Where is Thailand?

Thailand is located between Cambodia and Burma (Myanmar) in South East Asia.

Where are the major tourist centres?

What are some of the attractions for tourists?
Visiting famous places in Bangkok such as the Grand Palace (below left) or Wat Arun (below right).

Relaxing on quiet tropical island like Koh Chang (below).

Also popular are beach and water sports holidays around major resorts at Pattaya and Phuket and many small Thai islands; and trekking in the hills around Chiang Mai.

What benefits does tourism bring to Thailand?

Tourism has been Thailand's largest source of foreign currency since 1982. At least one million Thais work in the tourist industry. Many thousands more make a living producing and selling handicrafts to tourists. Tourism brings international prestige to Thailand. Earnings from tourism help to pay for improvements to Thailand's infrastructure - new airports in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, new highways, better water and sewage systems.


What problems does tourism bring to Thailand?

Many of the jobs in the tourist industry are low paid and low skilled. Hotel construction along some stretches of coastline has denied access to local people. It has also destroyed some wildlife habitats and natural vegetation. Bad publicity can lead to a drop in tourist arrivals. Following a massacre of 50 students during a demonstration in 1992 the numbers of tourists dropped by 4%.


How many tourists visit Thailand and where do they come from?

In 1997 Thailand attracted seven and a quarter million tourists. 60% of these tourists came from East Asia, with Malaysia and Japan (both contributing 14% of the total number of tourists) particularly important. 23% came from Europe, with 5% of visitors to Thailand coming from the UK.


How do the Thai authorities try to attract tourists to the country?

In 1998 the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) ran an 'Amazing Thailand' campaign to bring more visitors into the country. Between November 15th and December 15th a 'Grand sale' was held. Shopping centres, department stores and street stalls joined together to offer discounts of up to 70% on retail goods. Tourists also came to attend the 13th Asian games which were held in Thailand during December 1998.