Stuart McDonald from Travelfish on Tourism Recovery in Thailand Through Visas, Backpackers...and Weed? [S7.E15]
The Bangkok Podcast16 Huhti 2024

Stuart McDonald from Travelfish on Tourism Recovery in Thailand Through Visas, Backpackers...and Weed? [S7.E15]

This is Part 2 of our interview with Stuart MacDonald, Asian tourism expert and founder of TravelFish.org, arguably the best single resource for traveling in Southeast Asia. In this half of the interview, Greg, Ed and Stu revisit the tricky topic of 'overtourism,' an issue which attempts to find a balance between economic revenue from tourism, which in theory is good for local economies, and damage to the environment, which of course can in the long run make things worse for local people. Stu gives his take on how to find the right balance.

The old friends then address the perennial (and perplexing) obsession with 'high-quality tourists' by the Thai government. Stu gives new insights on the problem of 'leakage' (which is almost as gross as it sounds) - revenue from tourism that 'leaks' out of the local economy and into foreign investors and companies. It turns out that higher end tourism results in more of this drain, with a lower percentage of revenue actually making into the hands of local people. Backpackers for the win!

Last, the guys discuss the (green) elephant in the room: the decriminalization of cannabis in Thailand and the likely effect it will have on Thai tourism. Stu discusses the likely possibility that more tourists will flock to the Kingdom to experience the new freedom to indulge, but also points out the oversaturation of the market that can turn people off, whether it's tourists or locals themselves.

Tune in to hear a true expert's insights, rather than two random guys yammering! :)

Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Jaksot(563)

Don't Do These Things: How to Earn an Expat Demerit Badge [S8.E9] (Classic ReCast)

Don't Do These Things: How to Earn an Expat Demerit Badge [S8.E9] (Classic ReCast)

In a follow-up to previous episodes on expat 'Merit Badges,' Greg and Ed discuss 'DEmerit Badges,' mistakes that long term expats make that they should NOT make. In other words, if you've lived in Tha...

26 Elo 202537min

Bangkok Smackdown: Lumphini Park vs Benjakitti Park [S8.E8]

Bangkok Smackdown: Lumphini Park vs Benjakitti Park [S8.E8]

Greg and Ed discuss the pros and cons of Lumphini and Benjakitti parks in central Bangkok, and best of all - you get to vote for your favorite by clicking here! The boys begin almost with a disclaim...

19 Elo 202539min

Tourism Challenge: Comparing Thailand to Europe as a Traveler [S8.E7]

Tourism Challenge: Comparing Thailand to Europe as a Traveler [S8.E7]

While Greg is travelling in Canada, Ed interviews old friend of the podcast Jonathan about his recent trip to Europe. Jon and his Thai wife Poom spent a couple weeks on vacation, first in Paris and t...

13 Elo 202558min

The Gun Show: How a Few Thai Cannons Helped Shape History [S8.E6] (Classic ReCast)

The Gun Show: How a Few Thai Cannons Helped Shape History [S8.E6] (Classic ReCast)

We return to our Thai history series with a fascinating look at the role that several Thai cannons played in some important historical events. First, with the help of a cool blog on Thai history from...

5 Elo 202526min

Second Opinions and Jedi Lies: Stories from Bangkok's Hospitals [S8.E5] (Classic ReCast)

Second Opinions and Jedi Lies: Stories from Bangkok's Hospitals [S8.E5] (Classic ReCast)

Sooner or later, we all spend some time in the hospital, so Greg and Ed riff on their myriad experiences in Bangkok hospitals over the years. But before we get into that, we should note - due to Thail...

29 Heinä 202546min

When Jaded Expats Wrongly Predict Thai Failures [S8.E4]

When Jaded Expats Wrongly Predict Thai Failures [S8.E4]

Greg and Ed discuss something that is more common than many people think: being wrong about expecting some Thai government project or initiative to fail. It's pretty easy, as expats often fall into th...

22 Heinä 202532min

CRINGE: Tales of Trying to Fit in to Thai Culture & Failing Badly [S8.E3]

CRINGE: Tales of Trying to Fit in to Thai Culture & Failing Badly [S8.E3]

Greg and Ed discuss a few of the many 'cringe' moments they have experienced over the years in failing to fit into Thai culture or 'do the right thing' according to Thai society. Ed begins with the ...

15 Heinä 202530min

Justin Dunne on Bangkok's Red-Hot Culinary Scene [S8.E2]

Justin Dunne on Bangkok's Red-Hot Culinary Scene [S8.E2]

Greg interviews repeat guest Justin Dunne, who previously appeared on Season 6, Episode 24, discussing his cool side project 'Bangkok Haunts.' Justin's main gig is to be a legend of the Food & Beverag...

8 Heinä 202556min

Suosittua kategoriassa Yhteiskunta

sita
olipa-kerran-otsikko
ihme-ja-kumma
kaksi-aitia
siita-on-vaikea-puhua
i-dont-like-mondays
uutiscast
poks
gogin-ja-janin-maailmanhistoria
antin-palautepalvelu
kolme-kaannekohtaa
mamma-mia
rss-murhan-anatomia
yopuolen-tarinoita-2
aikalisa
loukussa
meidan-pitais-puhua
rss-palmujen-varjoissa
naakkavalta
ootsa-kuullut-tasta-2