Business
‘Creative Tourism’ seminar in Phuket next week

PHUKET: In preparation for the measures of the Asean Economic Community (AEC) set to take effect in less than three years, the Phuket Tourist Association (PTA) will host a seminar on Friday, July 20 to promote sustainable tourism under the concept of “creative tourism”.
Among the distinguished guests invited to speak are former Bangkok Governor and current Democrat Party deputy leader Apirak Kosayodhin; Thai AirAsia CEO Tassapon Bijleveld; and Thana Thienachariya, CEO of Grammy Entertainment’s satellite TV network GMM Z.
PTA President Somboon Jirayus said that while every sector is preparing for the AEC, the tourism sector will be particularly impacted, both directly and indirectly.
“We see the importance of increasing understanding among PTA members about the impacts that [the AEC] will have on the tourism business in Phuket, so this seminar is designed to increase clarity and educate our members,” said Mr Somboon.
“We’ve invited Democrat Party deputy leader Apirak Kosayodhin to talk about the challenges and opportunities of AEC, while Thai AirAsia CEO Tassapon Bijleveld and a representative from Kasikorn Bank will also analyze the pros and cons for Phuket once the AEC comes into effect in 2015.
“In addition to the knowledge that members will receive from our guest speakers, they will also have the opportunity to share and exchange their own knowledge and experiences in the tourism industry,” he said
PTA Vice President Bhummikitti Ruktaengam said that the association will incorporate the “creative tourism” concepts into Phuket’s overall tourism development plan.
Thus, one of the seminar topics will be Phuket Creative Tourism, with a discussion led by Mr Thana of GMM Z.
The seminar will be held at the new meeting hall at Phuket Rajabhat University in Rassada subdistrict. The registration fee is 300 baht for PTA members and 400 baht for non-members, including lunch.
Anyone interested in participating can register with the PTA or get more information by calling 076-610365.
— Kritsada Mueanhawong
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Business
Turbulence ahead for Thailand’s aviation industry | VIDEO

When the airlines, in particular, were asking the government to put their hands in their pockets for some relief funding in August last year, it was genuinely thought that international tourists would be coming back for the high season in December and January. At the very least local tourists and expats would head back to the skies over the traditional holiday break. And surely the Chinese would be back for Chinese New Year?
As we know now, none of that happened. A resurge in cases started just south of Bangkok on December 20 last year, just before Christmas, kicking off another round of restrictions, pretty much killing off any possibility of a high season ‘bump’ for the tourist industry. Airlines slashed flights from their schedule, and hotels, which had dusted off their reception desks for the surge of tourists, shut their doors again.
Domestically, the hotel business saw 6 million room nights in the government’s latest stimulus campaign fully redeemed. But the air ticket quota of 2 million seats still has over 1.3 million seats unused. Local tourists mostly skipped flights and opted for destinations within driving distance of their homes.
As for international tourism… well that still seems months or years away, even now.
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Business
Domestic air passenger numbers double those of January

Passenger numbers on domestic flights within Thailand have doubled within a month, rising from 4,000 in January to over 10,000 this month. Having nearly recovered to pre-pandemic levels, domestic travel plummeted once more when Covid-19 resurfaced late last year.
Apirat Chaiwongnoi from the Department of Airports says 15 of Thailand’s 29 airports are now operating domestic flights, with more expected to follow. He believes the aviation sector will continue to recover further in the coming 6 months, bolstered by the national vaccine rollout.
Around 120 domestic flights a day are now operating, which is twice the number that were operating at the lowest point in the crisis. Prior to the resurgence of the virus in December, domestic passenger numbers had recovered to 30,000 – 40,000 a day, around 80% of pre-pandemic numbers.
The DoA says airports must continue to adhere to the Covid-19 hygiene measures put in place by the Health Ministry and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand.
SOURCE: Bangkok Post
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Coronavirus (Covid-19)
Samut Sakhon’s shrimp market to remain closed until February 15

Samut Sakhon’s Central Shrimp Market, the epicentre of Thailand’s recent wave of Covid-19, will remain closed until February 15. The market can reopen once the overall hygiene situation at the market and surrounding area has improved, according to the province’s disease control committee.
Local officials say the shrimp market needs to remain closed until the market structure and nearby residential facilities are inspected. People who violate the order face up to a year in prison and a fine up to 100,000 baht.
More than 12,000 people in the province have tested positive for Covid-19. The increasing number of infections is a result from the active case finding to contain the spread of the virus.
SOURCE: Thai PBS World | Thairath Online
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