Airports of Thailand reports strong increases in both aircraft movements and passenger traffic during October, at six airports under its management.

AoT reported, last week, that all of its supervised airports handled 9,654,650 passengers up 6.13% from 9,097,094 when compared with the same month last year.

Even though October is traditionally a low season month airlines increased traffic on flights to Thailand’s  main destinations.

Overall, aircraft movements increased by 6.05% from 62,334 to 66,108.

During the first 10 months of the year, Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport welcomed 46.34 million passengers followed by Don Mueang with 29.21 million and Phuket 12.48 million. Chiang Mai Airport handled 7.70 million passengers.

October highlights

Suvarnabhumi Airport registered an increase of 3.07% in international aircraft movements from 20,490 to 21,120, while domestic movements grew 13.86% from  5,889 to 6,705 movements.

International passenger traffic increased 2.68% from 3,397,393 to 3,488,491, while domestic passengers increased 13.54% from 711,803 to 808,159. Overall, it accounted for a 4.56% increase in passengers from 4,109,196 to 4,296,650.

The second aviation gateway, Don Mueang Airport, recorded a 3.72% increase in international aircraft movements from 6,068 to 6,294. Domestic movements posted an improvement of 2.50% from 13,974 to 14,323.

International passenger traffic increased 9.28% from 814,620 to 890,237, while domestic passengers increased 3.38% from 1,946,738 to 2,012,574.

Chiang Mai International Airport continued to show growth in October. International aircraft movements, however, registered a slight decline of 1.05% (1,331 to 1,317), while domestic aircraft movements increased 15.63% (4,038 to 4,669).

International passenger traffic grew 1.20% from 149,587 to 151,377, while domestic traffic gained 14.42% from 554,891 to 634,920.

Phuket International Airport registered an increase of 6.28% in international aircraft movements from 3,645 to 3,874, while domestic aircraft movements improved 16.50% from 3,624 to 4,222.

International passenger traffic increased 8.32% from 533,369 to 577,723, while domestic improved 12.60% from 505,902 to 569,650.

Chiang Rai International Airport reported a decline of 3.65% in overall aircraft movements from 1,151 to 1,109, while passenger traffic grew 4.44% from 160,528 to 167,663.

It was partly due to a reduction of flights during the low-season month. Flights resumed by mid-November.

Hat Yai International Airport reported aircraft movements improved 16.53% from 2,124 to 2,475 in October. Meanwhile, overall passenger traffic registered a 9.80% increase from 322,263 to 353,856 passengers.    

Royal Phuket Marina will once again host Asia’s premier and largest boat show – the Phuket International Marine Expo (PIMEX) 2017 which will be held for four days from 5-8 January, 2017.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has teamed up with the event organisers to invite booth exhibitors from across the region and affluent travellers to join this world-class luxury event.

Now in its 14^th year, PIMEX 2017 will boast several new activities and features to make the event more extraordinary. The event also aims to commemorate the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej who was also a talented yacht competitor and great supporter of boating and yachting competitions not only in Thailand but in ASEAN region.

The PIMEX 2017 will feature yachts and boats of all types and sizes as well as marine suppliers showcasing engines, electronics, chandlery, sportswear and accessories; dive equipment and watersport toys will add to the range of exhibits. The in-water display of yachts up to 35 metres is complemented by a unique Superyacht Zone with private island access for up to 20 yachts of over 35 metres which will also be displayed.

The 14th edition of PIMEX will also feature a new exhibition for luxury and lifestyle products which it called as “Very International Phuket” which will promote Phuket as a destination for those seeking a more luxurious lifestyle. Property projects and luxury goods together with exciting motor car brands, fashion shows, live bands and cooking classes will ensure a great experience for all exhibitors and visitors.

Emphasis will be placed on Charter Cruising, a comprehensive Conference Programme, a Mariners Market and additional al fresco food and beverage outlets.

The Phuket International Boat Show has established itself as one of the premier boating and luxury lifestyle events in South East Asia. It is hoped that the The 2017 event will break the record made during 13th Phuket International Boat Show in 2016 when more than 5,000 visitors attended the event.

Exhibitors and visitors can get more information from its official website here

In a first for Thailand the government says it is ready to issue 10-year visas for foreign residents 50 years or over.

Details are sketchy on conditions and no timeframe was mentioned for the launch date.

Khaosod Daily broke the news, Tuesday evening, quoting the government spokesperson who confirmed the new visa had already gained Thai Cabinet approval at its Tuesday meeting.

inside no 5Once the 10-year visa is up and running it will give a boost to the long-stay and retiree tourism market.

Currently, retirees and long-stay visitors can obtain a one-year visa with the proviso they check in with the nearest immigration bureau ever 90 days.

However, Thailand is feeling the pinch as neighbouring Malaysia offers a liberal visa service for retirees. Cambodia too is mulling over a retiree visas that would allow stays of one, five or 10 years. Malaysia allows foreigners to own properties, while Cambodia will probably adopt rules similar to Thailand that would allow retirees to buy condominium units, but not land property.

The Thai government spokesman, Athisit Chainuwat, said the 10-year visa would replace the current one-year renewable visas. That is likely to be unsettling news for retirees who are currently living in Thailand under the one-year visa facility.

The 10-year visa would be awarded in two periods of five years each, but would require the applicant to file updated documents and proof of their financial standing to continue to second phase.

An applicant must either earn a monthly salary of at least THB100,000, or have THB3 million in their bank account, which cannot be withdrawn for at least the first year after receiving the visa.

It would also need to be in evidence when the second five-year phase was due to begin.

They must also have health insurance that covers hospital stays and provides at least USD10,000 in annual cover.

The downside is that even with the 10-year visa holders will still have to check in every 90 days with the Immigration Bureau of Immigration.

Another worry for retirees, currently in the country on the one-year visa, concerns the higher financial requirements in the 10-year visa requirements.

The current one-year visa for retirees requires them to show proof that they have THB800,000 in the bank and for a one year marriage visa THB400,000.

If these two one-year visas were phased out in preference for a 10-year visa many retirees currently in the country would not be able to comply with the higher bank guarantee.

Phasing out the one-yea visa is likely to be a contentious issue and unsettling for retirees. It might prompt an exodus of valuable long-stay visitors, who spend more in the long-run than the average tourist.

Applicants for the visa are expected to be long-stay foreigners who live in provinces such as Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and Pattaya in Chonburi province, the spokesman added.

There was also feedback that the Thailand Elite Card five-year visa offer for those who pay a THB1 million membership fee was a better option than tying up THB3 million in a bank guarantee for a 10-year visa.

Bangkok Airways is now allowing passengers to check in for their flights via its telephone call centre.

Under the new service, passengers can contact the airline’s 24-hour call centre between 24 and two hours prior to departure and request to be checked in. The service is only available on domestic routes and for passengers travelling with no checked baggage.

“We have been committed to developing innovative systems and new technology to make our passenger flying experience even more convenient. Our new call centre check-in service is believed to help facilitate those passengers who would like to expedite their check-in process at the airport,” said Prote Setsuwan, Bangkok Airways’ vice president of marketing.

The new service will be available alongside the airline’s online and mobile check-in services.

Low-cost carriers now account for about 44% of total passenger traffic and flight movements at Thailand’s main airports.

Data from Airports of Thailand (AoT), reported by the Bangkok Post, shows that traffic on LCCs at Thailand’s six major state-run airports – Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Hat Yai – surged 20.7% in the first nine months of 2016, to a total of 40.5 million passengers.

The growth of international LCC traffic (+34.6% to 14.5m) outpaced domestic LCC traffic (+14.2% to 26.0m) in Thailand in the January-September 2016 period.

The top four airports in terms of LCC passenger volumes were the main LCC hub, Don Mueang (+19.9% to 24.3m), followed by Phuket (+33.6% to 4.8m), Chiang Mai (+17.6% to 4.3m) and Suvarnabhumi (+25.0% to 3.5m).

Including all airlines, the six Thai airports handled 91m passengers in the nine-month period, up 12.5% year-on-year.

Tens of thousands of residents and tourists turned out to take part in the Loy Kratong Festival last night (Nov 14) with no entertainment or fireworks making for a more traditional event.

Although the ban on live entertainment was lifted by the national government last week, all the key Loy Kratong venues in Phuket abstained in honour of the late HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who passed away on Oct 13.

Many tourists joined the festival at Patong Beach under the light of the “supermoon”, with the Earth’s natural satellite at its visually largest in 68 years.

At Loma Park, Patong Municipality displayed a video honouring the life and achievements of the late HM King Bhumibol and later officials led mass singing His Majesty’s Royal Anthem before leading people to the beach to float kratong into the bay.

At Saphan Hin, Phuket Governor Chockchai Dejamornthan and Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwansupapana led crowds in marking a peaceful Loy Kratong

Designed to fit in with the “Year of Sustainable Tourism Development” proclaimed by the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) for 2017, the “Unique Thai Local Experiences” campaign is being extensively publicized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) at the World Travel Market 2016, one of the world’s largest travel trade shows being held from 7 to 9 November, 2016, in London.

The Thailand’s participation at the WTM 2016 was graciously presided over by Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana who took time to visit the Thailand Pavilion and see the many exhibits, as well as presented the Thailand Green Excellence Awards.

TAT has been participating in the WTM since its inception in 1980. This year, the Thai contingent includes 48 exhibitors including high-quality hotels, health and wellness facilities, as well as world-class food and beverage outlets, which are embedded with giving a touch of Thainess and local experiences to their guests.

This year at the Thailand Pavilion, Thai sellers and TAT staff are welcoming visitors by offering a touch of Thai Local Experiences in various interesting activities. At the demonstration under the story of ‘Thai Rice, Thai Life’, visitors can learn about the local life of Thai farmers through virtual reality like they are actually travelling in Thailand and sample rice tea and a snack while trying a hand rice milk scrub. Also, they can join in a Thai pronunciation challenge in a ‘Pa-Sa-Thai’ (Thai language) machine to see how best they can pronounce like the locals and win and take some souvenirs.

At the Thailand Networking Lunch session, H.E. Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports said, “We are here at WTM 2016; this means life goes on in Thailand with the strong intention to follow in the King’s Footsteps. Now it is Thailand’s sharing period. We would like to thank our friends from all over the world for standing by us during this period of time. All events, festivals and sports tournaments and cultural traditions, will be going ahead as scheduled though a sense of respect and appropriateness will be maintained, as well as to ensure safety and security for tourists coming to the Kingdom.”

In recognition of His Majesty’s multifarious duties of national sports, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has planned to turn Thailand into a sporting hub by promoting and supporting regional and international sporting events and tournaments; such as, the Air Race One flying test event, the Laguna Phuket Triathlon 2016, the Thailand Equestrian Princess’s Cup, the Jet-Ski King’s Cup, and the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta.

Moreover, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports working closely with the Ministry of Public Health, has launched a ‘Visit Thailand Enhance Your Healthy Life’ campaign for medical tourism, as well as joined hands with TAT to attend significant world medical trade events and roadshows.

In 2017, TAT aims to offer “Value for Experiences” to travellers coming to the Kingdom by focussing on “Unique Thai Local Experiences” to the world. In line with the Thailand 4.0 model, TAT will highlighting a value-based economy driven by innovation and looking to be a creative economy delivering creative tourism. TAT has also initiated the LINK project in which ‘L’ represents Local Experiences; ‘I’ for Innovation; ‘N’ for Networking and ‘K’ for Keeping character. This is aimed to promote the local tourism in various communities in Thailand; such as, Ban Na Ton Chan Community in Sukhothai province, Kram Sakon in Sakon Nakhon province, Ban Nam Chiao Ecotourism Community, Trat province, and Ko Klang Community, Krabi province.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor said, “Promoting the local experience will not only benefit visitors, but also the local people as well as travel agents. We strongly believe that each local community of Thailand can deliver distinctive, genuine, unique hospitality and Thai culture with new exciting experiences to tourists. Also, this will create new and unique quality products for travel agents to offer to their customers.”

From 1 January – 22 October, 2016, Thailand welcomed 26.4 million tourists, generating an income of 26.5 billion Pounds, up 11.82 percent and 15.59 percent, respectively. The top five tourism spending countries are China, Malaysia, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

At the end of 2016, TAT expects to reach 35 billion Pounds, an increase of 18 per cent based on a projection of 33 million international tourists.

Phuket is set to hold a commemorative event for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 30-days passing this weekend.

Phuket Governor Chokchai Dejamornthan has invited everyone across the island to come and pay their respects to His Majesty the King at Laem Prom Thep (Promthep Cape), Rawai, this Saturday at 3pm.

The public is also invited to join in the candle lighting ceremony and the singing of the Royal Anthem.

The schedule of events is as follows:

3pm: All attendees to gather at Laem Prom Thep.
4pm: Phuket Governor Chokchai arrives.
4-6pm: Governor Chokchai greets mourners. Dr Pongsak Tangkana, an esteemed public speaker, will share his experience of serving the late King.
6pm: Singing the National Anthem and practicing the Royal Anthem, to be recorded and broadcast by National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT).
6:30pm: Governor’s speech, candle lighting and singing of the Royal Anthem.

The governor has requested that people do not to drive their own vehicles up to the cape. Three parking areas have been designated for the occasion, including the football field at the cape, Nong Harn lake and Pak Bang Beach. Transportation will be provided from the parking areas to the cape.

“I am aware of the inconvenience this may cause on the day, but we will stick to our purpose, which is to pay respects to our beloved King. We have tried to make the process as convenient as possible for the public,” said Gov Chokchai.

Civil servants and officials are required to dress in mourning clothes (black), police and military personnel must wear uniforms, whereas students and private employees are encouraged to wear their uniforms as well.

“His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej worked very hard for us his entire life. I am willing to accept this little inconvenience just for a day, in order to pay my respects. And I believe all Phuketians are willing to do so as well. None of us are being forced to come, yet we gather to show our humble respect and allegiance to His Majesty,” he said.

“If anyone of you suffers any inconvenience, I would like to apologize ahead of time. Please come together to show the world that Phuket people love His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej with all their hearts.”

Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup has also invited the public to a similar commemorative event this Friday at the football field near Loma Park at 4pm. The ceremony will feature Buddhist prayers and candle lighting in honor of His Majesty. Dress code for the occasion is black.

Thailand’s party scene may get back into gear in a fortnight after a nation-wide shutdown to mourn the passing of the Late HM the King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the junta suggested Tuesday.

The death of the 88-year-old monarch, 13 October, thrust a country renowned for its colourful nightlife into profound mourning that will last up to one year.

Thais have donned black, soap operas have been pulled from television schedules, festivals cancelled and the music even turned down at Bangkok’s bars and the dancers grounded.

inside no 9But the junta leader signalled that nightlife may soon be allowed to creep back slowly — along with cultural celebrations, concerts and the beloved soap operas — when the 30-day initial mourning period ends on 14 November.

“Television will return to normal,” Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha told reporters, albeit warning actors to dress demurely on screen and remain “polite” befitting the national mood.

In a nod to a relaxation on restrictions on nightlife he said “Thailand is a country of tourism”, adding discussions were continuing over the loosening of controls on indoor and outdoor venues.

A government official said later nine types of events and venues would operate as normal, including nightclubs, pubs and bars.

Cultural celebrations, fairs, sporting events and concerts can also be restored to the calendar after a month-long suspension, according to an official citing the Prime Minister’s office.

It was not immediately clear how that will play out with each province likely to enforce their own rules as the national mood lightens slightly .

Neither is the return of the famed “Full Moon” beach party confirmed. There remains the possibility that the much criticised parties could be restricted well into next year, after the 100 days of mourning have passed.

The junta has sought to balance respect for the venerated late king, who was the world’s longest reigning monarch, with keeping the country open for business.

The main tourist season is about to get into full swing and analysts have warned that any protracted clampdown on the party scene could drive visitors away.

However, for years tourism officials have been paying lipservice to building quality tourism rather than relying on mass tourism and quantity. The mood of the nation would suggest that there would be no harm from hosting fewer tourists at this time if the ones who did visit came for all the good reasons and were mindful enough to behave themselves during a period of national mourning.

It would be more sustainable for Thailand’s tourism to end the pursuit of numbers that has seen officials target 33 million visits this year and to fully embrace royal inspired sustainable economic principles outlined so clearly by the Late HM the King.

Reducing the volume and reach of the nightlife scene, much of it prospering in a grey area of the law, would be a step in the right direction.

Phuket Airport’s domestic terminal will undergo a year-long renovation to ensure it can cope with an increase in domestic traffic to the holiday island.

The airport director, Monrudee Gettuphan, said the airport’s new international terminal was officially opened on 16 September. Now the authority is pressing ahead with a renovation of the former international terminal, that is currently handling domestic flights.

“The renovation is expected to be completed in 330 days with two phases starting 1 November this year,” she explained.

inside no 5The first phase will close the south side of the terminal for renovation from level one to three. It will include improvements to the building structure and utility systems.

The second phase will close the north side of the terminal from level one to three to undergo identical improvements.

In addition to renovating the domestic terminal, the airport will increase security measures and reorganise traffic system in the airport.

The airport’s management faced a barrage of criticism, last week, from local media in Phuket for a failure to process disembarking passengers in a timely fashion. Disembarking passengers complained to the media they were kept waiting at immigration checkpoints for two hours.

Apparently, the international terminal is already operating at almost full capacity, and lacks sufficient immigration checkpoints. However, some media outlets blamed the delays on the immigration bureau for not providing enough officials to clear checkpoint queues.

Phuket airport advises travellers to arrive at the airport at least two hours before a flight’s departure. Faced with the likelihood of delays and long queues arriving three hours ahead of departure would be a safer option.

For the first nine months of the year, the airport registered an increase of 12.98% in international aircraft movements from 32,355 to 36,555, while domestic aircraft movements improved 20.55% from 29,348 to 35,379.

International passenger traffic increased 19.11% from 5,136,310 to 6,117,627, while domestic improved 20.32% from 4,337,211 to 5,218,548.