Category: Trade Updates

Sawasdee ka.

Did you know that yesterday was R U OK day? A day when we are reminded to start a meaningful conversation whenever you spot the signs that someone you care about might be struggling with life. Everyone (including children) can have these R U OK conversations; you don’t need any qualification. Listening and giving someone your time might just be what they need to help them through. Hope we all can be aware and do our part.

Destination Highlight – Pattaya

We’ve covered Pattaya previously, but since our recent trip is still fresh in mind, we’d like to cover some attractions that will give you reasons to (re)visit Pattaya.

Have you been to Sanctuary of Truth? It is not a temple; the place is best described as a visionary environment: part art installation, religious shrine, and cultural monument. It is made entirely of wood (no metal nails) and commanding celestial view of the ocean. To me personally, the place gave a sort of calming energy. What’s incredible are the stories and teachings that make you reflect – thus the name of the place, Sanctuary of Truth.

How about Nong Nooch Garden? It is one of the largest botanical gardens we’ve been. If you are into gardening, you will be blown away with the variety of plantations they house. Their Dinosaur Valley would drop your jaw even if you’re not a dinosaur enthusiast. More than 100 species of dinosaurs were moulded to excite tourists; the place will certainly take you back in time. 

Product Highlight – Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya

Seeking a top-notch summer / family holiday? 

• Beachfront
• Amazing waterpark
• Family luxury hotel
• Family club lounge
• Outdoor play area that features three-level playground  (slides, trampoline, raft game, playground tower, and a digging pit.)
• Indoor play area features arts and craft, junior cooking class.
• The Lost World Adventure Land was just launched August 2022; you can zipline and navigate your way across a choice of two obstacle courses in the sky.

I’d say a family could easily spend a week within the property without needing to go outside. They are an absolute entertainment centre for those who love enjoying the sun, water, soft adventure, with lots of fun family activities to be had. Certainly, is one of our top household’s favourites. 

Have a good weekend everyone.

Hi everyone!

Hope you are all keeping well. 

What is happening in TAT? 

·         TAT Governor, Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn announced that he wanted to drive Thailand towards experience-based and sustainable tourism at the annual TAT Action Plan 2023 conference. “TAT is committed to help revitalise and transform Thai tourism under our three strategic objectives, which are: to drive demand for meaningful travel, to shape supply by developing a new tourism ecosystem, and to thrive for excellence by making the TAT a data-driven organisation. We believe this will heighten our goal for Thailand to achieve high value and sustainable tourism growth.” Sustainable, Responsible, Digital, and Inclusive – these four words are key to TAT Strategic Direction for 2023.

·         TAT will continue to use the “Visit Thailand Year 2022-23: Amazing New Chapters” as the communication strategies for international market.

·         For 2023, TAT expects Thailand to generate about 80% of Thailand’s tourism performance in 2019.

Destination Highlight – Choengmon Beach, Samui

Travellers visit Samui, not only for its array of beautiful beaches, but also for the eclectic culture. From the quaint Fisherman’s Village to the tranquillity of the Big Buddha, you can really gain a wider perspective of this island and Thai culture in general. While Chaweng Beach is the largest and most populated beach on the island, we’d like to steer your attention to Choengmon Beach not far away. Why this beach, you may ask. The sand on Choengmon is soft, white, and sugary. It is only minutes’ walk to the village on the high street, you can buy anything you need or have forgotten – total convenience. Spending time on Choengmon beach feels like you know a really good secret. It feels very tucked away. There’s fine dining at both ends of the beach, and casual breakfast and lunches in between. You can eat every meal with your feet in the sand. It is a small bay with coves and inlets and just offshore there is another island called Koh Farn Noi, which is easily accessible by kayak from the main beach. 

Product Highlight – Melia Koh Samui

If you’ve been craving to return to Samui, you need to check out this new resort. This idyllic beachfront retreat is located on the pristine Choeng Mon Beach overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. It’s only 9 mins drive from the hustle and bustle of Chaweng Beach. We recommend paying a little extra for Premium Pool Access Room, with direct access to the loop pool.  What’s interesting with their offering is their Boat Suites. Made from real repurposed traditional Thai Chinese boat vessels, it’s a perfect marriage of Thailand’s rich maritime heritage with sleek modern design and makes for a sweet honeymoon stay too. The suite pans two floors with the bedroom on the upper deck, and the bathroom and dressing room on the lower deck. It also has direct pool access. There is something very intimate about these suites, despite still being near to all the facilities.

Have a good day and weekend. 

Kind Regards,

TAT Australia

Sawasdee ka everyone!

How are you? 

I am sure by now you have all experienced travel whether domestic or international. It’s a bit messy, isn’t it? From flight delays, cancellations, frustrated customer complaints, to dealing with insurance companies.

These are testament that our industry still needs the time to recover. Collaboration is certainly key at this point. It is so important to address customers’ issues with clarity and logic reasonings, therefore setting their expectations right. I know it’s easier said than done, but TOGETHER we will get there.  

What is happening in TAT Australia office? 

We are excited to introduce our new Director, Mrs. Busakorn Prommanot. Her friendly nickname is Khun Apple.

Having worked in TAT for over 30 years, her wealth of experience is astounding, from policy and planning, training, to Europe Africa and Middle East market divisions. Australia will be her second overseas posting; she has led TAT Jakarta office previously. When asked about her favourite destination, Khun Apple has a soft spot on Northern regions of Thailand. Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Nan have such rich culture, untouched nature, and beautiful distinctive food. For Oceania market, Khun Apple desire to interest Aussie and Kiwi travellers in meaningful and purposeful travels to Thailand. “I look forward to collaborate with our travel partners soon to make this a reality.”

Destination Highlight: Bangtao Beach, Phuket

You don’t hear much about this beach, but it is one of Phuket’s longest beaches (spanning 6km in length). Bangtao is about 30 minutes’ drive south of Phuket International Airport. A little closer than the popular beaches like Kamala, Patong, Karon or Kata Beach. Hotels mostly occupy its southern end, while the northern end is generally quite and peaceful. A few small beach bars are dotted along its length. Bangtao Beach attracts those looking to leave everything behind and do nothing more taxing than reading a book. The southern end of the beach though has several beachfront hotels and beach clubs, resulting in a lively atmosphere in the evening. Bangtao remains one of the most family-friendly beaches in Phuket.

Product Highlight: Sunwing Bangtao Beach (4*)

Such an easy family holiday accommodation with good entertainment program for all family members. If you seek a relaxing holiday on a beachfront,Sunwing Bangtao might be your answer. They offer various little touches to ease the pressure of traveling with little ones and they are reasonably priced. All rooms can take a minimum of 2A2C. These are separate beds for all in the room, and there’s even room for an additional cot if required. What’s amazing is their specially designed Happy Baby Studios for those with a new addition. The rooms are always at ground level with an enclosed terrace with a gate that can be locked. This room type is specially equipped with baby cot, baby highchair, stroller, nursing mat, baby resting chair, bumbo babysitter, children’s crockery and cutlery, baby bathtub, non-slippery bathmat, stool in bathroom, plastic potty, safety drawer locks and sunbeds & parasol at the gated garden terrace.

Enjoy your Friday and weekend! 

Regards,

TAT Australia

Hi everyone!

Hope you are all keeping well. 

We’ve created this Trade EDM two years ago just after Covid started as means to keep you all updated on any policy changes. Since Thailand and Australia are opening with little to no covid restriction, I am stirring our communication focus to TAT Australia activities as well as Product/Destination Highlight.

What is happening in TAT Australia office? 

•             TAT Oceania Director, Khun Suladda Sarutilavan, finishes her 4-year term in Australia this week. We thank Khun Suladda for her wise leadership and guidance; especially her commitment and compassion through the two challenging pandemic years. We will miss you. Farewell and good luck in Chiang Mai! (She will be heading TAT Chiang Mai office)

•             Last week Khun Suladda and I travelled to Thailand to present Oceania market update to Thai hotels and tourism operators at the TAT Tourism Clinic events in Bangkok and Pattaya. There was so much enthusiasm from Thailand suppliers to promote and push for the Australian market. PS: It was fantastic to be able to travel to Thailand with no additional procedure, other than presenting our Covid vaccination certificate.

•             We are delighted to be able to give back through Koala Clancy Foundation. TAT Sydney team in partnership with Minor Hotel Group are aiming to plant over 1,000 trees in Victoria’s Mount Rothwell on National Tree Day (31 July 22). The goal is to restore habitat for Australia’s cutest icon, koalas. The event mirrors efforts in northern Thailand to restore jungle habitat for Thailand’s national icon, the elephant. You’ll see images and updates through our social media soon.

Destination Highlight – Pattaya

Many Aussie tourists do not realise they don’t need to take another domestic flight (out of Bangkok) to have a beach holiday. Pattaya is only 1.5-hour drive away Southeast of Bangkok. There is so much on offer, clean white sand, wide array of accommodation options, fresh seafood and restaurants, shopping, and night markets. You could base yourself near Pattaya Beach if you’d like to stay in the centre of town. For those who prefer a more laid-back and peaceful area, we recommend Wong Amat Beach (North) or Jomtien Beach (South), or even further south. 

Product Highlight – Grande Centre Point Space, Pattaya 

Brand new hotel about to have their Grand Opening on 1st August 2022. I must applaud their innovation and creativity; the whole structure is space themed. This will attract families, space enthusiasts and (I bet) many young-at-heart tourists. We love their 12,000 sqm water park (wave pool, slide and lazy river). Their indoor family playground is quite something; this independent structure is called Astro Club. This hotel also houses the biggest Let’s Relax Onsen & Spa in Thailand. We had the privilege to use The Space Convention Centre for our Mini Tourism Clinic; they have cutting-edge technology, fantastic for conferences . My personal favourite was the wireless mobile charger on top of their alarm clock in the hotel room – that’s a fantastic little touch makes a whole lot of difference for travellers.   

Hope you enjoy reading. 

If you would like to be taken off from this email list, simply reply to me with “Unsubscribe” as your Subject.

Regards,

TAT Australia

Hi all,

Here is our newest development with the lifting of Thailand’s entry requirements.

From 1 July 2022 foreign nationals are only required to show proof of either a Certificate of Vaccination (for fully vaccinated travellers) or a negative RT-PCR or professional rapid test result within 72 hours of travel (for non or partially vaccinated travellers). These can be in a print or digital format. Random checks will be made on arrivals at Thailand international airports or land border check points.

Unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated travellers who are random checked and who are unable to show proof of a pre-arrival negative test will be required to undergo a professional rapid test at point of entry. Further info can be found here.

We’re also very excited with the resumption of Thai Airways’ Perth-Bangkok direct flight route. TG482 will operate non-stop from Perth to Bangkok every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday starting 5 July 2022 departing at 16:20.

Have a good week ahead. 

Regards,

TAT Sydney Office  

Hi everyone,

Hope you have all been keeping well and staying dry. It has been quite a wet week in Sydney.

We are very pleased to announce another easing of restrictions for Thailand entry, effective 1 June 2022.

Foreign nationals are required to apply for Thailand Pass via https://tp.consular.go.th/, but will only need to provide passport details, vaccination, and an US$10,000 health insurance policy. The system will issue a Thailand Pass QR code for the applicants. Meanwhile, Thais will no longer be required to apply for Thailand Pass.

Upon arriving in Thailand, vaccinated travellers must undergo entry screening, and will then be allowed entry and are free to go anywhere in the Kingdom.

Unvaccinated/not fully vaccinated travellers who are able to upload proof of negative RT-PCR or professional ATK (rapid) test within 72 hours of travel via Thailand Pass system will also be allowed entry and are free to go anywhere in the kingdom. 

Please check https://www.tatnews.org/ for most updated policy.

TAT Oceania

Happy New Year, everyone! 

Hope you all had a nice break. We are very excited to share with you the resumption of Test & Go (Exemption from Quarantine) entry scheme effective 1 February 2022.

1. Thailand Pass reopens for new TEST & GO applications. From 1 February 2022 9:00 Thailand time, fully vaccinated travellers from any country can apply for a TEST & GO Thailand Pass 60 days in advance.

While existing rules for the scheme remain unchanged, the CCSA approved additional requirements for Covid-19 precautions. All new TEST & GO applications must submit a proof of prepayment for 2 separate nights of accommodation at SHA Extra Plus (SHA++) and the expenses for 2 RT-PCR tests on Day 1 and Day 5. Prepayment for Day 1 must include an accommodation, a test, and a prearranged transfer from airport to the hotel. Travellers can book 2 different hotels for accommodation on Day 1 and Day 5. However, on both Day 1 and Day 5 they must stay within the room for the RT-PCR test result.

2. Sandbox program expanded from 1 Feb 2022. Thailand will reopen Bang Lampung, Pattaya, Si Racha, Si Chang, and Sattahip – only Na Jomtien and Bang Saray – in Chon Buri, and Ko Chang in Trat as Sandbox destinations, in addition to Krabi, Phang-Nga, Phuket and Ko Samui/Ko Pha-ngan/Ko Tao. Travellers must stay at least the first 7 nights within a Sandbox destination. Please review arrival requirements here. 

Further details will follow soon and will be posted in https://www.tatnews.org/.

Onwards & Upwards.

TAT Oceania

As you may have heard, Thailand Pass is temporarily suspended for all new Test & Go application effective 22 December 2021 to subside the risk of Omicron cases in the country.  

• Travellers who have already received their Thailand Pass QR code will be allowed to enter Thailand under existing conditions of scheme they have registered. The new additional measure for these travellers is they must undergo their second Covid-19 test using the RT-PCR technique (not ATK self-test) at government-designated facilities on Day 5-6, or when they experience respiratory symptoms (no additional cost). Further info can be found https://www.tatnews.org/2021/12/thailand-reopening-exemption-from-quarantine-test-go/

• New registration for Thailand Pass under Exemption from Quarantine (a.k.a. Test & Go) and Living in the Blue zone Sandbox programs will no longer be accepted between 22 Dec 2021 until further notice. Applicants who have registered but have not received their QR Code must wait for their Thailand Pass to be approved. Once approved, they can enter Thailand under the scheme they have registered.

• Registration for Thailand Pass under Phuket Sandbox program remain open, and government is reviewing the situation periodically. This means fully vaccinated travellers from AU and NZ can travel to Phuket directly. They must have proof of a confirmed payment of at least 7-day stay at an approved accommodation (SHA+) within Phuket, along with prepayment of 2 RT-PCR tests. They also must undergo their second Covid-19 test using the RT-PCR technique on Day 5-6, or when they experience respiratory symptoms. Following the first 7 days in Phuket, AU and NZ travellers can move elsewhere within Thailand.https://www.tatnews.org/2021/12/thailand-reopening-living-in-the-blue-zone-17-sandbox-destinations/

To get your latest updates on Thailand, please keep an eye on https://www.tatnews.org/

Should you have any questions or concern, please feel free to contact TAT Sydney Office at Info info@thailand.net.au. 

Please stay safe during this holiday season. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

TAT Oceania

TAT Australia team have curated a beautiful pre-Christmas gathering at Blue Ginger restaurant in Balmain, Sydney to celebrate two important things – Thailand reopening and our freedom from lockdown just before December arrived. The exclusive event was attended by TAT friends from the Royal Thai Consulate, Thai Airways, Luxury Escapes, Planetdwellers, Flight Centre, Helloworld, Travel Zoo, Hoot Holidays, My Overseas Wedding and Complete Travel Marketing. 

TAT Director of Oceania Suladda Sarutilavan introduced the upcoming tourism marketing campaign “Visit Thailand Year 2022” with a number of activities to promote the reopening of the kingdom’s three Amazing New Chapters. 

Chapter 1 will see TAT highlight tourism products and services that awaken travellers’ five senses, such as delicious Thai food and the picturesque nature.

Chapter 2 titled The One You Love, TAT will focus on specific segments like families, couples and friends and invite them to create wonderful memories in Thailand.

Chapter 3, The Earth We Care, will highlight how nature’s chance to revitalise due to Covid-19 situation has increased ecotourism awareness among the world’s travellers and how their behaviour impact the environment.

In addition, other segments to highlight include gastronomy, wellness and workation which has become a growing trend when the pandemic has allowed people to work remotely in a destination they wish.

TAT Marketing Manager, Sherly Handjojo, presented the quarantine-free procedures for Australian and New Zealand tourists. Australia and New Zealand being two of the exempted countries certainly help our office promote Thailand again to travellers in this market. Tourists must follow Test & Go procedure in order to get their Thailand Pass application approved. No more than 72 hours before traveling, travellers must complete their RT-PCR test, with a Medical Certificate confirming negative result from Covid-19 for international travel.

Everyone dressed in Christmas colours, some brought Christmas lights for their neck piece. Champagne and gift vouchers were rewarded to agents playing trivia and festive games. Best dressed award was handed to Stephanie Jones from Hoot Holidays.