Tourism

The statistics for 2011 have just been released by the Department of Tourism. In previous years we have seen growth of about 8-10%. However, for 2011, the official statistics show that there was an increase in foreign tourists to Thailand of 19.84%. In 2010, there were 15,936,400 tourists in Thailand. This number increased to an amazing 19,098,323 in 2011. This is in despite of political unrest and street fighting over the last few years and also the devastating flood in the latter half of 2011. They are already looking forward to the end of 2012 and predict we will see 20.5 to 20.8 million tourists. Increase in international arrivals were seen in most sectors around the world. In particular, East Asia and Europe increased by 26.56% and 11.4% respectively. The tourists in the top 10 for international visitors to Thailand in 2011 were from: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Malaysia (2.47 million) China (1.76 million) Japan (1.12 million) Russia (1,014,493) South Korea (1,014,292) India (916,787) Laos (887,677) Australia, (854,064) Great Britain (844,221) United States (684,073)

During November 2011 the number of tourists declined by 17.92% which was mainly due to the widespread floods. However, this improved by December when the decline was only 2.4%. What helped the overall picture were good results earlier in the year up to and including October. In the month of May 2011 alone, there was an increase of 70.26% compared to the same period the year before.

Bangkok is one of the world's top tourist destination cities. It is ranked third in international visitors in MasterCard's Global Destination Cities Index, after London and Paris, with 12.2 million visitors projected to arrive in 2012. It also ranks third in international visitor spending, with 19.3 billion USD projected for [1] 2012, after London and New York. Euromonitor International ranked Bangkok fifth in its Top City [2] Destinations Ranking for 2010. Bangkok has also been named "World's Best City" by Travel + [3] Leisure magazine's survey of its readers for three consecutive years since 2010.

As the main gateway through which visitors arrive in Thailand, Bangkok is visited by the majority of international tourists to the country. Domestic tourism is also prominent. The Department of Tourism recorded 26,861,095 Thai and 11,361,808 foreign visitors to Bangkok in 2010. Lodgings were made by [4] 15,031,244 guests, who occupied 49.9 percent of the city's 86,687 hotel rooms. Bangkok's multi-faceted sights, attractions and city life appeal to diverse groups of tourists. Royal palaces and temples as well as several museums constitute its major historical and cultural tourist attractions. Shopping and dining experiences offer a wide range of choices and prices. The city is also famous for its dynamic nightlife. Although Bangkok's sex tourism scene is well-known, this aspect is usually downplayed by the government.

1)PALACES AND WATS

Bangkok, the centre of the Bangkok Metropolitan Area, has been the capital of Thailand since 1782, when the seat of government was moved across the Chao Phraya River from the Thonburi (west bank) side of the river. There are many palaces in the city, some still used by the Thai royal family, while others are now open to the public. A number also have become government buildings or university campuses, whilst several are museums. The king's official residence is the Grand Palace, which has housed Thailand's monarchs for over 200 years. Before the 1932 Revolutionended the absolute monarchy, the complex was the home of Thai government: it included royal courts, administrative branches, similar to the earlier capital at Ayutthaya. It houses the Chakri Mahaprasat Hall and Wat Phra Kaew, which contains the Emerald Buddha and is considered the most important temple in Thailand. However, the more modern Chitralada Palace is the actual Bangkok residence of the reigning monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), and his Queen Sirikit.

Of the hundreds of Buddhist temples (or wats) located in Bangkok, only a few are of much interest to tourists. When King Taksin led his troops out of Ayutthaya and into Thonburi in 1767 CE, they took refuge in Wat Arun. The most prominent feature is a tall chedi built in the 1820s that stands85 metres (279 ft). It [when?] was tallest structure in Bangkok until the modern skyscrapers were built a few decades ago. 'Wat Pho', also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha or Wat Phra Chetuphon, is south of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace. It is Bangkok's largest temple and contains a huge reclining Buddha figure that is 46 metres (151 ft) long and is covered with gold leaf. The feet alone are 3 metres (10 ft) in size.

Wat Suthat is one of the oldest temples and the site of the Giant Swing, formerly used in an annual Brahman ceremony. A huge teak arch from which the swing was hung still stands in front of the temple. Wat Saket, or the Golden Mount (Phu Khao Thong in Thai), houses relics of the Buddha in a 58-metrehigh chedi surmounted by a golden cupola. Built by King Rama I just outside the new city's walls, the temple served as the main crematorium. In the century after its construction, some 60,000 plague victims were either cremated there or placed outside for the vultures to devour.

2)Cruise
The Chao Phraya River & Bangkoks Canals (Khlongs): Nineteenth-century Bangkok was laced with canals, giving the capital the designation Venice of the East. Surviving canals, and the Chao Phraya River provide memorable vignettes of traditional waterborne way-of-life that has remained essentially unchanged over the centuries. The river and canals may be conveniently explored by chartered boat or cruise. Dinner Cruise: Riverine Bangkok offers some of the capitals most arresting sights, particularly at night when the weather is cooler and light reflections bestow the Chao Phraya River with flickering lights.

3)Hotels
A number of deluxe hotels can be found in Bangkok, such as the Peninsula Bangkok, which recently made the top 10 in Travel and Leisure magazine's top 100 hotels list, coming in at #4, while the Oriental [6] Hotel claimed the ninth spot. Sukhumvit Road hosts a series of international chains such as JW Marriott, The Landmark, InterContinental, Sheraton, and many boutique hotels such as Tenface Bangkok, The Davis, Unico Grande Sukhumvit. The Banyan Tree on Sathon, one of Bangkok's tallest hotels, featured the tallest bar and restaurant in the city, Vertigo, up until the launch of Sirocco Restaurant on top of State Tower, 247 m (810 ft) up from the bustling street set of Bang Rak. Bangkok also offers a number of smaller boutique hotels for discerning travelers seeking uniquely designed lodgings and personalized service. There are large numbers of inexpensive hotels scattered throughout the city such as Yaowarat Road, most notably in the backpackers' paradise of Khao San Road. Unlike Western cities, motels are uncommon in Bangkok. However, a fast and growing business is bed and breakfasts adapted to suit the Asian lifestyle. A variety of these small houses can be found in Phloen Chit,Watthana and Khlong Toei.

4)Shopping
Thailand has a variety of shopping experiences from street markets to world class luxury malls. Tourists have historically always preferredmarkets and bazaars to the other forms of shopping. The Chatuchak weekend market is one of the largest shopping destinations in Bangkok. Water markets are gradually disappearing, but remain strong tourist attractions as many tours are offered through the canals the markets are located on.

Bangkok includes over 15 world class malls situated around Bangkok, many centered around Sukhumvit Road and Ploenchit-Ratchaprasong. There are approximately 25 shopping malls, 35 lifestyle shopping centers, 40 department stores, 55 superstores, and 1,100 convenience stores around Bangkok. MBK Center (Maboonkrong) shopping center and Siam Square area are targeted towards bargain shoppers.

5) Climate
hailand predominantly has a tropical wet and dry or savannah climate while the South and the eastern tip [22] of the East have a tropical monsoon climate. Most of Thailand experiences three seasons: The cool dry season from late November till February is most excellent up north with temperatures in December for Chiang Maiaveraging around 15 Celsius at night time and going up to around 28 Celsius during daytime with clear sunny skies. Higher up in the mountains, temperatures can even drop down to near freezing at night. In Bangkok and in the central and north-eastern plains of Thailand, midday temperatures during the cool dry season average around 30 Celsius and the humidity is much lower. The hot dry season from March till May can see daytime temperatures in the mid to high 30s. This is the time for holding festivals (such as Songkran and Rocket Festival) to mark the coming of the rainy season.

The rainy season from May to October has daytime temperatures in the low 30s with night-time temperatures in the mid to high 20s. Rain showers occur mainly late in the afternoon or early in the evening. It is also extremely humid.

Deeper south on the Kra Isthmus with its tropical monsoon climate, daytime temperatures the year round tend to hover around 31 Celsius with only a marked increase in rainfall during the monsoons. The west

coast is affected by monsoon from May to October, the south-east coast of the isthmus is affected from October to January

6) Attractions
Thailand offers a great variety of attractions. These include diving sites, sandy beaches,hundreds of tropical islands, varied night-life, archaeological sites, museums, hill tribes, exceptional flora and bird life, palaces, a huge amount of Buddhist temples and several World Heritage sites. Many tourists follow courses during their stay in Thailand. Popular are classes in Thai cooking, Buddhism and traditional Thai massage. Thai national festivals range from the fun-for-all water splashing Songkran to the almost fairytale like quality of Loy Krathong. Many localities in Thailand also have their own festivals. Famous are the "Elephant Round-up" inSurin, the "Rocket Festival" in Yasothon and the curious "Phi Ta Khon" festival in Dan Sai.Thai cuisine has become famous worldwide with its enthusiastic use of fresh herbs and spices.

Only the most austere ascetics can resist shopping when in Thailand. Bangkok is renowned for its main shopping malls, offering an astounding variety of international and local brands. Towards the north of the city, and easily reached by skytrain or underground, is"Chatuchak Weekend Market". It is possibly the largest market in the world, selling everything from household items to live, and sometimes [21] endangered, animals. The "Pratunam Market" specialises in fabrics and clothing. The night markets in the Silom area and on Khaosan Road are mainly tourist orientated, selling items such as T-shirts, handicrafts, counterfeit watches and sunglasses. In the vicinity of Bangkok one can find several visually stunning floating markets such as the one in Damnoen Saduak. The "Sunday Evening Walking Street

Market", held on Rachadamnoen road inside the old city, must be the shopping highlight of a visit to Chiang Mai up in northern Thailand. It attracts many locals as well as foreigners. The "Night Bazaar" is Chiang Mai's more tourist orientated market, sprawling over several city blocks just east of the old city walls towards the river.

Thailand lifestyle
Although Thailand is considered to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, there are some interesting facts you should probably know before visiting this wonderful country. There are over 12 million visitors that visit this particular location each and every year. In addition, this country provides some of the most historic locations that can be found anywhere in the world. For this reason, as well as many others, youll discover that Thailand will offer a vast number of tourism options that no other country in Asia could possibly provide. Here youll discover some additional facts about the culture, the people, the monarchy, as well as the fine food that is available in this amazing country. Thai Culture The culture in this country is derived from the two most influencing forces that surround this wonderful country. One of those is China and the other is India. Youll discover that aside from the separatist largely Muslim populated Deep South, the country has enjoyed a loyal and unified population for decades. Over 90% of the population in Thailand is Buddhist. This makes the people in this country one of the largest single populations of a specific type of religious group.

The People This is a country that has been dubbed the Land of Smiles, and the reasons are quite obvious. Youll discover that many of the people of this country will greet one another as well as outsiders with beautiful smiles and easy-going attitudes. Youll find that the people of this country have been this way for quite some time and its mainly due to the deliberate avoidance of outside influences. Although this is a country that is surrounded by countries like Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, these influences have not penetrated this wonderful country allowing the people to remain as they have always been. The Monarchy Since the 13th century this has been a country that has been governed by kings. The current ruler, Bhumibol, has ruled the country for over 60 years. Its important to understand that all of the previous monarchs had governed from capitols all over the country of Thailand. Many of the remains of these kingdoms can still be seen in such locations as Bangkok, Thonburi, Ayutthaya, and Sukhothai. Although in 1932 the absolute monarchy was abolished, this country still recognizes a single ruler; however, they now have a constitution which is where they derive their countries objectives.

The Food Although this is a country of vast heritage, culture, and religious backgrounds, this is also a country that is probably considered to be the most famous because of its food. Whether you are dining in fine elegant restaurants, or you are taking time to experience some of the Thai street food, youll find that the food in this country is among some of the best you have ever experienced.

There are a vast number of interesting Thailand tourism facts available. The facts listed above are only a fraction of what should be considered if you are planning to visit this wonderful country. However, although this is true, youll find it important to understand more about the culture, the people, the monarchy, and the fascinating foods youll have the opportunity to enjoy when visiting the beautiful country of Thailand.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Thailand has a long history of international trade. Beginning in the 15th to 18th centuries, during the reign of the Ayutthaya monarchy, foreign merchants who lived near the kingdom's capital conducted trade with foreigners. The country's first significant trade treaty was the Bowring

Treaty in 1855 with Britain. Shortly after that, it also signed treaties with 14 other countries including the United States, France, Russia, Sweden, Spain, and Japan. Today, the United States, Japan, and the European Union continue to be its top trading partners, absorbing 52.6 percent of all exports in 1999 and supplying 48.8 percent of total imports in the same period. Its other partners are Hong Kong, China, and the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries, the most significant of which are Singapore and Malaysia. Other countries apart from those mentioned accounted for 18.4 percent of exports and 21.6 percent of imports in the same period. Thailand's major exports are rice, tapioca products, cane sugar and molasses, and rubber for agriculture; chemicals, polymers, and plastics for the manufacturing industry; and gypsum, natural gas, and feldspar for the mining industry. Bank of Thailand statistics as reflected in the Asian Economic Survey of 2000 identified the country's major export products as machine parts, circuits, frozen shrimp, prawns, sundry items, computer parts, garments, vehicle parts, and plastic products. On the other hand, its major imports are petroleum, integrated circuit parts, and chemicals. The balance of trade was consistently negative until 1998, which means that the value of the country's imports was bigger than the value of its exports. The discrepancy was minimal in 1970, with import value exceeding export value by only US$541 million. In 1975, imports exceeded exports by US$1.072 billion, which doubled in 1980 to US$2.709

billion. In 1985, imports still exceeded exports by US$2.21 billion, which had quadrupled by 1990 to US$10.309 billion. In 1995, the balance still stood in favor of imports by US$14.337 billion. In a considerable reversal, imports in 1997 exceeded exports by US$5.319 billion but the following year, exports exceeded imports by US$11.485 billion. Despite the uneven balance of trade, the Thai economy continued to grow by an average of 6.8 percent in the 1970s, 7.5 percent in the 1980s, and 8 percent in the early 1990s before the Asian financial crisis. This growth can be attributed to 2 factors, namely the boom of the tourism industry and the inflow of foreign direct investment. According to International Historical Statistics, in 1970, the services sector contributed 44.1 percent of GDP, which increased in 1980 to 49.7 percent. Though this contribution fell to 46.9 percent in 1999, it is safe to say that the dollar earnings from the tourism industry generated a substantial amount, enough to offset the trade imbalance. Foreign direct investment (FDI) is another major factor in the growth of the economy since the mid-1980s. In 1988, FDI infused US$1.25 billion into the economy, partly explaining the 7.5 percent growth despite a US$4.332 billion discrepancy in balance of trade in favor of imports. Foreign direct investment doubled to US$2.5 billion in 1990. Thailand is a member of several international trade organizations including the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Business outline for Thailand Main Industry Sectors The Thai economy is heavily based on agriculture, which contributes around 10% of the GDP and employs almost 40% of the active population. The country is one of the leading producers and exporters of rice and also has rubber, sugar, corn, jute, cotton and tobacco as major crops. Fishing is an important activity as Thailand is a major exporter of farmed shrimp. However, agriculture's contribution to the GDP has relatively declined, while the exports of goods and services has increased. The manufacturing sector accounts for just under half of the GDP and is well diversified. The main Thai industries are electronics, steel and automotive. Thailand is an assembly hub for international car brands. Electrical components and appliances, computers, cement production, furniture and plastic products are also important sectors. The textile sector employs around 25% of the active

population but is no longer as dynamic as tourism which has become the main source of foreign exchange. The tertiary sector, including tourism and financial services, contributes about half of the GDP. Economic Overview Thailand is Southeast Asia's second largest economy (behind Indonesia), and 4th richest nation, according to per capita GDP, after Singapore, Brunei and Malaysia. It functions as an anchor economy for the neighboring developing countries like Laos, Burma, and Cambodia. Due to its openness to foreign trade, the country was hit hard by the international financial crisis and entered into a recession in 2009 (-2.2%) for the first time since the Asian crisis of 1997-98. Estimated at 7.5%, there was a quick and dynamic growth in 2010, driven by the resumption of international trade, household incentives and investment projects (infrastructure). With the recovery under way, the authorities will eliminate fiscal and monetary incentive measures adopted in order to combat the crisis. The country was also involved in a stimulus program called Thailand: Investing for strength?. This program will go on until 2012, with a budget of around 30 billion euros, which should allow for the creation of about 1.5 million jobs and stimulate private consumption. Mid-term, the government is looking to strengthen infrastructure and develop the finance sector, in order to ensure a dynamic and sustainable recovery. Significant progress has been made in terms of development: poverty has decreased sharply during the last decades. In spite of the crisis' impact on the country, unemployment rate has remained low (1.4%). FDI in Figures Foreign direct investment has been an important element of Thailand's economic development process. The immense foreign currency influx after Thailand's financial liberalization in 1990, helped to increase the country's competitiveness. In the context of the recession and relatively slow recovery after the 1997 crisis, the FDI's role became even more crucial in helping re-capitalize failing industries, bring in new technologies, generate or save jobs, assist with policy reforms and play a role in addressing the poverty and social inequalities challenges. Thailand is an important FDI destination. In terms of investment, the country offers an attractive and modern legal framework and its economy benefits form the regional dynamism. In 2009, Thailand ranked amongst the first destinations for FDI and was the second ASEAN (Association of the Nations of the Southeast Asia) country, after Singapore, in terms of FDI stock. However, due to the US financial turmoil and the slowing of the global economy, as well as the country's own political instability, the FDI influx dried up in 2008-2009. They should continue their recovery which began in 2010. FDI Government Measures The Thai Boad of Investment (BOI) offered a series of incentives in six industrial sectors in 20082009, namely eight years of tax exemptions for companies and 50% tax reduction for companies for 5 years, double transport, electricity and re-supply deductions as well as 25% deduction on net profits for establishment and construction costs. The 6 sectors are: - Agriculture and food; - Renewable and alternative energies; - Automobile; - Electronics, information and communication technologies (ICT);

- Fashion; - High added value services (including leisure, health and tourism). The BOI will also implement measure aimed at contributing to the increase of company liquidity. Additionally, it can offer import tax exemption on raw materials required for production aimed at export. Country Strong Points The country's main strong points are: - A skilled work force in a number of sectors; - A strategic location at the heart of Asia: the country is an entryway to Southeast Asia and the Upper Mekong Basin region where the emerging markets have great economic potential; - A governement policy which promotes investment and promoting free-trade: According to the World Bank, Thailand is the 4th Asian country and the 20th in the world where it is easy to do business; - The existance of a number of government agencies to help investors; - An investment regime in total harmony with WTO regulations: no restrictions in the manufacturing sector, no local requirements nor export conditions. Country Weak Points Other than economic factors, structural factors like the lack of infrastructure or sufficient skilled labor, could influence the level of investments and economic growth. A World Bank report, published in 2009, stresses on a key variable for recovery: political stability. Political uncertainty in Thailand was seen by companies as the main drawback to investment. The lack of improvement in the infrastructures and the shortage of skilled workers (linked to the quality of the education) have also limited investments. Foreign Trade Overview Thailand is an emerging economy, very dependent on exports, which account for more than twothirds of the GDP. Thailand is very open to international trade (trade represented on average almost 140% of the GDP in 2007-2009) and is an active member of ASEAN. The country's three main export partners are: the United States, Japan and China. Main export commodities are electric and electronic equipment, machinery, vehicles, rubber, and plastics. The main import partners are: Japan, ASEAN, China, the EU and the United States. Thailand mainly imports electric and electronic equipment, mineral fuels and oil, machinery, iron and steel, and plastics. Thailand shows a trade surplus, a trend which should continue.