Thai Tourism: Is the Downward Trend Here to Stay? [S7.E74]
The Bangkok Podcast10 Kesä 2025

Thai Tourism: Is the Downward Trend Here to Stay? [S7.E74]

Greg and Ed discuss the recent troubling decrease in overall Thai tourism numbers. In general, since COVID, the Thai tourism industry has bounced back quite well, and projections were that 2025 numbers would exceed the pre-COVID peak of 39 million visitors. However, starting at the end of last year, numbers didn't meet expectations, and since then the dip has become more severe.

So what happened? The guys cycle through several different factors. First, the earthquake at the end of March certainly didn't help matters, with many tourists canceling their trips for the Thai New Year in April. Second, and perhaps more concerning, several security incidents affecting Chinese tourists has led to a bit of a backlash in the largest source of tourists to Thailand. In particular, a Chinese celebrity was kidnapped and held for ransom, sparking fears that Thailand was not safe. Further, numerous stories of Burmese and Cambodian scam call centers that press foreigners into service have magnified the problem.

Ed notes that while overall numbers have dipped, the numbers from most Western countries have risen in accord with projections. Hence, the problem is limited to Asian tourists. Greg points out that the 'White Lotus Effect' might be the kind of thing that sparks interest in Westerners, but not in Asians, who may already feel familiar with a tropical climate and many aspects of Thai culture.


Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. We also sometimes post on Facebook, you can contact us on LINE and of course, head to our website (www.bangkokpodcast.com) to find out probably more info than you need to know.

Jaksot(560)

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

Looking Back, Looking Forward: What's Next for S8 [S8.E1]

Looking Back, Looking Forward: What's Next for S8 [S8.E1]

Greg and Ed introduce Season 8 of the podcast first by looking back and all that has been achieved. Greg runs through some crazy stats, just a few of which are that there have been a total of 885 show...

1 Heinä 20251h 3min

Dating in Bangkok: Expat Women Share Their Stories - Part 1 [S7.E76] (Classic ReCast)

Dating in Bangkok: Expat Women Share Their Stories - Part 1 [S7.E76] (Classic ReCast)

Greg and Ed do a first for the the show, with a panel discussion with four guests! Why four? Well, everyone knows that cliche about Bangkok being a heaven for expat men, but we didn't know much about ...

24 Kesä 202546min

Western Weddings vs Thai Weddings: Which is More Fun? [S7.E75]

Western Weddings vs Thai Weddings: Which is More Fun? [S7.E75]

Greg and Ed discuss a fascinating question: Are Thai weddings or American weddings more fun? The question was raised after Greg attended the wedding of friend of the podcast Daniel Fraser. As everyone...

17 Kesä 202527min

Suosittua kategoriassa Yhteiskunta

olipa-kerran-otsikko
sita
i-dont-like-mondays
siita-on-vaikea-puhua
kaksi-aitia
gogin-ja-janin-maailmanhistoria
uutiscast
poks
antin-palautepalvelu
kolme-kaannekohtaa
aikalisa
yopuolen-tarinoita-2
mamma-mia
rss-murhan-anatomia
rss-nikotellen
rss-haudattu
meidan-pitais-puhua
rss-palmujen-varjoissa
loukussa
taskula-trishin