Although Thailand relies heavily on tourist money to support the economy, a recent survey conducted by Suan Dusit Poll has shown that just over 75 percent of Thai nationals do not want foreign tourists to return soon.
The poll was conducted over four days between June 9th and June 12th, with 1,116 people taking part. Participants were from various backgrounds and lived throughout Thailand.
The survey aimed to gauge how people felt about tourism and the possible return of tourists from some countries via a bilateral agreement that is being planned by the Thai Government.
Firstly, respondents were asked when they thought tourism might return to Thailand following the covid-19 pandemic. Each respondent was allowed to give more than one answer.
The majority, 41.4 percent, believed tourism would return to Thailand in one year. 25.9 percent of people thought tourists might come back to Thailand in six months.
A further 20.52 percent of people predicted the return of tourism in Thailand to take two years. 12.18 percent said it would be more than two years before tourism returned.
Those surveyed were also asked to give their opinion about whether they wanted foreign tourists to return to Thailand soon. More than three-quarters, 75.72 percent of those surveyed said they did not want tourists to return to Thailand soon.
Of those who said “no,” 54.39 percent said they want Thai citizens to enjoy the country first before foreigners return. 21.33 percent said that they were afraid foreigners would cause a second wave of coronavirus infections.
The remainder, 24.28 percent, said that they want foreign tourists to return to Thailand as it would help the economy and generate revenue for the country.
Finally, participants were asked where in Thailand they would like to visit the most. Chiang Mai ranked top with 31 percent saying they wanted to visit the northern province.
Prachuap Khiri Khan came second with 28.14 percent, Bangkok third with 19.35 percent, Chonburi fourth with 18.55 percent, and Kanchanaburi fifth with 11.92 percent.
Source: Suan Dusit Poll
