After Phuket and Bangkok airports taxis, Pattaya jetskis, this is time for Hua Hin tourism industry to go under scrutiny by Thai military junta.
BANGKOK- Thai newspapers like to report about unethical practices against tourists. And of course, in a country like Thailand, where over 25 million tourists come in a year, unscrupulous owners of shops and services for tourists would love to get a bigger share of the tourist money… Phuket taxis bad practices are notorious while jetski scams in Pattaya have also spread out many times in social media and newspapers. Since taking over the power last May, Thailand military wants to give back happiness not only to Thai people but also to travellers to the Kingdom. They are starting to track malpractices and put under control some of the mafias which have been operating in total impunity for many years. Controls are now going on for taxis in Phuket tourist areas as well as at Bangkok airports.
This is now Hua Hin which is under investigation, especially for food outlets. Complaints about exorbitant prices were recently unveiled by Thai media, which mention about a woman paying over 7,000 baht (US$ 225) for a meal for 11 people. According to the Bangkok Post, the group charged with that price had only a papaya salad and a platter of seafood. Under pressure, Hua Hin municipal authorities have decided to clean the beaches of an inflation of illegal food vendors and also monitor prices by fixing limits for charging standard dishes. The order was transmitted to Hua Hin authority by the Military.
On Monday, the Military regime looked at a new target: removing tacky souvenirs stands from UNESCO heritage site in the ancient city of Ayutthaya. All 300 stalls around Wat Mongkol Borpitr, one of Ayutthaya most visited temples, will have to move to new designated premises by the end of September. Ayutthaya has been already threatened to be stripped from its World Heritage Status if authorities were unable to offer better protections of the city’s historical sites. Stalls and then shops surrounding the former capital’s old temples will be moved to new premises while busses will also have to park away from the temples area. Which city will then be next?
Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.
