News Forum - Phuket looks to entice more low-cost Saudi flights

[Thaiger]

Thailand’s renowned paradise of Phuket is looking to entice more low-cost Saudi flights to the island province. The Phuket Tourist Association said in a Facebook post yesterday that it sent a delegation to meet with a low-cost Saudi airline last week.  The delegation met with the airline, Flynas, in Flynas’s headquarters in Saudi Arabia on …

The story Phuket looks to entice more low-cost Saudi flights as seen on Thaiger News.

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[TheDirtyDurian]

This is great news for Phuket and KSA. 

Hopefully something comes from the talks. 

[Pinetree]

1 hour ago, TheDirtyDurian said:

This is great news for Phuket and KSA. 

Hopefully something comes from the talks. 

No, its not .  Attracting tourists from unacceptable repressive regimes is never good news. 

[TheDirtyDurian]

5 hours ago, Pinetree said:

No, its not .  Attracting tourists from unacceptable repressive regimes is never good news. 

That's just your opinion though isn't it. 

My opinion, which is all we're doing here BTW, is that an increase in cashed up happy tourists looking to relax is good for the local economy in Phuket. The Thai people will be happy about this. 

Furthermore Saudis will be more than happy to visit during rainy season when more traditional markets might not, due to them liking the rain and the lower temperatures compared to their home country. The Thai people will be happy about this. 

In addition, why do you get to decide what constitutes an oppressive regime. Thankfully you don't.

Where do we draw the line. My son has just started dating a Russian girl. Am I going to tell him you can't see her because of the war in Ukraine. Of course not. And she's actually very sweet. 

This is the new reality. The days of thailand being exclusively for white longnoses are long gone. 

Have a nice night. I'm going out now to have a nice dinner at a new Turkish place with some Saudi friends. We'll probably talk about the football, work, holidays, women, families, children, past stories, future plans etc. Then have some tea or coffee before heading home. 

If this is oppression I'm all for it. 

 

[Marc26]

37 minutes ago, TheDirtyDurian said:

That's just your opinion though isn't it. 

My opinion, which is all we're doing here BTW, is that an increase in cashed up happy tourists looking to relax is good for the local economy in Phuket. The Thai people will be happy about this. 

Furthermore Saudis will be more than happy to visit during rainy season when more traditional markets might not, due to them liking the rain and the lower temperatures compared to their home country. The Thai people will be happy about this. 

In addition, why do you get to decide what constitutes an oppressive regime. Thankfully you don't.

Where do we draw the line. My son has just started dating a Russian girl. Am I going to tell him you can't see her because of the war in Ukraine. Of course not. And she's actually very sweet. 

This is the new reality. The days of thailand being exclusively for white longnoses are long gone. 

Have a nice night. I'm going out now to have a nice dinner at a new Turkish place with some Saudi friends. We'll probably talk about the football, work, holidays, women, families, children, past stories, future plans etc. Then have some tea or coffee before heading home. 

If this is oppression I'm all for it. 

I'd question how happy the Thais are about the vast increase in Indian and Middle Eastern visitors.........

 

But I do agree with you, people do need to realize that there is a demographic switch in tourists to some parts of Thailand...........

[TheDirtyDurian]

53 minutes ago, Marc26 said:

I'd question how happy the Thais are about the vast increase in Indian and Middle Eastern visitors.........

But I do agree with you, people do need to realize that there is a demographic switch in tourists to some parts of Thailand...........

I think as long as visitors are splashing the cash, vast majority of Thais couldn't care less about where they come from. 

Can't speak for Arab visitors because I want aware of any ill feeling towards them from Thai people. Generally speaking they spend well, do a lot of shopping etc and aren't stingy. 

But there are the stereotypes about the four straws for one coke and Indian visitors. It's not because they're Indian though, it's because they're tight. 

It's all about how you're perceived. Before C19 I visited Thailand with an Indian work colleague of mine. He's earning big bucks, wasn't shy about spending, dresses well etc. Was welcomed with open arms everywhere we went. 

[TheDirtyDurian]

I'd also add that a lot of the heavier thai sisters will be happy about more Arabs as they have 'Arab Spec.'

[Soidog]

27 minutes ago, TheDirtyDurian said:

I think as long as visitors are splashing the cash, vast majority of Thais couldn't care less about where they come from. 

I’m sure that’s 100% true. But that’s not the point is it. There are very few “soft opportunities” to send signals to repressive regimes like the ones headed by MBS. Stopping their citizens from easy travel is one way to do that. It not only sends a signal to the leadership, it upsets the Saudi wealthy, but particularly the middle income. As with any repressive society, the middle income are the ones who bring about change. It’s one reason why Thailand has a policy of limiting middle income. Most are either stinking rich or poor. The rise in Middle income Chinese will ultimately be the downfall of that regime also 

[Marc26]

1 hour ago, TheDirtyDurian said:

I think as long as visitors are splashing the cash, vast majority of Thais couldn't care less about where they come from. 

Can't speak for Arab visitors because I want aware of any ill feeling towards them from Thai people. Generally speaking they spend well, do a lot of shopping etc and aren't stingy. 

But there are the stereotypes about the four straws for one coke and Indian visitors. It's not because they're Indian though, it's because they're tight. 

It's all about how you're perceived. Before C19 I visited Thailand with an Indian work colleague of mine. He's earning big bucks, wasn't shy about spending, dresses well etc. Was welcomed with open arms everywhere we went. 

Pretty much every Thai I know is prejudiced vs brown people

 

And Saudis may spend but they just aren't as personal or social as your typical Western visitors when interacting with service staff

Westerners are relatively easy for service staff.........more so than most other people. I would say

 

Anectodal, but we were in Phuket in May and my wife's Aunt used to work on Bangla Rd

She wanted to go out there one night to see how it is

But we went to Patong beach during the day and she saw the changed demographic and said she absolutely did not want to back at night

 

As for your friend, I am sure once anyone is interacting and is nice and generous, they will be received well

 

[TheDirtyDurian]

3 hours ago, Soidog said:

I’m sure that’s 100% true. But that’s not the point is it. There are very few “soft opportunities” to send signals to repressive regimes like the ones headed by MBS. Stopping their citizens from easy travel is one way to do that. It not only sends a signal to the leadership, it upsets the Saudi wealthy, but particularly the middle income. As with any repressive society, the middle income are the ones who bring about change. It’s one reason why Thailand has a policy of limiting middle income. Most are either stinking rich or poor. The rise in Middle income Chinese will ultimately be the downfall of that regime also 

My comment was referring to another comment about Thais not being happy about Saudi visitors. That was the point. 

And you're missing the point. The Thai government is welcoming a renewed relationship with Saudi Arabia as the recent visit of members of the Phuket Tourist Board to KSA shows. 

The Thais clearly don't want to be sending any signals except a welcome mat. Maybe that's a 'soft signal' for you. 

And as I said in a previous post, where do you draw the line? What countries' visitors are allowed and which are banned? ️️ Should Thailand have a list that gets updated every year, every month? 

And why pick on Saudi all the time. The reforms over the last five years have been monumental. There are plenty of countries with far more oppressive governments, Iran being one of them for example. Should every country have some kind of liberal democracy before they can become a member of the club. 

And yet, you're more than happy to spend your cash in Thailand, a country run by the army that came to power in an illegal coup. A touch of hypocrisy there I think. 

[TheDirtyDurian]

2 hours ago, Marc26 said:

Pretty much every Thai I know is prejudiced vs brown people

And Saudis may spend but they just aren't as personal or social as your typical Western visitors when interacting with service staff

Westerners are relatively easy for service staff.........more so than most other people. I would say

Anectodal, but we were in Phuket in May and my wife's Aunt used to work on Bangla Rd

She wanted to go out there one night to see how it is

But we went to Patong beach during the day and she saw the changed demographic and said she absolutely did not want to back at night

As for your friend, I am sure once anyone is interacting and is nice and generous, they will be received well

So every thai you know is prejudiced. That's great for you. 

Saudis aren't generally that 'brown' BTW. There's a reason they call them and other Arabs 'khek kao'. 

Have you met many Saudis? They're some of the most sociable and friendly people you can meet. I work with them every day, and have done for over a decade. Maybe they don't want to make friends with the waiter, maybe their English isn't that great. Who knows what you think you may have seen. 

As for your wife's aunt, your anecdote clearly demonstrated her prejudices. So what. 

And your last point says it all. If people are being nice they're recieved well. If your being an *hole you're gonna get treated like one.  That's pretty universal all over the world. 

[Soidog]

2 hours ago, TheDirtyDurian said:

My comment was referring to another comment about Thais not being happy about Saudi visitors. That was the point. 

And you're missing the point. The Thai government is welcoming a renewed relationship with Saudi Arabia as the recent visit of members of the Phuket Tourist Board to KSA shows. 

The Thais clearly don't want to be sending any signals except a welcome mat. Maybe that's a 'soft signal' for you. 

And as I said in a previous post, where do you draw the line? What countries' visitors are allowed and which are banned? ️️ Should Thailand have a list that gets updated every year, every month? 

And why pick on Saudi all the time. The reforms over the last five years have been monumental. There are plenty of countries with far more oppressive governments, Iran being one of them for example. Should every country have some kind of liberal democracy before they can become a member of the club. 

And yet, you're more than happy to spend your cash in Thailand, a country run by the army that came to power in an illegal coup. A touch of hypocrisy there I think. 

Yes, make any argument you want from your adopted life. Point is KSA, is a repressive country. To argue otherwise it’s utterly ridiculous.  You may be lucky in being an expat working for a company earning  good money and living the highlife. But that is not what your average Saudi woman does. MBS lives a great life. Because hies a vile tyrant. Your support of the country is part of the problem. It’s not the solution. 

[TheDirtyDurian]

15 minutes ago, Soidog said:

Yes, make any argument you want from your adopted life. Point is KSA, is a repressive country. To argue otherwise it’s utterly ridiculous.  You may be lucky in being an expat working for a company earning  good money and living the highlife. But that is not what your average Saudi woman does. MBS lives a great life. Because hies a vile tyrant. Your support of the country is part of the problem. It’s not the solution. 

I defer to your superior knowledge of the country, but what does an average saudi women do? And what is an average Saudi? Do you know many? ️️ 

But anyway, back on topic, flynas to Phuket, Saudia direct to Riyadh in 8 hours, and Thai Airways to Jeddah, the options are plentiful for visitors from both countries to travel. 

Godwilling there will be more happy Saudi people in the Land of Smiles soon. 

[Soidog]

3 minutes ago, TheDirtyDurian said:

17 minutes ago, Soidog said:

xpand  

I defer to your superior knowledge of the country, but what does an average saudi women do? And what is an average Saudi? Do you know many? ️️ 

Yes back to the topic. Thailand should not be encouraging a government that operates such a repressive regime. I assume that if it all get too tough for you, you can hop on a plane and go back to your enlightened and inclusive Western country. Easy isn’t it when you have such a safety net 

[TheDirtyDurian]

2 minutes ago, Soidog said:

Yes back to the topic. Thailand should not be encouraging a government that operates such a repressive regime. I assume that if it all get too tough for you, you can hop on a plane and go back to your enlightened and inclusive Western country. Easy isn’t it when you have such a safety net 

My mistake. I thought you were going to share your knowledge of the life of a Saudi woman...

Why should Thailand do anything. No other country in the world has put restrictions on Saudi visitors. UK recently started to allow visa exempt entry for Saudi from last year. 

Tourism is more important to Thailand than UK.

I think you're from the UK right, maybe you can write your MP to complain about the new UK visa policy, Newcastle F. C., BAE Systems, LIV Golf etc etc

You should visit KSA sometime, you might actually enjoy it. I recommend you visit Al Ulla before the masses of tourists come. 

[Soidog]

10 minutes ago, TheDirtyDurian said:

My mistake. I thought you were going to share your knowledge of the life of a Saudi woman...

Why should Thailand do anything. No other country in the world has put restrictions on Saudi visitors. UK recently started to allow visa exempt entry for Saudi from last year. 

Tourism is more important to Thailand than UK.

I think you're from the UK right, maybe you can write your MP to complain about the new UK visa policy, Newcastle F. C., BAE Systems, LIV Golf etc etc

You should visit KSA sometime, you might actually enjoy it. I recommend you visit Al Ulla before the masses of tourists come. 

So we are in agreement then?

I’m not defending any government, including my own, that encourages such a vile system as exits in the KSA. It’s typical that you think anyone who calls out the Saudis is somehow defending their own country.  I’m not defending my own country, I’m calling you out for being some apologist against a cruel a disgusting regime as MBS.  You should be ashamed. 

[TheDirtyDurian]

9 minutes ago, Soidog said:

So we are in agreement then?

I’m not defending any government, including my own, that encourages such a vile system as exits in the KSA. It’s typical that you think anyone who calls out the Saudis is somehow defending their own country.  I’m not defending my own country, I’m calling you out for being some apologist against a cruel a disgusting regime as MBS.  You should be ashamed. 

No, I don't think we're in agreement...

I don't think you're defending your own country either, just pointing out your hypocrisy which I addressed in a previous comment. 

We all know the arguments, KSA locks people up for many years for speaking out against the government, people disappear etc etc. Can we think of any other countries we might both know that do that?? ️️ Maybe one of them is a bit greener no? 

But anyways, like I said. Come and visit, and you might be surprised. It's gonna be even easier and cheaper now when flynas gets these Phuket flights up and running

[Soidog]

2 minutes ago, TheDirtyDurian said:

No, I don't think we're in agreement...

I don't think you're defending your own country either, just pointing out your hypocrisy which I addressed in a previous comment. 

But anyways, like I said. Come and visit, and you might be surprised. It's gonna be even easier and cheaper now when flynas gets these Phuket flights up and running

Where is my hypocrisy? Just because my government behaves as they do isn’t my hypocrisy.  The point is that you are now back peddling on defending the system of dictatorship in the KSA. 
 

I’ve been to Saudi and worked there many times. It’s great and full of nice  people, just like anywhere else. That not the point though is it?

Saudi people and the Saudi dictators should not be allowed to carry on like life is normal. It’s not. 

[TheDirtyDurian]

1 minute ago, Soidog said:

Where is my hypocrisy? Just because my government behaves as they do isn’t my hypocrisy.  The point is that you are now back peddling on defending the system of dictatorship in the KSA. 
 

I’ve been to Saudi and worked there many times. It’s great and full of nice  people, just like anywhere else. That not the point though is it?

Saudi people and the Saudi dictators should not be allowed to carry on like life is normal. It’s not. 

I wasn't referring to your government... 

I think it would be better to continue this via pm rather than on open forum. 

1) it's off topic 

2) I wouldn't want to jeopardise my life in Thailand. 

[Soidog]

3 minutes ago, TheDirtyDurian said:

I wasn't referring to your government... 

I think it would be better to continue this via pm rather than on open forum. 

1) it's off topic 

2) I wouldn't want to jeopardise my life in Thailand. 

1. Why is it off topic? the topic is about Thailand offering more flight from the KSA.

2. are you really that important that you could jeopardise your life in Thailand? This is about the KSA and the attitude of Thais  

[MrStretch]

54 minutes ago, Soidog said:

 Thailand should not be encouraging a government that operates such a repressive regime.

As opposed to the 'repressive regime' that is the Thai government?  Ask the more than thousand protesters against the government and some its archaic laws about repressive government.

I've lived and worked in Saudi Arabia (and other Arab countries) several times. They aren't my favorite places on the planet but I feel I understand them better than a bunch of armchair opinionists in The Land of Smiles.

If their tourists want to come to Thailand and spend their money, let them.  It doesn't contribute anything, actively or passively, to their government and actively contributes to the repressive government that many in Thailand see here.

The renewed relationship with KSA benefits Thailand far more than it does MBS and his ilk.  Employment opportunities for Thais, investment in Thai companies, and markets for Thai products are all more positive for this country than theirs.

[Soidog]

2 minutes ago, MrStretch said:

If their tourists want to come to Thailand and spend their money, let them.  It doesn't contribute anything, actively or passively, to their government and actively contributes to the repressive government that many in Thailand see here.

 Point truly missed. It’s about allowing citizens from countries like the KSA to carry on as though their country is normal. They are not! 

[MrStretch]

3 minutes ago, Soidog said:

 Point truly missed. It’s about allowing citizens from countries like the KSA to carry on as though their country is normal. They are not! 

Point not missed at all.  I think your position is not truly defensible.  If you want to get on your high moral horse and limit the abilities of a country's citizens to travel based on the positions of their governments then you are going to be closing the borders to large segments of the planet. 

I wasn't aware that you were elected the moral arbiter of what government actions are repressive or not, or that you could logically put yourself in the position of any country's citizens in determining their support or not for the policies of their own government.

Rail all you want against the Saudis for a government they have no input or control over but add every other government you feel is repressive to that list.  And before that list is completed, look at the government of your own country for who and what it represses.  There is no government on Earth that doesn't to some degree.

[Soidog]

7 minutes ago, MrStretch said:

Point not missed at all.  I think your position is not truly defensible.  If you want to get on your high moral horse and limit the abilities of a country's citizens to travel based on the positions of their governments then you are going to be closing the borders to large segments of the planet. 

I wasn't aware that you were elected the moral arbiter of what government actions are repressive or not, or that you could logically put yourself in the position of any country's citizens in determining their support or not for the policies of their own government.

Rail all you want against the Saudis for a government they have no input or control over but add every other government you feel is repressive to that list.  And before that list is completed, look at the government of your own country for who and what it represses.  There is no government on Earth that doesn't to some degree.

I just rail against overt bad government. Even to use the word “Government” is an affront to proper governments. The Saudis are dictators. And yes, I’m happy to cal out perhaps 80% of the world governments for being like this. It’s not a question of numbers, it’s about those who are wrong. That’s how we improve the world, not by being passive and accepting things as you seem to do. Your choice of course, but you don’t help anyone by your passive attitude.  

[Grumpish]

11 hours ago, TheDirtyDurian said:

I'd also add that a lot of the heavier thai sisters will be happy about more Arabs as they have 'Arab Spec.'

The South Asian taste is for something a little chunkier, as well.