Thailand development issues provide tourism, economic growth - News
Thailand development issues provide tourism, economic growth - News
Researcher Chanasai Tiengtrakul from the Social and Cultural Science department at Rockhurst University discussed major changes in Thailand's tourism industry this Saturday when she presented her paper "Globalization and Development: Island Tourism and Phuket, Thailand." Her symposium explored how Thailand is in competition with other Asian countries to attract European and western travelers and the negative effects of tourism on the working conditions of native citizens.
Phuket is located on the western coast of Thailand and has many island-like features: beaches, consumer-friendly shopping and townhome-style suites. In 2004, five billion travelers visited, averaging four days per visit. This influx of tourism brings in a total of $3 billion in revenue for the international tourism industry.
One reason Phuket has become so popular is because it provides a "modernized and comfortable place for travelers to visit" and "superb" entertainment, said Tiengtrakul.
Some luxuries that are most enjoyed are the movies and restaurants like those found in the United States.
Also mirroring the U.S. are Phuket's poor living standards for those who work in the hospitality industry. Tiengtrakul said native residents employed in this industry typically don't live in conditions anywhere near the visitors' luxuries. The workers hold umbrellas over the heads of rich tourists on the beach by day but tread home to shack-like neighborhoods later that evening.
Thailand's identity has kept many observers awaiting the newest marketing platforms, recently enforced by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. "Amazing Thailand" is the tag line used to express the official uniqueness of the country.
On the official website, which appears as a typical hotel booking page, there are over ten links to click to plan a Thailand trip. Over a dozen links are available to simply book a hotel, mirroring the westernized marketing tactics which target consumers at all possible opportunities - so much that he or she may succumb to information overload.
Thailand's essence has yet to be fully explored because it remains hidden behind a veneer of western consumerist culture and tourist expectations. As a result, Thailand's tourism industry has made the country into an object of consumption rather than giving visitors a way of connecting with the true atmosphere of diverse religions and cultures.
Researcher Chanasai Tiengtrakul from the Social and Cultural Science department at Rockhurst University discussed major changes in Thailand's tourism industry this Saturday when she presented her paper "Globalization and Development: Island Tourism and Phuket, Thailand." Her symposium explored how Thailand is in competition with other Asian countries to attract European and western travelers and the negative effects of tourism on the working conditions of native citizens.
Phuket is located on the western coast of Thailand and has many island-like features: beaches, consumer-friendly shopping and townhome-style suites. In 2004, five billion travelers visited, averaging four days per visit. This influx of tourism brings in a total of $3 billion in revenue for the international tourism industry.
One reason Phuket has become so popular is because it provides a "modernized and comfortable place for travelers to visit" and "superb" entertainment, said Tiengtrakul.
Some luxuries that are most enjoyed are the movies and restaurants like those found in the United States.
Also mirroring the U.S. are Phuket's poor living standards for those who work in the hospitality industry. Tiengtrakul said native residents employed in this industry typically don't live in conditions anywhere near the visitors' luxuries. The workers hold umbrellas over the heads of rich tourists on the beach by day but tread home to shack-like neighborhoods later that evening.
Thailand's identity has kept many observers awaiting the newest marketing platforms, recently enforced by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. "Amazing Thailand" is the tag line used to express the official uniqueness of the country.
On the official website, which appears as a typical hotel booking page, there are over ten links to click to plan a Thailand trip. Over a dozen links are available to simply book a hotel, mirroring the westernized marketing tactics which target consumers at all possible opportunities - so much that he or she may succumb to information overload.
Thailand's essence has yet to be fully explored because it remains hidden behind a veneer of western consumerist culture and tourist expectations. As a result, Thailand's tourism industry has made the country into an object of consumption rather than giving visitors a way of connecting with the true atmosphere of diverse religions and cultures.
