses Hua Hin Bangkok Office – Bangkok, 24 October 2012: Six Senses Hua Hin was honoured with two top awards at the World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia, Australasia & Indian Ocean Ceremony 2012. The prestigious ceremony was held in Singapore on Thursday 18th October 2012 as a culmination for the search for the […]

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Award for Six Senses Hua Hin Six Senses Hua Hin Wins Two Top Honours at the World Travel Awards 2012
Award for Six Senses Hua Hin Six Senses Hua Hin Wins Two Top Honours at the World Travel Awards 2012

 

Six Senses Hua Hin Bangkok Office – Bangkok, 24 October 2012: Six Senses Hua Hin was honoured with two top awards at the World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia, Australasia & Indian Ocean Ceremony 2012. The prestigious ceremony was held in Singapore on Thursday 18th October 2012 as a culmination for the search for the world’s leading travel brands. Winning in two categories, Six Senses Hua Hin, reinforced it premier position in the luxury Hua Hin sector asAsia’s Leading Villa Resort 2012 andThailand’s Leading Villa Resort 2012. On hand at the gala event to receive the awards was Jamie Crisp – Director of Sales at Six Senses & Evason Hua Hin.

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