Report reveals that Thai beachgoers prioritize safety and cleanliness as the most important factor when deciding on a location.

Bangkok Thailand – Expedia.co.th released the results of the 2017 Expedia Flip Flop Report, a global study that explores cultural differences in beach attitudes and behaviors across 17 countries from around the globe, involving more than 15,000 respondents who are over the age of 18. The results are an enlightening and entertaining look at what goes into a beach vacation, including the most popular destinations, which countries’ residents don the most risqué beach attire, and what behaviors will get you banned from the sand.  Report also reveals in-depth findings about Thai travelers, and their interesting beach behaviours.

Thai Travelers Love a Good Tan
Being residents of a tropical and sunny country, Thais are no stranger to beach vacations. From the 852 respondents in Thailand, 95 percent of Thais have been on a beach vacation, and 73 percent have done so in the past year.  Of those who have taken a beach vacation, 42 percent have traveled internationally for a sunny holiday by the beach, while 58 percent have only stayed in their country of residence.

For Thais, the most travelled-to destination for a beach vacation is their own country with 7 in 10 (69 percent) having been on a beach holiday in Thailand. Following Thailand, Singapore (17 percent), Japan (16 percent), Hawaii (14 percent) and Australia (12 percent) are the most travelled to destinations for a beach vacation.

When it comes to international visitors taking beach vacations in Thailand, 12 percent of global travelers have vacationed at a Thai beach. Amongst beach vacationers, 1 in 5 (21 percent) South Koreans have taken a beach vacation in Thailand, 17 percent of Indians and, 15 percent of Australians.

As much as studies show how Thais travel most to their own country, most Thai travelers still carry a strong wish list of dream beach destinations.  The study showed that 9 out of 10 (92 percent) Thais have a beach destination on their bucket list. Topping  the beach destination wish list is Waikiki, Hawaii with half (49 percent) of Thais choosing to travel there, followed by Seminyak, Bali (32 percent), Amalfi, Italy (16 percent), and Paradise Beach (12 percent).

Time Well Spent on Vacation
Though every beach vacation starts as soon as the journey begins, Thai travelers show strong preference for short travel time and distance to their beach vacation.  On average, Thais are willing to sit on an airplane for an average time of close to 4 hours and in a road vehicle for 4.5 hours. Thais are also willing to drive and fly for the least amount of time globally. However, despite their relatively low willingness to travel, 1 out of 10 Thais would drive (12 percent) or fly (10 percent) for more than 9 hours to reach a beach destination.

On average, Thais spend close to 5 days away on a beach vacation. International holidays are longer on average than domestic holidays (6 days and more than 4 days respectively). Only 12 percent of Thais would travel for more than a week.

Making Travel Decisions
When deciding on a beach vacation destination, the most influential factors for Thais include safety (96 percent) and cleanliness (96 percent) of the beach, followed by great weather (92 percent) and the total cost (88 percent).  Adult-only resorts and activities are considered important aspects for two thirds (66 percent) of Thais, making them the most likely to find this aspect important (with a Global average of 53 percent). Thais are the second most likely, after India (74 percent) to consider social media visibility an important aspect of a beach holiday (69 percent with a Global average of 55 percent). Interestingly, Thais are least interested in beach holiday destinations where there are plenty of singles, with two thirds (68 percent) finding this the least important aspect.

The Happy Travelers
Thais love their beach vacations, given that 97 percent were satisfied with their latest beach holiday, and more than 2 in 5 (43 percent) were very satisfied. The longer Thai vacationers are away, the more likely they are to be very satisfied. More than two thirds (65 percent) of Thai vacationers who go away for more than 3 weeks are very satisfied compared to 62 percent from those who go away for more than two weeks, and 46 percent for those who go away for more than 1 week.

Thai vacationers are slightly more likely to be very satisfied on an international beach vacation than one closer to home (international 46 percent versus domestic 41 percent). Most notably, more than half (54 percent) of Thais whose last beach vacation was in Hawaii are very satisfied.

No matter who they travel with, more than 95 percent of Thais are generally satisfied with their holiday. However, traveling families are more likely to be very satisfied (45 percent) than traveling couples to be very satisfied (40 percent).

The Ultimate Value-for-Money Beach Vacation
Thai vacationers like to indulge themselves but do so very wisely.  They spend an average of more than US$1,400 on their last beach vacation. Globally, this is the lowest cost for a beach vacation (Global average is more than US$2,000).  Older Thais spend the most on beach holidays (close the US$2000 compared to a Gen Y at more than US$1,400 and Gen X at more than US$1,100). Travelling couples spend the most on beach vacations overall (close to US$20008) followed by travelling families (more than US$1,500). Travelling with friends seems to be the cheapest overall for a beach holiday (close to US$950), cheaper than for groups of singles travelling together (more than US$1,000).

Beach Annoyances, Nightmares and Etiquette
Cultural differences inarguably affect beach attitudes and travel etiquette. Studies showed that Thai beachgoers feel quite similarly to vacationers from other countries when it comes to beach annoyances, nightmares and etiquette.

A Burkini for women is considered the most acceptable beach attire amongst Thais (88 percent), more so than any other common beach attire. However, a thong style swimsuit for women is also widely accepted (83 percent), making it the 2nd most accepted attire, followed by a thong-style swimsuit for men (77 percent).

Almost all of Thais surveyed find at least one common trait of a beachgoer annoying. Most commonly Thais are annoyed by ‘the slob’ (66 percent), followed by ‘the boozer’ (55 percent) and ‘the canoodler’ (51 percent). All three have been increasingly annoying to Thai beachgoers since 2016.

The Inevitable Anxiety
When thinking about taking a beach vacation, Thais are most likely to feel anxious about the risk of theft (79 percent), followed by lost property (74 percent), drowning or strong rip currents (73 percent) and being stung by a jellyfish or stingray (73 percent) while 97 percent of Thai parents have at least one anxiety regarding their children while on a beach vacation.  Most common concerns about children are falling sick (68 percent), followed by drowning or drifting into deep water (67 percent), and jellyfish stings (63 percent). Globally, Thai parents are the most likely to get anxious about their children falling sick (with Global average of 56 percent).

Beach Holiday Preparation
Thai vacationers would start to get themselves ‘beach ready’ by over a month or about an average of 36 days, before leaving for their vacation, in line with the global average of close to 1.5 months. On average, Thai vacationers would spend more than 9 hours and are willing to spend more than US$80  getting themselves ‘beach ready’.2 in 5 (40 percent) of Thai vacationers would pack the day before they leave, but 14 percent of Thai travelers spend more time packing than actually being on vacation.

The over-packing phenomenon is a reality for 4 in 5 (83 percent%) of Thai vacationers, with a large proportion going for a more-than-needed number of items: 62 percent would willingly lug along jumbo packs of sunscreen, 61 percent would pack multiple pairs of sunglasses, and 33 percent take multiple pairs of swimmers.

Sun safety appears paramount when packing, with 9 in 10 (89 percent) Thai vacationers packing at least one item that protects them from the sun.

Typical Beach Behavior
Beach activities Thais are most likely to take part in when on a beach is walking (73 percent always or frequently do it), maintaining its top position on the list of beach activities since 2016. Taking selfies is the 2nd most common activity for Thais. This makes Thais the most likely to take selfies at the beach globally (56 percent compared to the global average of 33 percent). Listening to music (50 percent) and swimming (48 percent) are the 3rd and 4th most common activity respectively, followed by posting photos on social media (48 percent).

Yoga, Tai Chi, meditation (11 percent), skinny dipping or swimming nude (12 percent), and sunbathing (15 percent) are the least participated-in activities amongst Thais while on the beach.

Flirting and Romance at the Beach
The most common romantic activity Thais have done at the beach is to go for a romantic sunset beach walk (65 percent) and more than a quarter (28 percent) have been chatted up by a stranger. Thais are generally not very engaged in other romantic activities on the beach with only 14 percent of Thais have been asked out on a date, and 13 percent have asked someone out on a date.

Thais think the most attractive beachgoers are those from Hawaii (59 percent) followed by Australia (37 percent), Brazil (17 percent), California (16 percent), and France (12 percent).

Simon Fiquet, General Manager for Southeast Asia and India, brand Expedia said: “The study cements the fact that Thai-based vacationers fully understand what their country has to offer when it comes to a beach holidays. Domestically, the Thai tourism industry is seeing positive growth with popular destinations like the Phra Nang Beach, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Chang, Ko Lipe, Ko Phuket, Ko Samui, Hua Hin, Ko Tao beaches continuing to attract local and foreign travelers year after year.”

Thailand welcomed over 28.8 million international visitors from January to October 2017 and earned 1.47 trillion Baht in tourism revenue. Mr. Pongpanu Svetarundra, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, recently told a press conference on the kingdom’s tourism performance. Both figures represented increases over 2016.

The precise number of overseas tourists for the 10 months of January to October was 28,824,753, an increase of 6.69 percent over the same period of 2016. Tourism revenue generated was 1,472,698.81 Baht, up 9.31 percent over the 2016 period.

For the month of October 2017, the number of foreign tourists jumped 20.92 percent over October 2016 to 2,723,971. Tourism revenue for October 2017 also rose significantly, up 24.38 percent to a little over 142.63 billion Baht.

Among source markets, Southeast Asia stood out with 29.38 percent growth in tourists sent to Thailand during October. The top 10 individual markets were China, Malaysia, Lao PDR., South Korea, India, Japan, Russia, Cambodia, the US and UK.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor, commented: “With the launch in November of the TAT’s new ‘Amazing Thailand Tourism Year 2018’ marketing concept, which focuses on segments like sports, gastronomy, weddings and honeymoons, luxury and community-based tourism, we’re confident of even higher visitor growth.”

Thailand’s domestic tourism sector also showed positive growth. January to September 2017 saw Thais made 109.15 million trips in their own country (up 6.32 percent over the same 2016 period) generating more than 695.23 billion Baht in revenue (up 7.34 percent over the same 2016 period).

Combining the overseas and domestic markets, total tourism revenue for January to October 2017 amounted to 2,167,932.74 Baht, an 8.67 percent rise over the same 2016 period.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports highlighted the main reasons behind the growth in tourist numbers and revenue, including the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s lifting in October of the red flag imposed on Thailand since 2015 over significant safety concerns in its aviation sector. This, Mr. Pongpanu said, had since resulted in a lot of requests for more flights into Don Mueang International Airport, the second of Bangkok’s two main airports.

Also, Thai Airways International launched a new four times weekly direct Bangkok-Vienna route in November and NewGen Airways introduced new flights from Nakhon Ratchasima to Chiang Mai and Phuket, among several new routes and increased flight frequencies by both Thai and international carriers.

Thailand earned THB142,639.83 million from international tourist visits, January to October, an increase of just under 10%, according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Tourism and Sport.

Reporting on the latest statistics, Permanent Secretary of Tourism and Sports, Pongpanu Svetarundra,  said the country welcomed  2,723,971 visits in October alone.

For the 10 months up to the end of October, the country registered 28.8 million visits, a rise of 6.69%, year-on-year.

At the current pace, Thailand is likely to surpass 34 million by the close of the year. Based on optimistic forecasts the figure could just fall short of 35 million if  the fourth quarter performs well.

Critics will say the figures do not represent genuine tourists; just arrivals at checkpoints representing a wide range of travel purposes from cross-border trade to labour, educational visits and repeat business trips.

During October, the East Asia market dominated by China, delivered 1,845,045 visits followed by Europe, South Asia, the Americas, Oceania, Middle East and Africa.

Compared with October 2016, visits increased 20.9%. Travel from East Asia grew 29.38%, driven by the recovery in the Chinese market. The crackdown over zero tourism was at its height in October 2016, causing a massive decline in visits from China, which partly explains the substantial growth rate this October.

The top 10 tourist supply markers were China, Malaysia, Laos, Korea, India, Japan, Russia, Cambodia, the United States and the United Kingdom.

In addition, visitor spend in October generated an estimated revenue of  THB142,639.83 million, an increase of 24.38% year-on-year.

In terms of tourist receipts, the top 10 supply markets were: China; Russia; Malaysia; Australia; United Kingdom; Korea; USA; Japan; India and Germany.

For the 10 months, January to October, Thailand’s immigration checkpoints registered 28,824,753 visits, an increase of 6.69% year-on-year. Foreign tourist receipts were estimated at THB 1,472,698.81 million, an increase of 9.31%, year-on-year.

Thai travel agents enjoyed a 102% increase in tourist clients for the period 1 to 10 November when compared with the same 10-day period in November 2016.

In its latest appraisal, Thailand’s Association of Thai Travel Agents confirmed its member companies handled 177,902 clients at Bangkok’s two airports for the first 10 days of November.

It signals the start of the high season for Thailand when tour company business spikes.

Since 1 January,  ATTA member companies have provided a meet-and-greet service for 4,974,324 tourists at the two Bangkok airports, up 3.19% over the same period last year.

The top performing market for travel agents was predictably China with 2,955,101 people travelling on pre-paid travel packages. However, it was a decrease of 1% when compared with the same period last year.

Vietnam was the second largest market with 270,136 travellers buying ATTA member services, up 23.54%, while Korea was third with 233,799 tourists, up 60.58%.

Fourth placed India supplied 217,541 an increase of 23.72%,  while Japan in fifth place generated 138,603 trips up 5.98%.

It is likely that the Chinese market will close the year with a market share of 59.41% of all travellers buying pre-paid holidays and handled by ATTA agents.

A decade earlier the market share would have been led by European tour operators followed by those in Japan, Korea and Taiwan.  Now Chinese tour operators dominate the supply chain.

Low-cost airline, Thai AirAsia, is strengthening its Phuket hub with a new route to Khon Kaen in Northeast Thailand, this December.

It will also introduce a direct flight from Phuket to Macau, Asia’s gambling capital in January 2018.

Khon Kaen will be served by four weekly services (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) initially and will appeal to residents in the northeast city who want to cut the travelling time to reach Thailand’s most popular beach destination.

A “Fly Phuket-Khon Kaen” promotion sets the fare at just THB690 for flights starting 22 December, which is cheaper than the bus service on the same route.

Thai AirAsia’s Phuket station manager, Arun Lilapantisitti, said that Phuket is emerging as an important hub to develop direct nonstop domestic and international flights.  The airline offers 18 flights daily out of Phuket and claims a cabin factor of around 86%.

“We’re adding two new routes now because the fourth quarter is the main travel season and Phuket is a top destination for Thai and foreign tourists alike.

“The Phuket-Macau route was announced in October for a launch in January 2018.  The Phuket-Khon Kaen flight can be booked now and should serve northeast residents looking to return home and Phuket residents looking for a vacation getaway,” Arun added.

The Phuket-Khon Kaen route will operate four times a week, departing from Phuket at 1110 and arriving in Khon Kaen at 1250.  Flights start 22 December.

Flight Schedule Phuket (HKT) – Khon Kaen (KKC)

Starting 22 December 2017

Arguably Thailand’s most famous beach destination, Phuket is almost synonymous with a holiday in ‘The Land of Smiles’. Boasting some of the most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia, extensive accommodation ranging from budget to ultra-luxury and plenty of fun activities and sightseeing opportunities, it isn’t hard to see why.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said, “Phuket continues to attract an increasing number of international tourists, in particular during the European winter. This peak season for Phuket begins in late October, and TAT offices in key overseas markets are already actively promoting the island as a must-visit location while holidaying in Thailand.”

Anticipating increased visitor traffic to and from Phuket during the peak season, several airlines in the region are either adding new flights or increasing the frequency on existing services.

Among these is the national flag carrier Thai Airways International, which on 29 October will boost its current Beijing – Phuket service from four flights to seven flights a week. At the same time it will switch aircraft used on the route from a 264-seat Boeing 787 to a 299-seat Airbus A330.

Vietnamese carrier Vietjet will launch a new Ho Chi Minh City – Phuket service on 15 December, with four flights a week using an Airbus A320 with seat capacity of 180.

AirAsia meanwhile will introduce a twice daily flight to Phuket from Macau starting on 8 January 2018, also using an Airbus A320. Phuket is considered a top destination for travelers from Macau and China.

Mr. Yuthasak said, “The addition of more flights and extra seat capacity will mean even more choice and flexibility for tourists when organising their travel plans to Phuket and indeed elsewhere in Thailand.”

A positive development in recent Thai tourism news was the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) lifting earlier this month of the red flag imposed on Thailand since 2015 over significant safety concerns in the country’s aviation sector. While indicating that Thailand had addressed these issues, it has also freed up airlines to consider new routes and/or frequency increases to popular destinations like Phuket.

A little something on Thai festival of light and why you should attend it.

Bringing in new happiness in our lives, yes, this is what we should be doing on a daily basis. But for now, you can head to Thailand for Loi Krathong, a festival that ceremonially bids goodbye to past sins and mistakes and welcomes happiness. Also known as Lantern Festival or Festival of Floating Bowls, the festival will be celebrated on November 3, 2017 across Thailand, most popularly Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phra Nakhon Si, Ayutthaya, Sokhothai, Suphan Buri and Tak.

Do not miss this picture perfect festival of lights as all water bodies, be it rivers or lakes, are lit up by rafts decorated with candles, flowers and incense sticks. Watch out for illuminated boat displays along the Chao Phraya River, cultural programmes, fireworks, and hot air balloons, among many other attractions.

October 20

Official start of the Vegetarian Festival

Every day from October 23 – 28

There’s a ritual paying respects to Chinese guardian angels (Ko Gun) at Bangniew Shrine and from October 22, the ceremonies can be seen at Jui Tui Tao Bo Keng Shrine and Ta Rua Shrine as well.

October 23

A ritual to pay respect to ancestors spirits

October 24

Firewalking (Goi Hoi) at Jui Tui Tao Bo Keng Shrine at 8pm

October 23 – 26

A ritual to pay respect to the Chinese angels

October 23, 25, 27

A ritual to pay respect to the spirits of people who used to support the shrine (at Jui Tui Tao Bo Keng Shrine)

October 27

Firewalking (Goi Hoi) at Bangniew Shrine at 8pm and Ta Rua Shrine at 8.30pm as well as a ritual called Goi Han where people who have been following the precepts of the Vegetarian festival cross a wooden bridge which is believed to expel all bad luck at Jui Tui Tao Bo Keng Shrine

October 28

Last day of the 2017 vegetarian festival and Gio Han ritual will be at the Bang Niew Shrine at 6pm and Tha Rua Shrine at 8.45pm

This day, there will be a ritual to send the Chinese god Gu Ong Tai Tae back to the heaven in Sapan Hin too. For Ta Rua Shrine, the ritual will be at Nai Yang Beach

October 29

The ritual to take down Koteng lantern pole and pay respect to the Nine Emperor Gods will happen at all the shrines.

AirAsia will launch direct flights between Phuket and Macao, China, starting Jan 8, 2018.

Celia Lao, CEO of AirAsia Hong Kong & Macao, said Phuket is among the top destinations for Macanese and Chinese travellers, making Thai AirAsia’s introduction of a direct flight between Phuket and Macao a wonderful opportunity for tourism.

AirAsia currently operates six flights from Macao with routes including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya (U-tapao), Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Jakarta and will launch Johor Bahru on Nov 28.

Santisuk Klongchaiya, Director of Commercial for Thai AirAsia, said Phuket is a city built on Chinese traditions, beliefs and culture and its history is closely tied to that of China.

“Chinese visitors to the city will find it familiar and convenient while still full of travel experiences whether relishing the nature or enjoying the nightlife. AirAsia is confident the new route will be well received,” he said.

“We will be launching the Macao-Phuket route on the 8th of January 2018 and believe it will attract people in Macao and its vicinity to Phuket. We will be using our strengths of low fares, on-time service and trustworthy reputation to draw in travellers and help stimulate the island’s economy,” Mr Santisuk said.

For the people of Phuket, this added route provides a new travel option to Macao, which is already a top destination for Thai travellers due to its many holy sites and European architecture. Overall, the route should prove popular among people of both nations.

In addition to Macao-Phuket, Thai AirAsia already operates a host of direct flights between Macao and Thailand, including Don Mueang (four flights a day), Macao and Chiang Mai (daily direct) and Macao-Pattaya U-Tapao (four flights a week).