Latest news with #KohSamui
South China Morning Post
11 hours ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Even White Lotus effect not much help for Thai tourism hit by ‘bad news' events
Thailand 's tourism outlook is in such doldrums that even the so-called The White Lotus effect – a temporary boost in Western visitors inspired by the latest Koh Samui-set season of HBO's hit show – has not been enough to offset a slump in arrivals from neighbouring countries. Foreign arrivals to Thailand dropped for the fourth straight month in May, slipping 14 per cent to 2.6 million, government data showed. That is the country's longest streak of declines since 2021, when the Covid-19 pandemic closed international borders. The biggest drop came from travellers from other Asian countries, whose citizens make up the vast majority of tourists to Thailand. Regional arrivals fell nearly 11 per cent this year through May, compared to the same period in 2024. Visits by Chinese tourists, who make up the largest group by nationality, have plummeted – nearly 1 million fewer arrivals so far this year versus 2024. The plunge heading into the summer holiday period and beyond is causing consternation in Thailand, where tourism makes up about 12 per cent of gross domestic product. It is being fuelled by lingering concerns about safety, with fears about the growing presence of scam centres around the Myanmar border spooking visitors from China. Thailand has also in recent months contended with an earthquake that beamed images of a destroyed Bangkok skyscraper around the world, the rising popularity of Japan and China as regional tourism destinations and a strong baht that has made it less of a value destination. 'We have lost a lot of tourists to other competing countries in Asia because we didn't tackle the negative images seriously,' said Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, vice-president of the Tourism Council of Thailand. 'Thailand's tourism is resilient, but this may take months to rebound.'
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Even ‘White Lotus' buzz isn't reviving Thailand's tourism slump
Thailand's tourism outlook in such doldrums that even the so-called The White Lotus effect — a temporary boost in Western visitors inspired by the latest Koh Samui—set season of HBO's hit show — hasn't been enough to offset a slump in arrivals from neighboring countries. Foreign arrivals to Thailand dropped for the fourth straight month in May, slipping 14% to 2.6 million, government data show. That's the country's longest streak of declines since 2021, when the Covid pandemic closed international borders. ALSO READ: Thailand closes scenic viewing spot following clashes at Laos by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: 1 simple trick to get all TV channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo The biggest drop came from travelers from other Asian countries, whose citizens make up the vast majority of tourists to Thailand. Regional arrivals fell nearly 11% this year through May, compared to the same period in 2024. Visits by Chinese tourists, who make up the largest group by nationality, have plummeted — nearly 1 million fewer arrivals so far this year versus 2024. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) The plunge heading into the summer holiday period and beyond is causing consternation in Thailand, where tourism makes up about 12% of gross domestic product. It's being fueled by lingering concerns about safety, with fears about the growing presence of scam centers around the Myanmar border spooking visitors from China. Live Events ALSO READ: Thailand reinstates financial proof requirement for tourist visas Thailand has also in recent months contended with an earthquake that beamed images of a destroyed Bangkok skyscraper around the world, the rising popularity of Japan and China as regional tourism destinations and a strong baht that's made it less of a value destination. 'We have lost a lot tourists to other competing countries in Asia because we didn't tackle the negative images seriously,' said Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, vice president of the Tourism Council of Thailand. 'Thailand's tourism is resilient, but this may take months to rebound.' ALSO READ: Travelling to Thailand soon? The government has issued a health alert you must be aware of Arrivals from China have fallen 33% so far this year after a scam gang's January kidnapping of Chinese actor Wang Xing near the Thai border. Wang's ordeal went viral in the mainland, prompting thousands of cancellations as mainland tourists opted for regional competitors including Japan and Singapore that they perceive as safer. Visits from Malaysia, Thailand's second biggest source of arrivals, dropped as much as 17% during the same period. Travel warnings from Hong Kong, the UK and Australia have cited concerns related to earthquakes and safety. Flight bookings for the height of summer, June to August, show a 15% decline in Chinese arrivals compared to a year ago, according to data from China Trading Desk, which tracks the mainland tourism market. Hotel occupancy is forecast to fall to 52% in May from 63% the month before, driven largely by the drop from China, according to a survey of nearly 140 hotel operators within the Thai Hotel Association. Daily room rates are expected to decline in the second quarter as hotels slash prices to compete for guests. The self-branded 'Land of Smiles' has publicized efforts to shut down some scam compounds and arrests following Wang's kidnapping. The efforts come as concerns mount in the tourism industry that Thailand will miss its goal of attracting more than 39 million visitors this year, accounting for about $68 billion in tourist spending. To avoid that, industry officials are calling for further action to reassure would-be visitors, including more promotion to non-Chinese markets. In a bright spot, The White Lotus, whose third season featured the islands of Samui and Phuket, is attracting vacationers from the US and Europe. The third season of the show — which follows the lives of guests and staff at an ultra luxury resort — was filmed at a Four Seasons in Koh Samui and at Anantara resorts. Tourists from the US have spiked 12% this year through May to more than 625,000, and adventurers from Europe have jumped nearly 18% to more than 3 million in the same period from a year ago, government data show. Still, the country could need more than a TV show to stop Asian tourists — who would see The White Lotus's setting as far less exotic — from heading elsewhere. 'Thailand was hit with a string of bad news events,' said Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association, whose members include the biggest hoteliers in the country. 'So now we have travelers concerned about safety and security. The government should act right now and do a lot more to reassure and attract visitors.'
Bloomberg
15 hours ago
- Bloomberg
White Lotus Buzz Can't Reverse Thailand's Tourism Decline
Thailand's tourism outlook in such doldrums that even the so-called The White Lotus effect — a temporary boost in Western visitors inspired by the latest Koh Samui—set season of HBO 's hit show — hasn't been enough to offset a slump in arrivals from neighboring countries. Foreign arrivals to Thailand dropped for the fourth straight month in May, slipping 14% to 2.6 million, government data show. That's the country's longest streak of declines since 2021, when the Covid pandemic closed international borders.
CNA
2 days ago
- Business
- CNA
Why Bangkok-born hospitality group Anantara could be Asia's most interesting hotel brand
When the third season of The White Lotus, HBO's cult-favourite dramedy about the darkly entangled lives (and deaths) of guests and staff at an ultra-luxury resort, premiered earlier this year, viewers across Asia, including Singapore, took notice. Sure, much of the initial buzz revolved around Kpop megastar Lalisa Manobal aka Lisa of Blackpink making her acting debut. But let's be honest, we travel junkies were just as excited to recognise the sun-drenched backdrop of iconic Thai tropical escape Koh Samui, popular among long-weekend warriors and barefoot luxury aficionados alike. Spotting familiar sights like the Big Buddha Temple Wat Phra Yai or playing 'Guess the Resort' during each hotel set became something of a jetsetter's pastime. As expected, many scenes were filmed at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. No surprise there, given that the first two seasons were also set at Four Seasons properties in Hawaii and Sicily. But in a plot twist worthy of show creator Mike White, a lesser known but very strategic player in luxury hospitality quietly stole the show. Enter Anantara. The Bangkok-born luxury hotel brand, part of the ever-expanding Minor Hotels portfolio, might just be the breakout star of the season. Three of its properties — Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort, Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort, and Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas — were featured prominently in the series as part of the fictional White Lotus Thailand hotel. (Fun fact: Minor Hotels also owns the Four Seasons Koh Samui.) The timing could not have been better for William 'Bill' Heinecke, the 75-year-old American-born, naturalised Thai billionaire founder behind Minor Hotels. With luxury travel in Asia booming globally, Heinecke shows no sign of slowing down. He stepped down as chief executive officer of Minor International five years ago but continues to be deeply involved in the company's hotel expansion strategy with a strong focus on growth and post-pandemic recovery. He started his company even before he turned 18 (hence its name Minor) dabbling in advertising and cleaning services before finding his passion in hospitality. Today, Minor Hotels is a global hospitality group operating over 560 hotels, resorts and residences in 58 countries with brands including Anantara, Avani, Oaks and Tivoli. In 2018 he bought over the Madrid-owned NH Hotel group of premium and luxury hotels, tripling the group's portfolio and solidifying its European footprint. This acquisition, while visionary, also meant that when the pandemic hit just two years later, there was much more at stake. The group racked up losses of over US$1 billion (S$1.29 billion) in 2020 and 2021 due to lockdowns and travel restrictions. But he held firm and now that travel is in full swing once again, the company's increased presence has led to even more brand name recognition around the world. At the same time, he has also always believed in playing to his strengths, reinforcing the group's presence in Asia, which already includes properties across various hospitality brands in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, China, Maldives and the Middle East. The group plans to add 200 more hotels by the end of 2026, of which about 100 will be in Asia. 'We are already pretty well covered in Asia, with the exception of places like Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan,' he said. 'So, it is obviously a major focus for us to try to get some of those other areas that we are not yet in.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur Hotel (@anantarajaipur) In fact, Minor Hotels recently debuted in India with Anantara in Jaipur and aims to have 50 properties in the next 10 years. The company is also growing in China where it plans to open two more hotels to add to its current five. A new Anantara is also opening in Kota Kinabalu this December and the group is inching closer to that elusive goal: A hotel in Japan. 'We are working very hard on it, and it is high on our priorities. I hope by this time next year, we will at least have something announced,' he shared. A hotel is under construction in Singapore too. 'It will be an Avani located close to Chinatown and will be a bit more lifestyle-focused, which will suit the market well. There will be a rooftop dining venue, and it promises to be a fun destination,' he said. One of the global trends driving growth is the rising demand for meaningful, immersive experiences. 'Anantara has become an experiential brand. After COVID-19, we are seeing so many people who want to experience different cultures in foreign lands and we are honoured that they have chosen Anantara,' he said. For instance, at the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, guests get to sleep under the stars in transparent bubble lodges and participate in encounters with rescued elephants. The Anantara Ubud Bali Resort offers a traditional Balinese ritual called Melukat that can be performed at a 1,000-year-old temple while guests may go snorkelling with manta rays at the Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas. 'These are all very special to me, because each experience has been created to bring alive the culture of the various countries we are in,' said Heinecke. This is all part of what Heinecke calls 'soft power'. He said: 'Everybody has adopted what South Korea pioneered and are finding storytelling and experiences a great way to hook travellers on a destination.' The lifelong entrepreneur credits his longevity to passion and play — fun is as much a business strategy as it is a personal credo. His pursuits include dining, collecting vintage and supercars and flying planes and helicopters. These have ultimately led to varied business ventures such as MJets, an aircraft charter company and Minor Beverages, the food and beverage arm of the company that owns Thai-based The Pizza Company as well as global franchises like Benihana teppanyaki, Swensens and Sizzler. His love for cool wheels and frequent participation in car rallies also inspired him to spearhead the Anantara Concorso Roma, the revival of a 100-year-old car parade that used to take place in Rome. It was initially slated to happen in April this year but had to be postponed to 2026 because of Pope Francis' death. Acknowledging some disappointment, he said: 'The outpouring of grief for the Pope was just so much that it did not seem appropriate to do anything except postpone the concorso.' But true to his never-say-die spirit, he added, 'You cannot worry about the things you cannot control so I only look forward with enthusiasm and optimism for the event next year.' Ever the maverick, he does not shy away from left-field investments that raise eyebrows at the boardroom table. Case in point: His decision to bring Pop Mart, the wildly popular Chinese toy brand, to Thailand in 2023. He was fascinated by the concept of blind box toys but at that point, the brand had yet to explode in popularity. 'I don't think our board was very excited about the prospects at the time,' he said with a laugh. But he knew he was on to something because of the devoted collectors he met. By the time Blackpink's Lisa popularised the brand's Labubu bag charm, setting off an international craze for Pop Mart's products, his stores in Thailand were well positioned to take advantage of the frenzy. View this post on Instagram A post shared by LISA (@lalalalisa_m) Next, he is off to check out the Anantara property in Ubud — and knowing him, he is already dreaming up his next unexpected move.
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Two British fugitives are arrested on Thailand's White Lotus island running hotel and bars - ten years after fleeing armed robbery and fraud charges
Two British fugitives wanted by Interpol for robbery and fraud were arrested on a Thailand 's White Lotus island. Kieren Daniel Farrer Thornton, 38, and Ashton Kevin Saunders, 37, were detained in two separate raids on Koh Samui in southern Thailand on May 24. The pair, who are reportedly cousins from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, were said to have been hiding in the country for more than 10 years to escape jail in the UK. They were arrested following co-ordination between the Thai immigration bureau and the UK's National Crime Agency. Police in the UK had arrested Kieren over robbery at a pier before he fled. He will be extradited to England to face legal action, officials said. Ashton, who also goes by 'Ben Ash', was reportedly convicted of fraud in the UK and sentenced to prison but fled the country before serving his sentence. He was found to be staying in Thailand on a tourist visa and had opened a string of bars on the popular Chaweng Beach. The seven businesses he ran in Thailand allegedly used local nominees to skirt the country's ownership laws. Police Major General Songprod Sirisukha, commander of Immigration Division 6, said: 'Both of the suspects' permission to remain in the country has been revoked, as they are wanted by a foreign country. They will be extradited to the UK accordingly. 'The arrests align with the policy of the Royal Thai Police and Immigration Bureau to continuously prevent and suppress transnational crime and offenses committed by foreigners who attempt to secretly hide in Thailand's tourist cities.' Authorities said they were further reviewing the business licenses and ownership structures to find irregularities. Under Thailand's Foreign Business Act of 1999, foreigners may establish joint ventures with Thai partners but are restricted to a maximum ownership of 49 per cent. However, some business owners bypass these regulations by hiring Thai nominees. In 2014, Kieren and Ashton reportedly created a fake webpage copying British newspaper The Guardian, where they published glowing reviews of their scam company, Business Grants & Loans. Victims would allegedly pay to take out loans from their website, but never received the promised money. In 2015, Ashton was also given 18-month suspended prison sentence for running an online advertising scam that defrauded small businesses. Between 2012 and 2013, he tricked business owners into paying fees for fake grants and poor marketing services through his company, Blue Tech Media. Judge Jameson, who handed down the verdict, had said: 'This is an internet version of advanced fee fraud of which you had a leading role. Remorse was not shown initially, but your offer to compensate victims, now I take as regret. 'I am going to give you the maximum amount of unpaid work I can. If I had not been able to do that, my sentence would have been one of immediate custody.' Koh Samui has seen a surge of tourism among US, British and European travellers following the success of The White Lotus's third season. The Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, which serves as the show's fictional setting, saw a tenfold increase in demand, its executive vice president Marc Speichert said. The spike in interest, called the 'White Lotus Effect', also boosted tourism in the previous filming locations of Hawaii and Sicily.
