JTBF Mission to Thailand 2009 (2/23-2/27)

Visit to Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)

Kazumasa Mizutani (Chief of Tourism Committee, JTBF)

Following are messages exchanged between both parties:

• TAT (Deputy Governor)
  I would welcome JTBF mission team visiting TAT. Japanese are in the top among foreign tourists, except for land-connected Malaysia, and are most important customers. Talking about TAT oversea office, we have exceptionally 3 branch offices in Japan namely, Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka. Japan is a critical site for TAT activities. I accompanied Prime Minister Abhisit and visited Japan in the beginning of February this year. Recently, Japan has been successful in inviting foreign tourists through campaigning "YOUKOSO JAPAN". During a visit of this time, both governments have agreed to establish a bilateral promotion committee and cooperate towards increasing tourists on both sides even further. We would like to step in to substantiation of the program.
  
  JTBF's cooperation is well-known to us, for which TAT head office also would express appreciations. Supports from "friends of Thailand" resident in Japan are quite valuable. I am pleased to hear frank opinions of you.
• JTBF (Chairman Kitayama)
  I would express our appreciation for taking your time for this meeting. Among JTBF's various committees, Tourism Committee and Longstay Committee put an emphasis on keeping a close relationship with TAT Tokyo office. We would like to continue the close relationship and contribute to a further development of Thailand-Japan intercommunion.
  
  Last year, JTBF had an honor of receiving "Friend of Thailand" award from TAT. For this time mission also, we receive TAT's supports extended to our study tour to East-Northern Thailand. We are grateful for all of your supports.
• JTBF (Mr. Mizutani)
  Present Governor, in her inauguration remarks, announced a tourism policy which prioritizes "quality" over "number". AMAZING THAILAND strategy is consistent with the policy of driving forth enhancement of quality. It is encouraging to us also. JTBF mission set up a main theme of study trip, every time supported by TAT Tokyo as consistent with TAT strategy. Our intent is also to explore new attractive spots, unknown to ordinary Japanese tourists yet, to experience by ourselves and to introduce them to Japanese society. This time, we plan to make a study tour of one night two days to Khao-yai National Park and Phimai Historical Park. We would be more than pleased if we could introduce ancient Khmer monuments and the rich nature of Thailand through experiencing eco-tour.
  
  Japanese tourist agents resident in Thailand are miserably damaged by the political confusion of Thailand last year. They expect TAT launch measures of immediate recovery to create a demand afterward April. An example of their proposals is to submit free tickets of massage, which is quite popular for Japanese tourists. Would appreciate your assessment of this kind of ideas.
• TAT (Deputy Governor)
  TAT is going to further promote tourism to East-Northern Thailand. In this sense, JTBF mission team's trip to Nakhorn Rachasima province is a very timely and significant undertaking. World heritage Khao-yai National Park, provided with the well-paved access, has abundance of high quality attractions namely, trekking in the forest, high class golf courses, grape-picking in the wine yard, family camping, cow milking or enjoying tasty ice-cream in the stock farm, etc.
  
  Japanese government has also been putting emphasis on development of the region along Mekhong river. From Thai government's view, development of East-Northern Thailand is important by itself, but important also as a basis for development of wider region extending to Laos and Vietnam. Rail road network will be enhanced from now on.
  
  In regard to measures for immediate recovery afterward April, we will hear from Japanese agents' opinions sincerely and will take a quick action.
• JTBF (Mr. Katono)
  I would like to raise several comments on behalf of JTBF and also in my position as Secretary General of Japan-Thailand Longstay Promotion Association as well as Advisor to Longstay Foundation.
  1. Not a small number of retired Japanese have a desire to experience longstay life out side of Japan. Longstay fair as hosted by LS Foundation draws a growing attention. 10 thousands of people will participate in the seminar this year. Participants are increasing not only in Tokyo but also in the local districts.
  2. Longstayer's choice of destination concentrates in Asian countries in view of less spending, short distance and comfortable climate. In this sense, Malaysia, Thailand and Australia are top 3, competing fiercely each other.
  3. The big concerns of longstayer are security, medical service and language. Thailand has been satisfactory in all items. Security might be considered a negative factor for the time being.
  4. Longstayer have their own objectives respectively. Mostly, they expect to experience different cultures or different and relaxed life style. In regard to destinations in Thailand, Bangkok occupies 80-90%, Chiangmai occupies 10% and increasing recently. We would promote East-Northern Thailand from now on. There is a statistical assessment that Thailand is more popular for the senior generation, over 50 years old, but not so much for younger generation.
  5. I have 3 questions regarding the longstay subject. (Questionnaire has been forwarded to TAT in advance.)
     1. What could be TAT's view on the current status and outlook of ＴLM as the major stock holder of TLM?
     2. "Elite Card" program aimed at a million members. 2,600 members so far and it seems failed. What could be TAT's outlook?
     3. In Malaysia, longstayer are now allowed to work with LS visa. Is it possible to introduce the similar application of LS visa in Thailand?
• TAT (Deputy Governor)
  I would like to answer the questions which have been forwarded to me in advance.
  1. TLM is a private company. At this moment TAT holds merely a small part of the stock and not in a position to comment on future of the company. But, if questioned about their professional capability, I have to admit a negative view. TLM is expected to restore the jog towards providing longstayer with necessary information in a precise manner.
  2. We are in the phase of making decision whether we continue "Elite Card" project or not. If we are to terminate, we have to provide registered members world over with sufficient information, so as not to invite their claims. Government will make a decision not too late.
  3. Conditions for longstayer must be attractive as compared to neighboring countries. We would investigate Malaysia and other competing countries and, then, work together with concerned organizations to put forth forward-looking measures in a quick manner. Free-charged issuing of visa has been implemented quickly, which shows that Thailand is eager to improve starting from whatever it can undertake. TAT would take promotion of longstayer one of important policies, and assume responsibility to initiate coordination works among concerned ministries towards solutioning considerable problems.
• ＪＴＢＦ (Mr. Okumura)
  In regard to Japanese perception of security of Thailand, those who know Thailand more or less understand it is not serious for making a tour. But, many ordinary Japanese stick to a dangerous image, probably affected by mass media. Then, it will be important to initiate measures against mass media. In the past, Thailand delivered the recovery messages of Phuket periodically via Japanese newspapers.
• TAT (Deputy Governor)
  In the past case of Tsunami of Phuket, we delivered the recovery messages through mass media on a massive scale. However, it will not work for this time because it is the politics related problem. Strategy of Thai government is to invite international conferences to Thailand more often, of which typical example is ASEAN Meeting which is going to be held under chairmanship of Thailand. If we are successful in convening the international events as such without significant safety problems, it will help appeal the public security to the world. The propaganda campaign through mass media will be the next step.