Prakit Chinamourphong, president of the Thai Hotels Association met with the five leading parties to find out where they stood with policy for future tourism in Thailand.

This makes sense for the tourism business folks.  Meet with the party members and find out what pie-in-the-sky promises they will make and then make a determination over which liar to encourage the hotel industry to vote for.

Hua Hin Beach Tourism

But, the tourism business folks were less than impressed with what was proposed by the candidates.  Here’s why. As reported in The Nation.

First, here are the players:

Five parties – the Democrats, Pheu Thai, Bhum Jai Thai, Chart Pattana Puea Pandin and the Civil Peace Party – participated in a seminar on “Tourism Policy … with New Government” organised by FETTA and Post Today newspaper.

Chart Thai Pattana, which currently oversees the tourism sector, was absent from the panel.

Hmmmmm.  The guys that are currently in charge are a no-show.  Guess they didn’t want to explain their 2010-2011 failures.

Here is what the incumbent party had to say:

Anchalee Vanich Thepabutr of the Democrat Party said it would promote 61 provinces to be tourist attractions by granting a budget of Bt6.6 billion per year for development.

The party would increase marketing to help the private sector.

She said a new act on public demonstrations was being filed and would be enforced soon, which should help bring peace to Bangkok and decrease violence.

However, the party would provide urgent measures to help private businesses in case of unexpected issues.

She also said the country would prepare for the Asean Economic Community in 2015.

“A lot of workers will flow through the region, so we should improve our human resources. Moreover, damaged tourist attractions need rebuilding.”

Point one. The big number budget is consistent with the vast amount of money that the Tourism Authority of Thailand wastes annually.  2010 it was 5.4 billion baht and it will be 6 billion in FY 2012.

Point two.  Going on past marketing efforts by the Thai government Tourism agencies, this is a crock of shit.  The Tourism Authority of Thailand doesn’t know how to market overseas and focuses primarily on local Thais.

Point three. New act on public demonstrations -HAH!  No one pays any attention to these riot control acts. Another worthless piece of paper.

Point four.  “urgent measures for unexpected issues” – government bullshit talk.  May sound good, but means nothing.

Point five.  This is the best one.  Preparing for the ASEAN Community in 2015.  Thailand, so far, has done nothing and is about 2 years behind the other 9 countries involved because Thailand doesn’t play well with others.

Point six.  Yes, many workers will flow through the area taking away jobs from Thai people.  Has nothing to do with tourism and nothing at all to do with Human Resources.

Point seven. Yes, tourist attractions need rebuilding – and they needed rebuilding during your current tenure – why haven’t you already started to fix them?  Where are the NEW attractions to attract tourists?

Here are the promises from the leading opposition party:

Phuvanida Kunplin of the Pheu Thai Party said it would invest in mega-projects across the country. One project would be to develop Suvarnabhumi Airport into a regional hub by increasing connecting flights.

Moreover, it would build an airport link from Bangkok to Pattaya along with dual-track high-speed trains to key provinces.

Point one. Suvarnabhumi is already a regional hub – sort of.  Increasing connecting flights does very little to increase the number of tourists unless you count everyone waiting at the airport for a connection a tourist.

Point two. Airport link from Bangkok to Pattaya is absolutely ridiculous.  Right now, one can get from Suvarnabhumi to the check-in counter at a Pattaya or Jomtien Hotel in about one hour and 15 minutes by car.  So, the plan is for me to try and schedule a connecting flight that links up with an in-country flight and allowing for walking time and time to clear Immigration, then about a 15 minute flight to U-tapao Airport, wait for my bags again, then get in line for a taxi for the 45 minute ride to Pattaya.  Brilliant plan.

Point three.  Dual track high-speed trains to key provinces.  Never happen.  Would cost a fortune and would be too expensive for the average Thai to use when buses are so much cheaper.

Those are the main two parties but there were others in attendance that had equally ridiculous proposals:

Supachai Jaisamut, spokesman for the Bhum Jai Thai Party, said that if elected it would provide Bt100 million per year per province to encourage local administrations to develop their products and to manage their communities.

More mega-projects such as airport expansion and infrastructure are needed.

Point one. Local administrators would LOVE this as it would put big bucks in the pockets of the boss and do little for product development.

Point two.  When in doubt, use the term mega-projects.  Throw a lot of money at some big construction like expanding the airport even though it has only been open a few years and you have a second airport (Don Muang) which could be used for in-country flights (like before).  Infrastructure is another buzz-word that is talked about a lot, but nothing ever gets done.

Supachai said Bhum Jai Thai would provide more financial assistance to local communities to develop tourism.

He added that local administration should have the right to use their taxes to develop their communities.

Point one. Another from the “throw more money at it” camp.  Local communities only know how to promote to local Thais and do that poorly at best.

Point two. Taking money from big government to use at the local level will never happen.  Even if it did, it would not reach down to the community level.

Kornpoj Asawinwichit from Chart Pattana Puea Pandin said the party would increase arrivals from emerging markets.

The party proposed a “one district one attraction” scheme to lure tourists into communities.

However, Kornpoj pointed out that political rallies were the people’s right in a democratic state.

Point one.  Emerging markets.  Have heard this one before.  The Tourism Authority of Thailand is already going after those wonderful emerging tourism markets in Estonia and Lithuania.  Gotta be millions of quality tourists there!

Point two. “one district one attraction” – already done – OTOP – one tambon, one product.  Great idea then, still around in some towns today, but poorly promoted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Point three.  More hack journalism as this sentence about political rallies makes no sense without something relevant preceding it.

And, last by certainly not least:

Seri Suwanpanon, leader of the Civil Peace Party, said it would maintain peace in the Kingdom to help people conduct business without internal conflicts.

“If we continue to have conflicts, there will no tourists coming in. So I would raise tourism in the national agenda,” he said.

Point one.  True.  Riots in Bangkok do little to attract tourists.  But, the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand insists that tourist arrivals increased from 2009 to 2010.  Pure fabrication.

But, I am all for giving peace a chance.

So, it looks like tourism will continue to decline in Thailand despite the fictitious numbers that the Tourism Authority of Thailand keeps spouting out.

Thailand Tourism And Upcoming Elections is a post from: Khon Kaen

The Khon Kaen House Gets Blessed Before We Move In

Finally moved into the Khon Kaen house after about 8 months of construction.  All credit for the house goes to my wife.  She did a great job supervising the entire project.

I was up at 0400, shower and coffee and then off to the new house at about 0500.  A couple family members were already at the Khon Kaen house making sure that things were set up properly.

Khon Kaen Party Tent

We had a big tarp/tent area on the driveway with about 8 tables set up for Khon Kaen family and friends to celebrate with us.

Khon Kaen House Three Laps

Prior to the nine monks arriving we had the same guy that blessed the Khon Kaen house when we broke ground.  We did three laps around the house and then went into the master bedroom where I participated in a blessing ritual which consisted of having a nail pounded into the master bedroom wall and then a purse hung on it.

Khon Kaen House Nail Pounding

Prayers were said, then we all pretended to sleep and wake up.  More prayers said, and then it was time for the Buddhist monks to arrive.

An area in the living room was already prepared the day before for the nine Buddhist monks.

Khon Kaen House Buddhist Monk Prep Area

More family and friends arrived and took up positions under the big top.  My buddy, Tom, from Isaan-Live was the token Farang guest.

The monks arrived and the blessing began.

Buddhist Monk Arrivals

I remained outside with the family and out of harm’s way.  Tom took some photos of the inside proceedings while I played the genial host to the family.  My old legs and knees can’t handle much more than about two minutes kneeling, so it was best for me to remain out of sight and out of mind.

Buddhist Monk Alms Bowls

It was now time for the family to make merit and donate some food and drink to the Buddhist monks.

Making Merit In Isaan

My wife’s family, and now mine, is very generous and filled the bowls to overflowing.

Full Alms Bowls

It was now time for the Head Abbot to bless the house with a white paste mixture.  He did this over the main entrance, the master bedroom, the spare bedroom, and my computer room.

Front Door Blessing

Blessing of Master Bedroom

The remaining eight Buddhist monks stayed in the living room praying and chanting while  this was going on.

Buddhist Monks in Living Room

Next up was to sprinkle some holy water around the house and then outside to bless the other family members.

Buddhist Monk with Holy Water

The rest of the Buddhist monks picked up their alms bowls and it was time for them to head back to the temple.

Buddhist Monks Departure

It was now time for the catered breakfast consisting of fried rice, chicken, fish, some snacks, chicken soup, and fresh fruit.

Catered Food

Somehow, on our very first day of occupying the new house in Khon Kaen, a lady that sells lottery tickets found us.  She must have seen all the vehicles parked out front and did make quite a few sales as it was lottery day.

Khon Kaen Lottery Lady

Along with the food, came beer, soda, and whiskey.  Phase I of this party lasted until about noon with people coming and going throughout.

I crashed and got a couple hours sleep since I only got about 4 hours sleep the night before.

And, my wonderful family, (mostly my wife’s brother and cousins) moved everything from old house to new house in Khon Kaen while I slept.  I didn’t have to lift a finger.

At about 1600, folks started coming back for Phase II of the party.  This involved barbecuing some meat, eating some leftovers, and other food preparation by the ladies in the kitchen and the guys around the BBQ.  And, of course, there was much more drinking.

I lasted until 0100 and passed out in my new bed for my first night’s sleep at the new house.

Day two, there were about 5 people sleeping on the floor when I woke up and they proceeded to help unpack and put things away.  My brother-in-law also set up my entertainment center.  And, since we just had a satellite dish installed, I can actually watch TV and DVDs with a nice sounding system.

More food and drink during day 2 as about 5-10 family members came and went and helped with moving and cleaning.  The real chore was moving my two dogs from the old house to the new.  But that will be a separate post.

Big thanks to all the family for making this a very special day and helping out so very much.

So, all is well in the new house in Khon Kaen.

Khon Kaen House Blessing is a post from: Khon Kaen

Landscaping the Khon Kaen House

I think I can safely stop using the word “construction” when I talk about our new house in Khon Kaen.  Now it is time for some landscaping and interior decorating.

Khon Kaen House Landscaping Driveway Trees

My wife hired a Khon Kaen Jack-of-all-trades and master of all recommended by her Uncle.  This guy, according to my wife, can do anything and does everything well.  And, like in Murphy’s Law, we find this guy when just about everything is done.

I did tell my wife to get his contact information for future reference as I am sure that we will need to have something done.

Khon Kaen House Landscaping Front Wall Trees

He has done the planting of trees along the driveway and by the front wall and has also done some modifications to our outside water taps to make them into sinks.  The wooden bowls were initially going to be used in the bathrooms inside the Khon Kaen house, but were not waterproof, but they will suffice outside.

Khon Kaen House Water Basin

They also planted some trees in the front of the house and along side the carport (between the carport and the side wall.

Khon Kaen House Front Trees

Khon Kaen House Carport Plants

The biggest challenge will be the front yard.  It is big and my wife wants to plant grass.  This is fine with me, but I am not sure if our two dogs will leave the area alone long enough for grass to grow.

We have two big dogs, a Golden Retriever and a Black Labrador, and the Golden will listen when told where and where not to go, but Milo, the Lab, has a mind of his own.  He is wild, destructive, and eats just about anything.  So, this will be a real challenge.  Or, I may just have to open the gate one day and let him go.  He is an excellent guard dog and has the hearing of Superman.  He is also extremely friendly if he knows you and lets out a series of howls and jumps all over when he greets you.

We shall see what happens.

Today is clean up day inside the house in preparation for the installation of curtains tomorrow.  This was supposed to have happened last week, but Thai businesses don’t seem to have a clue on being prompt and doing what they promise.  Another one for the wife to deal with.

I did find out what was going to be on the menu for our Khon Kaen House Blessing Ceremony on April 1st, 2011.  My wife decided to cater the affair which is the smartest thing to do.  This relieves her and her immediate family from having to do any cooking.  Smart lady.  She will also rent some BIG containers to hold the refreshments as part of an ice purchase.  We will also have 7 tables rented from the same place we get the food.

Food and ice will be 12,000 Thai baht (about $400 USD) and I am not sure how many people will be in attendance. A little bit steep, but anything to keep my wife happy.  My wife said that about 30 people will be there but my guess is about double that.

There will be food that I can handle – fried rice and barbecue chicken – and some fish and spicier food for those that like it hot.

Beer, whiskey and soda will be an extra expense for me and it will be an excuse for me to drink beer early in the day.

Once the curtains are installed, I will finally be able to go and see the house I financed and take some videos.  Hopefully this will happen on Tuesday.  And, then, I will also film and shoot pictures of the house blessing ceremony on Friday the 1st.

It sure will be good to close this chapter on my retired life in Khon Kaen and finally move in.

Khon Kaen House Landscaping 03-26-2011 is a post from: Khon Kaen

Yesterday my wife told me that we were going to a party in Khon Kaen on March 23rd.  Well, actually that I was going to a party and would be brought there by her brother and mother.  Like a good husband, I agreed.

Khon Kaen House

The date didn’t ring a bell initially, and then I recalled that 23 March was the date that my wife’s uncle wanted her to change our Khon Kaen house blessing to so that it wouldn’t conflict with another family member, Em, and her house blessing.

Uncle wanted my wife to change our date and my wife was adamant and refused.  She was content to have both parties on the same day as this would mean fewer people, less work, and less food.

Now, her cousin has decided to change her Khon Kaen house blessing date (most likely with Uncle’s influence) so the family can now attend both.  Except for my wife.

She already has scheduled curtain installation at the Khon Kaen house on the 23rd and we are having our bed delivered on the 22nd.  This means that the inside of the house needs to be completed and then cleaned up and that my wife will not be able to attend on the 23rd.  I get to represent.

My wife will help her cousin prior to the party or stand to lose major face.  It will be bad enough that she doesn’t attend and only sends the Farang representative.  I am sure that everyone there will ask me where my wife is that day.  But, I don’t care.

So, the conflict in Khon Kaen is supposedly resolved for now.

Khon Kaen House Blessing Conflict Resolved is a post from: Khon Kaen

Things are progressing nicely at the Khon Kaen House since the old contractor was fired.  Work on the gate is finished, electricity to the lights on the wall beams has been hooked up, and all three A/C units are in and working.

Khon Kaen House Construction Bathroom

There is still some minor electrical work to be done inside the house – like hooking up the oven.  Ovens are unique in Khon Kaen and throughout most of Thailand.  Most houses just have a 2 or 4 gas burner that sits on a tabletop.

The wall still needs some paint – another coat and then some trim.

And, we have a move-in date.  My mother-in-law consulted with her favorite Buddhist monk and was told that either 17 March or 31 March were good days to move in.  Have to have an official, Buddhist monk sanctioned auspicious date to move in even though Buddhist monks are not supposed to be fortune tellers.

The Khon Kaen house will actually should be done in about 7-10 days but we can’t officially move in until the 31st.

My wife is already planning on taking over some of the plants she bought at the Khon Kaen University Agricultural Fair and get them planted.  Plus, we will move some of the items that we don’t need for day-to-day living.

Then, on the morning of 31 March, the Buddhist monks will be over, food will be prepared, prayers and chants will be said, and the party will begin.  The plan is for a small, mostly family and a few friends, type party.  Wife wants it to be over by noon, but I doubt that will happen.  Once a party starts, it is hard to stop.  There may be a break while more stuff gets moved, but then it will continue later that night.

Most likely, on April 1-2 we will finish moving the rest of our stuff with the assistance of my wife’s family.  Almost everyone has a truck and is happy to help out.

So, we are getting closer to finality at the house in Khon Kaen and my wife took some videos yesterday.  Here is one of the Khon Kaen House Tour videos.

More video with my Digicam of the Khon Kaen house to follow once the construction is completed.

Khon Kaen House Update 03-11-2011 is a post from: Khon Kaen

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