Stories tagged with tourism
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Thailand set to welcome Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines have just announced their plans to increase its service from Istanbul to Bangkok. This is great news for anyone who plans to use the airline to explore South East Asia as they will be offering connecting flights from Bangkok to a number of destinations including Ho Chi Minh City and Manila.
Starting in December of this year, Turkish Airlines will double the number of non-stop flights on the Bangkok-Istanbul route to 14 per week. According to Dr Temel Kotil, president and CEO of Turkish Airlines, the change is being made in response to overwhelming high-season demand from air passengers.
As Dr Kotil said in a recent interview with the Bangkok Post: "We really want to strike the deal with THAI because it benefits both of us, enabling us capture the larger pie [of business].”
At present, Turkish Airlines flies to 118 international destinations, including 17 in Asia as well as 36 cities in Turkey. They will shortly receive 19 new aircraft, including seven Airbus A330s and seven Boeing B777s, which will be used to facilitate the extra flights.
Turkish Airlines have been working hard to offer passengers a selection of outstanding deals and offers, set to make travelling to Bangkok and beyond smooth and cost effective.
Posted by: Andrew on 14 Aug 2009, 08:54 -
Travel to northern Thailand still proving popular
Trouble may be on the horizon for leading airline Thai Airways Internationals. It seems that their route from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son has such a positive effect on local business that tour companies and other local companies are planning court action if the company decides to scrap the route.
Thai Airways International (THAI) announced a few months ago that they were considering discontinuing the route as part of a scheme to cut loss-making secondary domestic routes. However, according to a report by the Bangkok Post, they plan to allow budget carrier Nok Airlines to take over the service.
In a recent press statement, the chairman of the Mae Hong Son chamber of commerce, Supot Klinpranit, announced that the tourism industry were distressed by THAI’s comments and that a number of tour operators were already starting to exclude Mae Hong Son from their programs.
However, it seems that there is a demand for the route as last year around 92,000 tourists travelled by plane to the province, generating a total of two billion baht per year in tourism.
With so much at stake, it seems that the service may continue a little longer.
Posted by: Andrew on 13 Aug 2009, 09:23 -
Monkey viewpoint gets a facelift
Anyone who has visited Phuket recently may have taken a trip to the ‘monkey viewpoint’ area, which can be found on Koh Sireh. This is a great place to watch the colony of crab-eating macaques that live in the area.
The monkey viewpoint has proven so popular in recent years that a project has been proposed to entirely revamp the area. A large central government budget has been requested from the Rassada Municipality to set up three tourism projects in the area, which would include a system of boardwalks leading through the mangrove forest, restoration of the Mali Kaew Dam and Wat Phranon and the construction of facilities such as a health park, restaurants and a car park.
Although the project would take up to 80 million baht to complete, Rassada Mayor Surathin Lianudom seems confident that the work could be finished early next year. In a recent interview with the Phuket Gazette he stated: “In the past, Koh Sireh has not been attractive for tourists because it is dirty and unorganized, but our new project will ensure the island is viewed as a major selling point for the Phuket tourist market.”
Posted by: Andrew on 13 Aug 2009, 09:00 -
Samui authorities crack down on drugs
Residents and holiday makers on the island of Samui need to think twice before taking illegal drugs. The island’s District Chief Sakchai Jorphalit is heading an operation to stamp out the use and dealing of narcotic drugs.
Known as Post Box 188, the new campaign is the brainchild of newly launched Operation Center to Fight against Drug. They also intend to launch other programs and activities to encourage residents to help stamp out the island’s drug problem.
As Sakchai said in a recent interview with the Samui Express “Our Operation Center to Fight against Drug has just established the Post Box 188 so that residents and tourists on Koh Samui can send us letters, news, reports, suggestions, proposals related to drug usage on Koh Samui. It is another channel for us to receive information directly from people about the sources of narcotic drugs. We need quality tourist, not drug-using ones. Let’s make Samui drug-free. Tourists should come here to appreciate Samui’s natural beauty, and not to take drugs.”
This is great news for holiday makers with children as the island’s new safer image will make it easy to relax and unwind.
Posted by: Andrew on 12 Aug 2009, 09:15 -
New vaccine set to save the day
Thailand’s residents and tourists will soon be able to breathe easily. It has just been announced that a vaccine designed to protect against the type-A (H1N1) virus will soon be fit for human trials. Next month, the Government Pharmaceuti-cal Organisation will start carrying out human trials the live-attenuated vaccine produced by laboratories in the Netherlands and Russia.
It shouldn’t be long before the vaccine is available in Thailand and will be available for people concerned about contracting the type-A (H1N1) virus. If things go according to plan, the vaccine will be available at major hospitals in all of Thailand’s tourism hotspots, including Bangkok and Pattaya.
In a press statement reported by The Nation GPO's board chairperson Dr Wichai Chotewiwat confirmed that the virus-seed vaccine has already proven to be safe on animals: "The e-mails say that the virus-seed vaccine proved to be safe on animals and that there were no toxins or mutation," he said, adding that: "More samples need to be tested before we can confirm the virus is resistant.”
Dr Wichai revealed that this week the GPO would be receiving the first few doses of FluMist, which is a nasal spray live-attenuated vaccine.
Posted by: Andrew on 12 Aug 2009, 08:55 -
Thai Airways improving passenger experience
Travellers flying to Bangkok with leading airline Thailand International (THAI) will be pleased to discover that standards have significantly improved. The airline has introduced a new fleet of Airbus A330-300 jets, which offer economy passengers 32 inches of leg space and individual touch-screens.
THAI has pulled out all the stops to update their in-flight passenger equipment, which was previously below the high standards of competing airlines.
As a senior THAI executive said in a recent interview with the Bangkok Post "With these new offerings, we no longer feel embarrassed about our in-flight products. And we can put to rest the oft-mentioned criticism about the lack of personal screens on many economy-class flights."
The changes have put THAI on a par with other leading Asian carriers such as Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific, making them a great option for those travelling between major destinations in Thailand and the rest of Asia.
THAI received its third A330-300 from the Airbus assembly plant in southern France last Thursday and anticipate the arrival of further planes in August, October, December and January of next year. There are now a total of 25 in-service Airbus A330/340 serial jets, taking passengers smoothly and comfortably to a wide range of destinations.
Posted by: Andrew on 11 Aug 2009, 09:15 -
Strong Baht weakens Thai tourism
For the first time in many years, the baht is becoming stronger, already having strengthened by 6% since March. In many ways the strengthening of the Baht will have a positive impact on Thailand. Essential materials will become significantly cheaper as will medicine, meaning that people can afford health care more easily and their general standard of living will improve.
However, this means that the exchange rate for foreign currency has plummeted, with US$ now down to now to 34.02. Tourists travelling to Thailand in search of a cheap holiday are now finding that they get significantly less for their money, and foreign manufacturers are starting to look elsewhere.
Many of Thailand’s chief tourist destinations are being heavily affected, including the picturesque island of Krabi.
However, as Central Bank governor Tarisa Watanagase said in an interview with the Bangkok Post "The baht has not appreciated unduly. It moved from 35 to a dollar at the beginning of the year to 33 and to 34 to the dollar now. The baht has not caused Thai exporters to lose competitiveness.”
The good news for tourists is that there are some great deals available on hotels and flights, meaning that Thailand is still a great destination for budget tourism.
Posted by: Andrew on 11 Aug 2009, 08:57 -
Pattaya welcomes scheduled flights
Those who like to visit the seaside city of Pattaya will now find getting there even easier. Last week Pattaya’s U-Tapao airport received the first passengers, who flew in from Korea to receive a warm welcome.
According to a report in the Pattaya Daily News a large party was waiting at the airport to greet the passengers of flight KE 9645 from Korea. Among those present were Pattaya’s deputy mayor, Mr. Weerawat Kakai who was waiting along with a team of officials to greet the arrivals personally. There was even a special Thai classical dance show arranged for passengers by Nongnooch Tropical Garden owner Mr. Kumpol Tunsatja.
Mr. Niti Kongkrut from the Pattaya office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said in a press statement that the new airport should give the Pattaya’s tourist industry the boost it needs to allow it to regain its position as one of Thailand’s most prominent locations.
Pattaya’s modern airport is located conveniently close to the airport. Many of the city’s leading hotels offer free airport transfers, meaning that within minutes visitors can get on with the serious business of soaking up the sun on the beach and exploring some of the area’s exciting tourist attractions.
Posted by: Andrew on 10 Aug 2009, 09:15 -
Breaking through the language barrier
One of the toughest things about travelling to Thailand is the language barrier. Even the most confident linguist can get their tongue caught up in knots as they try to work out the tones and nuances of the Thai language.
However, all that may soon be a thing of the past as the Bangkok based National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre (Nectec) has developed an innovative speech-to-speech translation system.
The system is simple; words are spoken into a microphone and are accurately translated into languages such as Thai, Japanese or Korean by a network-based dialogue-to-dialogue translation system.
Chai Wutiwiwatchai is Nectec’s director of Human Language Technology Laboratory. In a recent interview with the Bangkok Post he revealed the wonders of the new machine:
"We can create a database for each specific domain, although at the moment it is tourist industry which is the playground of Thailand. We are developing the Thai-Malay language database and so far there are some 500 pairs of sentences.”
Although still at the development stage, it shouldn’t be long before the dialogue-to-dialogue translation system is widely used throughout Thailand’s tourism industry, allowing hotel staff and tour operators to communicate with travelers easily.
Posted by: Andrew on 10 Aug 2009, 08:52 -
Samui airport reopens after fatal crash
The airport on Koh Samui has reopened after the fatal crash on Tuesday afternoon of Bangkok Airways flight PG 266, in which the main pilot, Chatchai Punsuvan, was killed and four passengers and the co-pilot were seriously injured.
There has been a lot of speculation over the cause of the crash. However, after early investigations at the scene of the crash and data gained from the planes black box, it looks likely that the accident was caused by wind shear.
According to a report by News 24, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva told reporters that: "The transport minister (said) that on initial assumptions the accident may have been caused by the weather. As the flight touched down on the runway there was a sudden wind shear."
Police have confirmed that there was heavy rainfall and storm-like conditions as the pilot of flight PG 266 attempted to safely land the plane on Samui’s landing strip on Tuesday. The crash, during which 42 people were injured, was completely unexpected.
Anyone who regularly travels to Thailand will already be aware of the Bangkok Airways’ excellent safety record. It seems that in this case the accident, although disastrous, was unavoidable.
Bangkok Airways president Puttipong Prasattong-Osoth had this message for passengers: "While the investigation of this accident remains underway, Bangkok Airways' management reassures that we continue to take safety as the priority in all aspects of our operations."
Posted by: Andrew on 07 Aug 2009, 09:20 -
An end to currency conversion problems
Anyone who has spent time traveling through Asia will know that having to constantly exchange different currencies and work out the cost of goods can be a real headache. The good news is that all that could soon be a thing of the past, thanks to the Chiang Mai Initiative.
The Initiative was signed in May 2000 by 13 Asian countries including Thailand in an effort to improve trade and tourism.
According to a recent report by Nation Multimedia, the former Finance Ministry advisor Dr Olarn Chaipravat predicted at the time that the Chiang Mai Initiative could lead to a single Asian currency. A series of talks have been scheduled over the next few months to try to turn this prediction in to a reality.
This weekend more than 40 leaders of Asian and European countries will meet in Beijing to attend the Asia-Europe Meeting Summit, during which this will be one of the main topics up for discussion.
Although it seems that travelers may still have to battle with currency converters for some time to come, a single Asian currency may be on the way.
Posted by: Andrew on 06 Aug 2009, 09:05 -
Experience traditional Thailand in Pattaya
Visitors to beachside city Pattaya will be familiar with the area’s vibrant bars, shopping malls and other modern attractions. However, this week a new attraction opened that will give visitors an insight into a more traditional side of Thailand.
Located on Sukhumvit Road just to the south of Pattaya, the Pattaya Floating Market offers tourists and travelers a glimpse into the way in which produce was bought and sold in the days before roads covered the land and air conditioned shopping malls dominated every town and city.
Building on the success of the Pattaya Floating Market, an OTOP market village has just been added, which will promote Thai living and culture.
According to a report in the Pattaya Daily News, Mr. Mind Chainit the Nongprue city mayor presided over the opening ceremony of the OTOP village last weekend in a celebration which was also attended Pattaya’s deputy mayor, Mr. Weerawat Kahkai, along with other prominent officials.
Taking a tour of the Pattaya Floating market and OTOP village is a relaxing and enlightening experience. Tours can be booked through Pattaya’s tour agencies and major hotels.
Posted by: Andrew on 06 Aug 2009, 08:48 -
Bangkok bookworms take to the seas
Anyone who’s looking for something a bit different to do in Bangkok this week should head to Khlong Toei Port 1 to check out the world’s largest floating book exhibition. The exhibition is being hosted by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, who have stocked the MV Doulos, which is the world’s oldest ocean-going passenger ship, with more than 8,000 books in a variety of languages, including a large English selection.
According to a report by The Nation, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Public Relations Department chief Saensuk Satongkhun stated that this is the fifth time the vessel, which is by the non-profit charity organisation Good Books for All, is visiting Thailand. Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore the 130 meter long vessel and watch stage performances as well, as taking part in a range of interesting activities.
The floating exhibition will be held until August 23 Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10:00 to 21:00 and on Sundays and Mondays from 14:00 to 21:00. There is an admission fee of just 10 baht to get on board.
Posted by: Andrew on 05 Aug 2009, 08:00 -
Krabi expats wait for international school to open
Great news for those with children who live on the southern island of Krabi or are thinking of relocating. It has just been announced that Krabi should soon be graced with its first international school.
The solution will be provided by Dr. Pimonmas Photong-Wollmann, who is the founder of the extremely successful Nawattaphume International School in Lampang. This has long been one of northern Thailand’s leading schools, featuring a day care nursery, Montessori kindergarten and a British curriculum primary school with around 150 pupils. There are also plans to add a high school, boarding facilities and a local hospital.
Recently, Dr. Pimonmas Photong-Wollmann received a call from parents in Krabi begging for his help. As Dr. Pimonmas Photong-Wollmann explained in an interview with Your Krabi: "They explained their predicament and we arranged a visit. After meeting the parents, children and other local people, we felt we could really help them - plus we loved the area and the people as well. The decision was not terribly business-like, but it came from the heart." Nawattaphume has lodged a formal application with the Krabi Board of Education to open a school on the Ao Nam Mao - Sai Thai Road, near Ao Nang and it looks as though his application will be successful.
Posted by: Andrew on 04 Aug 2009, 09:17 -
Splashing around in Phuket
Anyone who visits Phuket in the next few months will discover a great new way to keep cool. West World Sands Water is a fantastic new water theme park, which is currently being constructed.
Situated in the West Sands five-star resort complex in the Mai Khao area of the island, this is Phuket’s first water park and will feature a number of exciting rides such as the Superbowl. There will also be a number of regionally-themed sections including African, Asian, Turkish, Northern European, North American and Incan zones.
The park has been designed by Disney theme park creators Whitewater Industries and comprises a 500 million baht project, covering an area of 22,400 square meters.
Barry King is the Project Director. In an interview with the Phuket Gazette he stated that: “We are highly confident that West Sands Water World will take little time to become the new major attraction and a must-do activity for travelers who have landed in Phuket.”
The owners of the new water theme park are already anticipating large number of daily visitors, and this will be a real treat for anyone who feels the heat while relaxing in Phuket.
Posted by: Andrew on 04 Aug 2009, 09:00 -
Phuket turtle returns to the sea
This Saturday residents of Phuket gathered on the beach to aid in the release of a giant turtle. Thought to be about 50 years old, the massive turtle weighed a staggering 120kg. This is the largest turtle to have been found in Phuket for more than 10 years.
According to a report by the Phuket Gazette the turtle was originally rescued in the waters near Phuket in April during an early morning raid by Phuket-based marine inspectors who had been informed of about an illegal fishing operation. The turtle had been tied to an anchor line by one of its flippers. As the captors fled, the turtle was abandoned to die.
Fortunately, marine inspectors managed to rescue the badly injured turtle and took it to the Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC) to be treated by vets. They nicknamed the turtle loong, which means uncle in Thai. As soon as loong was fit to return to the sea, a farewell party was held and a crowd of over 200 people gathered to watch the turtle swim to freedom into the sea at Cape Panwa.
Posted by: Andrew on 03 Aug 2009, 10:23 -
A taste of old Bangkok
Anyone who has spent time exploring Thailand’s capital city will know that there are many faces of Bangkok. While there are numerous modern bars, clubs and restaurants scattered throughout the city, there is also an older, yet infinitely interesting side to the city.
Just around the corner from backpacker and Thai student hangout Khaosan Road is Phra Athit Road, which is located near the Chao Phraya River and faces Phra Sumen Fort and Santi Chaiprakan Park. Wander along this road and you will discover a row of nine enchanting two-story buildings, which date back more than 60 years. Known as Kao Hong, these buildings have been turned into stylish restaurants, cute coffee shops and trendy bars.
Now, thanks to funding by the Crown Property Bureau, these buildings are being restored to their former glory.
Oranuch Im-Arrom is the senior chief of the Crown Property Bureau's Conservation Project Division. In an interview with the Bangkok Post he revealed that: "Prior to the restoration, these buildings served as homes, restaurants, a bakery shop, a spa and a convenience store. Some changes had been made. For example, some of the wooden doors, called lookfak, had been removed. We managed to conserve and develop the buildings while highlighting their outstanding features. For example, the roof is now laid with kite tiles, as it was originally.”
Posted by: Andrew on 03 Aug 2009, 10:22 -
Let’s go to Rayong
Often overlooked by visitors to the Land of Smiles, Rayong is located just two hours from the capital city of Bangkok. Features around a hundred kilometers of sun kissed coastline and some beautiful beaches, this is a good place to soak up the sun away from the crowds that gather at the nearby beaches of Pattaya and Jomtien.
The Tourist Authority of Thailand are working hard to promote Rayong at the moment, encouraging the area’s hotels and restaurants to offer special deals to visitors.
As one tourist commented to The Nation recently: "With the main road running parallel to the sea, you can't find a single hotel by the beach at Mae Ramphung.” Some of Rayong’s attractions include Laem Mae Phim beach, Ban Kon Ao and the Ban Pae market.
So what are you waiting for? Forget the hustle and bustle of the big city and the bright lights of Pattaya, let’s go to Rayong this weekend and enjoy a little peace and quiet.
Posted by: Andrew on 31 Jul 2009, 09:20 -
Patong is Thailand’s number one tourist destination
According to a recent study by the Phuket Tourist Association, the Patong area of Phuket is by far the most popular tourist destination this season, even though major hotels in other areas may be struggling to fill rooms.
In a recent interview with the Phuket Gazette, Phuket Tourist Association President Somboon Jirayus admitted that the existing average occupancy rates are about 30-40 percent in most parts of the island, which is down about 30 percent on last year’s average. In addition, most hotels are being forced to offer rooms at discounted rates, meaning that profits are being cut dramatically.
One person who is being affected by the change is Methee Tanmanatragul, who is President of Thai Hotels Association Southern Chapter. He attributed much of the loss in tourist revenue from the recent spate of protesting and rioting, adding that: "If this rut Thai people stop fighting, everything will surely improve, but if we can't find harmony we will remain stuck in."
The good news for tourists is that hotels continue to lower their rates, meaning that there has never been a better time to find quality accommodation at a bargain price.
Posted by: Andrew on 30 Jul 2009, 09:12 -
Ritz-Carlton comes to Krabi
US-based luxury hotel chain Ritz-Carlton has just announced plans to set up its first ever hotel in Thailand. The hotel, which will be named Pulay Bay, will open on Krabi before the end of the year and will be aimed at both local and overseas tourists.
The hotel is developed and owned by a local firm, Piya International, which is a unit of the Bhiromphakdi family.
Estelita Sebeto is the general manager of the Pulay Bay Ritz-Carlton. In a recent interview with The Nation she revealed that: "When styling and designing the property, we were very conscious of the abundant natural beauty surrounding us, which is what makes people fall in love with Thailand. We are looking at long-term growth, so we decided to run a 30-year management contract in Thailand.”
The new hotel will feature 54 villas and pavilions, surrounded by beaches, a stunning coastline and forests filled with rugged rock formations and hidden waterfalls. For those who want to surround themselves with luxury combined with natural beauty, Pulay Bay Ritz-Carlton on Krabi will be the perfect place to stay.
Posted by: Andrew on 30 Jul 2009, 08:51