Qatar tourists ‘continue to flock to Thailand despite civil unrest’

By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter

The Southeast Asian country has recently declared a 60-day state of emergency in Bangkok and surrounding areas to tackle mass protests aimed at overthrowing the government.

“Thailand is not only Bangkok. We have many tourist destinations such as Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Phuket,” the envoy highlighted.

From Bangkok, he said tourists can travel safely to these places and with ease using different modes of transportation.

Poolthup has expressed confidence that more Qataris and expatriates will visit Thailand this year. In 2012, the number of tourists from Qatar totalled 37,718, including 27,523 Qataris.

“It would have reached more than 39,000 during 2013 but we have to confirm with our tourism department,” he said.

The ambassador pointed out that Qatar Airways has three daily Doha-Bangkok-Doha flights and one direct flight to Phuket.

Besides its beautiful beaches and places, Thailand also attracts many people from different parts of the world for its medical tourism. It is a growing industry in Thailand where treatment is comparable with that in the West but the cost is cheaper.

Many people also go to the country to shop, relax and dine in various Thai and international restaurants. Many food outlets also prepare Halal (for Muslims) and non-Halal foods.

Thai vice-consul Ekaphat Premyodhin disclosed that Qataris are permitted to stay up to 30 days in Thailand under the “Visa Exemption Rule” if entering via the international airport and up to 15 days if entering through a land border checkpoint from a neighbouring country.

The ambassador also announced that the embassy would hold another Thai cultural presentation this year, similar to “The Amazing Thailand - Enchanted Cultural Show” held at Katara – the Cultural Village in May last year. It will be held at Qatar National Theatre.

The embassy is expected to bring groups of performers from Thailand who normally visit other GCC countries.

“These cultural performances and shows in different countries have become part of Thailand’s annual tourism plan. Bridging different cultures is the best way to lay a firm foundation on which both countries could further build closer relations.”