As Thailand enters the 21st century, the tourism industry continues to play a major role in the econo-
mic and social development of the kingdom. Known round the world for the enduring hospitality of its people, its ancient culture and Thai cuisine, record numbers of tourists continue to take advantage of the myriad of tourist destinations and products the kingdom has to offer.
Brief History of Tourism in Thailand
The Thai tourism industry has played an im-
portant role in the countryΓÇÖs economic development. The Tourism Promotion Organization Ordinance of 1959 established the Tourism Promotion Organiza-
tion. The Tourism Promotion Organization was up-
graded to the Tourism Authority of Thailand in 1979. As a result of this government action, greater attention was placed on tourism as a means of ge-
nerating foreign capital and, most recently, on distribution of income as focus on domestic tourism becomes a priority.
The number of foreign tourists visiting Thailand has steadily increased over the last 10 years, so much so that the period 1987-1996 can be termed
the ΓÇ£Golden DecadeΓÇ¥ of Thai tourism. In 1987, the country received just under 3.5 million visitors while in 1998 over 7.8 million international tourists visited the country. Visitor arrivals have doubled in the last 11 years.
Thailand Tourism Figures for 1988 - 1998
Year Number of % Average Tourism Receipt
Tourist Arrivals Change Length of (Millions)
Stay 37.78 Baht = US$ 1*
Baht US$
1988 4,230,737 21.47 7.36 78,859 2,087
1989 4,809,508 13.68 7.63 96,386 2,551
1990 5,298,860 10.17 7.06 110,572 2,926
1991 5,086,899 -4.00 7.09 100,004 2,647
1992 5,136,443 0.97 7.06 123,135 3,259
1993 5,760,533 12.15 6.94 127,802 3,382
1994 6,166,496 7.05 6.98 145,211 3,843
1995 6,951,566 12.73 7.43 190,765 5,049
1996 7,192,145 3.46 8.23 219,364 5,806
1997 7,221,345 0.41 8.33 220,754 5,843
1998 7,764,930 7.53 8.40 242,177 6,410
1999 8,580,332 10.5 7.96 253,018.29 6,695.38
2000 9,508,623 10.82 7.77 285,272.19 7,111.89
2001 10,061,950 5.82 7.93 299,047.05 6,730.75
* Exchange Rate as of 24 December 1999.
A Variety of Destinations
Thailand is endowed with a wealth of natural resources which serve as a backdrop for business and leisure travellers. The scenery is rich and
varied ranging from misty mountains and lush rain forests in the north, through the flat emerald rice fields of the central plains, to white sandy beaches and magnificent tropical islands along the eastern seaboard and throughout the south.
Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand is shaped like an elephantΓÇÖs head.
The head faces Myanmar (Burma), the ears border Laos and Cambodia, and the trunk runs bet-
ween the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand down to Malaysia.
Tourism policy in Thailand supports not only pro-
motion of its own destinations but those of its neigh-
bours in the Greater Mekong Subregion (Lao PDR, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Yunnan Province of China and Thailand); BIMST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand), and those of all Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries.
TAT has worked closely with other government agencies and the private sector to develop a so-
phisticated array of tourism products for visitors. From sports to eco and agro tourism, shopping to health spas, culture, heritage and architecture: Thailand offers something for everyone.
Bangkok : A Majestic Metropolis on the ΓÇÿRiver of KingsΓÇÖ
ThailandΓÇÖs capital lies on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the mighty ΓÇ£River of KingsΓÇ¥. First im-
pressions are of a bustling modern international
metropolis, but if you look closer you will find a ma-
gical kingdom hidden away among the high-rises and shopping centres.
One of the most pleasant ways to discover many of the riches of the city is on a cruise up the Chao Phraya or along its linked canals (klongs).
A journey along the river takes you past the
magnificent Grand Palace and the adjoining Temple of the Emerald Buddha; the Temple of the Dawn Whose spires are decorated with millions of multi -
coloured porcelain fragments; and the gigantic Royal Barges, with their exquisite carvings of my-
thical figures. Along the way youΓÇÖll pass old teak rice barges chugging to port and colourful ΓÇ£long-tailedΓÇ¥ boats sending plumes of spray into the air as they whisk passengers from bank to bank.
BangkokΓÇÖs museums are also worth a visit. Aphisek Dusit Palace houses examples of exquisite handicrafts from the Royal Vocational Projects and the nearby Vimanmek Mansion Museum, made entirely of rare golden teak, is as much a treasure as the works of art found inside. Then there is the
National Museum, one of the largest in Southeast Asia, and Jim ThompsonΓÇÖs Thai House, set up by the man who re-established the Thai silk industry,
housing an impressive collection of regional antiques.
For a look at local sports, try either Lumpini or Ratchadamnoen Stadium for an evening of specta-
cular boxing, Thai-style.
Seventy kilometres north of Bangkok is the former capital, Ayutthaya. From 1350 until 1767 this was the most beautiful city in the Orient and care-
fully preserved ruins of temples and palaces remain as a testament to its former glory.
A day trip to the west will take you to the infam-
ous çBridge Over the River Kwaié and the hills and rivers of scenic Kanchanaburi Province. Rafting is
a favourite pastime here and a lazy trip downriver offers a chance to see exotic flora and fauna.
Pattaya : Jewel of ThailandΓÇÖs East Coast
For a complete change of pace there is the sun-
and-fun centre of Pattaya, just a two - hour drive southeast of Bangkok. Here you will find an endless variety of water sports plus horseback-riding, go-
kart racing, tennis, etc.
For golfers, there are many international courses, designed by pros like Nick Faldo and Jack Nicklaus. And for children, there are water parks, a model village, and an open zoo.
Offshore, the clear waters of the nearby island of Lan are popular with snorkellers; while the sandy beaches of the island of Samet, an hourΓÇÖs drive to
the east, are perfect for those intent on doing absolutely nothing.
Further down the coast the provinces of Rayong and Trat are also well known for their long un-
crowded beaches, national parks and colourful
local festivals.
Directly across the Gulf of Siam are the quiet beach resorts of Hua Hin and Cha-am. Both have excellent golf courses and the nearby Kaeng Krachan National Park offers a jungle alternative
to lazy days on the beach.
Combined with its city attractions shopping, restaurants, entertainment and quality accommo-
dation ThailandΓÇÖs East Coast is a perfect all-round holiday destination.
Phuket & Samui : Treasure Islands of the South
Two lush tropical islands, Samui in the Gulf of Thailand, and Phuket, in the Andaman Sea, offer all the ingredients for truly memorable holidays. Both
boast luxury accommodation, numerous water sport activities, and opportunities for exploring neighbouring islands.
Little more than an hour by air from Bangkok, Phuket is internationally renowned for its beautiful beaches and excellent seafood. The islandΓÇÖs west
coast is characterized by especially fine sandy beaches separated largely by forested headlands. Within this area, some of the worldΓÇÖs most pic-
turesque resort complexes offer every imaginable luxury.
Phuket also has three international golf courses, including one chosen as the venue for the 1994 Johnnie Walker Classic.
Island-hopping is a popular pursuit and both Phi Phi and the Similans feature magnificent under-
water coral gardens, populated by multi-hued tro-
pical fish ΓÇô a haven for snorkellers and scuba divers. To the northeast is Phang Nga Bay, and one of the worldΓÇÖs great adventure trips.
A longtail boat takes you through mangrove swamps, caves dripping with stalactites, and out into the bay where scores of tiny volcanic islands soar hundreds of feet skyward.
Also approximately one hour from Bangkok by air, the palm-fringed and mountainous Samui is the major island in a sparkling archipelago that includes
the Ang Thong Marine National Park. Samui offers the broadest imaginable range of accommodations, fine sandy beaches, several ΓÇ£hideawayΓÇ¥ coves and
a relaxed ambience equally well attuned to lazy days and a vibrant nightlife.
On the southern mainland Hat Yai, just 50 kilo-
metres from the Malaysian border, and Songkhla offer contrasting lifestyles. Hat Yai is a major shop-
ping and entertainment centre, while Songkhla is a peaceful town with a scenic beach and a freshwater lake that contains the countryΓÇÖs largest waterfowl sanctuary.
Chiang Mai & The North : Gold in the Hills
For a completely different holiday take to the mountains and explore the magical scenery, towns and customs of the north. Less than an hourΓÇÖs flight
or overnight on a sleeper train from Bangkok lies Chiang Mai. Once the capital of Lanna, a 13th cen-
tury independent Thai kingdom, the city has archi-
tecture, food, dialect and customs that set it apart from the rest of the country.
To get a feel for history take a leisurely pedicab ride through the narrow lanes in the old part of the city. Then, head for the nearby mountain of Doi Suthep. On the way youΓÇÖll discover a magnificent royal palace; one of the regionΓÇÖs most beautiful temples; and a colourful hilltribe. From the mountain
top there is a breath-taking view of Chiang Mai spread out across the valley below.
Travelling north, you will reach Chiang Rai, the gateway to the villages of the exotic indigenous peoples that live in the surrounding hills. Further north still, is the spot on the Mekong River where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar (Bur-
ma) meet.
To the west, completely surrounded by mountain ranges, lies the town of Mae Hong Son. In its centre serene twin temples sit beside a palm-fringed lake
and as the early morning mists begin to clear the sight is straight out of the movie Lost Horizon.
From Mae Hong Son you can go elephant trekking into the jungles and take a boat trip down the Pai River.
And between the north and the central plains
lies Sukhothai, the ancient ruins of the first inde-
pendent Thai kingdom and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Korat & The Northeast : A Wealth of History and Traditions
In the 1970s an archaeological dig in Ban Chiang, 50 kilometres east of Udon Thani, un-
earthed the remains of a Bronze Age civilization that flourished over 5,000 years ago. One of the pits has been left open as a ΓÇ£livingΓÇ¥ display where the original bones, pottery and other objects can be found. The site has recently been named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Nakhon Ratchasima ΓÇô Korat for short and its surrounds are also steeped in history. A thousand years ago, the area was part of the ancient Khmer
empire and the temples of Phimai and Phanom Rung are fine examples of Khmer architecture.
For nature lovers Khao Yai National Park is one of over 60 protected parks in Thailand and the perfect place to observe the countryΓÇÖs exotic wildlife at close quarters.
The northeast is also famous for its colourful festivals and traditions. The two-day Elephant Round-up, held in Surin every November, is inter-
nationally known and great fun to watch. Other
exotic local festivals include the Rocket Festival in Yasothon; the Phi Ta Khon, or Ghost Festival in Loei and the Candle Festival in Ubon Ratchathani.
Although generally less well equipped to handle tourists than many parts of Thailand, the people of the northeast more than compensate with their warm hospitality and fun-loving nature.
Neighbouring Countries
Travellers wishing to visit Myanmar (Burma), Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and China from Thailand can avail themselves of the services of several Thai
travel agents who offer a comprehensive range of tours to major attractions within the five neigh-
bouring countries of the GMS. All such tours ori-
ginate either from Bangkok, or northern, or northeastern Thailand.
