AHDA ADDINA ADRIANA 16/397523/GE/08402

GEOGRAPHY OF THAILAND

Capital : Bangkok

Coordinate position : 13° 44' 12.1812'' N and 100° 31' 23.4696'' E

Boundaries : North (Laos and Myanmar), South (Malaysia and Siam Bay), West

( Myanmar and the East Sea), East (Lao and Cambodia)

Area : 513,120 square kilometres (198,120 sq mi)

Population : 68.863.514 people (2016)

Topography : mountainious in the north , plateau also river and valley in the middle,lowland
in the south

Region : Northern Thailand, Northeastern Thailand, Central Thailand and Southern

Thailand.

Administrative Division : 76 provinces are gathered into five groups of provinces by location. Two
specially governed districts are the capital Bangkok (Krung Thep Maha Nakhon) and Pattaya.

Climate : is influenced by monsoon winds , a seasonal character (the southwest and

northeast monsoon). The southwest monsoon(May to October is characterized by movement of warm,
moist air from the Indian Ocean to Thailand, causing abundant rain over most of the country. The
northeast monsoon(October to February brings cold and dry air from China over most of Thailand.In
southern Thailand, the northeast monsoon brings mild weather and abundant rainfall on the eastern
coast of that region.Most of Thailand has a "tropical wet and dry or savanna climate" type (Köppen's
Tropical savanna climate)

TOURISM POLICY

Thailand's policy is set in the previous TAT named TOT . Whereas the higher institution that regulates
overall policies regarding tourism is the ministry of tourism and sports. Why put together with sports?
Because they are both considered to have an appeal to attract tourists to the country and increase GDP.
Tourism Authority of Thailand or TAT (formerly named the Tourist Organization of Thailand or T.O.T.),
established in 1959, have played crucial role in tourism development in Thailand more than 52 years.

TAT is the member of PATA, World Tourism Organization.

TAT authority and responsibility

1. Promoting tourism and tourism industry, as well as occupations of Thai citizens in the tourism
industry.
2. Propagating Thailandʼs natural beauty, archaeological site, antiquities, history, art, culture,
sports, and evolution of techniques to others for travelling.
3. Providing convenience and safety to travelers.

POLICY & MARKETING PLAN 

1 Promote the tourism industry to be an important instrument in tackling the country’s economic
problems, creating jobs for people as well as increasing income for the country. Moreover, promotion
should be done to make tourism play a vital role in the development of the quality of life in all regions of
Thailand as per the policy of the government.

2 Promote and develop the operation on proactive marketing strategies to increase new and niche
markets. This is in order to attract more quality tourists to visit Thailand. At the same time, domestic
travel for Thais should be vigorously encouraged. The positioning of Thailand is to be drawn out clearly,
too.

3 Promote cooperation in all levels, both domestically and internationally, on promotion for the
development of tourism markets. This aims to get rid of all hindrances in the tourism industry and pave
the way for Thailand to be the tourism hub of Southeast Asia.

4 Aim at organization and management development as well as development of the human resources’
ability to create a capable driving force in the operation. Moreover, this aims at strengthening the
potentiality on international competition under the good governance as well as developing the strength
of the organization on its technical roles and knowledge on marketing.

5 Accelerate the development of a tourism technological system for accommodating business activities
information (E-Tourism) on the Internet. Included here is also the carrying out of electronic commerce
as well as applying information technology in marketing. The necessary mechanism on controlling and
protection has to be in place to ensure prevention of problems.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports

It was established in 2002 to develop, support and promote industrial tourism, sports and recreation.
Include the department in the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, The department of Tourism, concerning
tourism business and guide registration, tourism sites development, tourism service development,
tourism academic, has played important role in tourism promotion. Main authorities :

(A) To study, analyze, research, and gather the statistic data on the tourism and its

policies including tourism management and Development Plan and Policy.

(B) To organize the development plan of tourism service including tourism

promotion and co-ordination patterns.

(C) To organize, support, and promote the development plan for the Bureau of

tourism Business and Guide.

(D)To organize , support, and promote the development plan for tourist attractions.

(E)To executive the tourism and guides laws including other participated laws.

(F)To tract and evaluate the contribution of tourism development.(Wattanavrangkul,2018).

Community Based Tourism

CBT, owned and managed by the resident members of the local-level association, committed to
environmental, social and cultural sustainability, is geared to supplement the local economic mainstay.
CBT is guided by the principles of fairness through rotation and queuing in availing of opportunities,
equity in deriving benefits from tourism, and contributing to dedicated funds.(Wirudchawong,2017)

 Tourism Plan 2018

TOURISM POLICY include :

1. Sustainable tourism with quality and value-added (Balance: Economic, Social & Environment)

2. Wealth distribution

3. Pride of local heritage

Collaboration between Public Sector, Private Sector, and Local Community

Quality Increase Spending per Head and Length of Stay Minimum natural resource usage Not emphasize
on quantity. The condition of Thailand tourism income increases every year. 2015: 2.2 trillion Baht 2016:
2.5 trillion Baht 2017: 2.7 trillion Baht(80 Billion US Dollars).

TOURISM STRATEGY

1.Promote Tourism Market

1.1 Image change to “Quality Leisure Destination”

1.2 Restructure for High Value market

1.3 Community Based Tourism

1.4 Balance area and travelling season

2.Develop Tourism Product and Service

2.1 AREA Base : 8 Tourism Clusters, 12 Hidden Gem Provinces, 12 Hidden Gem Plus Provinces

2.2 Issue Base : Medical & Wellness Tourism, Aging Tourism, MICE, Green Tourism, Sports
Tourism, River Based & Maritime Tourism, Muslim Friendly Destination

2.3 Infrastructure and Tourism Facilities

2.4 Safety Measure

2.5 Logistic Development

3. Tourism Management

3.1 Collaboration

3.2 HRD and Tour Operator Development

3.3 Thailand Tourism Gateway Website &Tourism Intelligence Center

 3.4 Law Enforcement

Type Of Tourism In Thailand

1 Sports Tourism 36 units

2 Gastronomy Tourism 12 units

3 Wedding & Romance Tourism 1 units

4 Medical & Wellness Tourism 5 units

5 Maritime Tourism 4 units

6 ASEAN Connect Tourism 6 units

7 Cultural Event Tourism 40 units

8 Big Tree/Green Tourism 5 units

9 Night Tourism 7 units

10 Entertainment Tourism 16 units

11 Community Base Tourism 14 units

12 MICE Tourism 13 units

13 Tourism for all 3 units

14 B2B Marketing Activity 12 units

15 Logistics 6 units

16 Good Host 3 units

Thailand Tourism Destination

1. Wat Pho- The Temple of the Reclining Budha

As one of the largest temple complexes in the city, it’s famed for its giant reclining Buddha is covered in
gold leaf. The highlight for most people visiting Wat Pho is the Reclining Buddha. The figures here are
impressive: 15 metres tall, 46 metres long, so large that it feels like it’s been squeezed into the building.
The Buddha's feet are 5 metres long and exquisitely decorated in mother-of-pearl illustrations of
auspicious laksanas (characteristics) of the Buddha. 108 is a significant number, referring to the 108
positive actions and symbols that helped lead Buddha to perfection. It is now more well-known as a
centre for traditional massage and medicine. It is located on Maharat Road, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
10200, Thailand.

2. Wat Arun-Temple of Dawn

Wat Arun, locally known as Wat Chaeng, is a landmark temple on the west (Thonburi)
bank of the Chao Phraya river. It’s easily one of the most stunning temples in Bangkok, not only
because of its riverside location but also because the design is very different from the other
temples tourist can visit in Bangkok. Wat Arun (nicknamed the Temple of the Dawn) is partly
made up of colourfully decorated spires and stands majestically over the water. This temple
consist of the beauty of the architecture and the fine craftsmanship.

3. Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a land of misty mountains and colourful hill tribes, a playground for seasoned
travellers, a paradise for shoppers and a delight for adventurers. On a trip to Chiang Mai, the curious
traveller can expand their horizons with Thai massage and cooking courses. Others will be bowled over
by the variety of handicrafts and antiques. The wild child will find plenty of lively nightlife, and the
epicure can indulge in wonderful cuisine. Despite its relatively small size, Chiang Mai truly has it all.
Chiang Mai is most famous for its beautiful ancient temples, striking mountainous landscape, unique
museums, fantastic spas and beautiful gardens and parks to enjoy.

4. Phuket
 Phuket is Thailand's main theme park. Recognized by its lush forested mountains, beautiful
beaches, and turquoise waters, the geographical wonders of the island underlie an ever-evolving
entertainment district. Most tourists go to the west coast to visit the developed, photogenic beaches of
Patong, Surin, Kamala, Kata and Karong. Explore further south to Cape Panwa and tourist will find a
more relaxed place with local life, or north to the Laguna Phuket complex, where clusters of hotels,
restaurants and entertainment attractions make it ideal for families.

5. Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is an ancient capital and modern city in the Central Plains of Thailand, 85 km
north of Bangkok. It is the Capital City of the Province of this name. The temples with entry
charges are usually in ruins, visitors are still requested to refrain from blatant stupidity like
clambering up the Buddha statues. There are 6 temples such as Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Viharn
Phra Mongkol Bopit, Wat Phra Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Thammikarat, Wat Suwan
Dararam, Phet Fortress, Wat Phra Ram, Phra Chedi Suriyothai, Wat Borom Phuttharam. There
are museums like Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre, Baan Hollanda, Chantharakasem National
Museum, Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. Surrounding Ayutthaya's waters are plenty of
remains from the countries that once set sail here, such as the settlements of Japan, the
Netherlands and Portugal, as well as the interesting Thai-Chinese temple of Wat Phanan
Choeng. There is also Ayothaya floating market has a lot of attraction such as traditional
costume, stunning architecture, unique culture and tradition, authentic amusement, folk
performance, and the simple lifestyle of Thai people.

6. Chatuchak Market
 Chatuchak Weekend Market has reached a landmark status as a must-visit place for tourists.
Its sheer size and diverse collections of merchandise will bring any seasoned shoppers to their knees.
The 35-acre (68-rai) area of Chatuchak is home to more than 8,000 market stalls. On a typical
weekend, more than 200,000 visitors come here to sift through the goods on offer. Veteran shoppers
would agree that just about everything is on sale here, although not all at the best bargain rates.
.
Sources and Literatures
Wattanavrangkul, Kobkarn. 2018. Tourism Plan 2018. Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
Wirudchawong, Niti. 2017. Policy on Community Tourism Development in Thailand.
www.bangkok.com
http://www.chiangmai.bangkok.com
http://www.tourismthailand.org
https://www.tourismthailand.org/about-tat/policy-market-plan
https://www.tourismthailand.org/What-news/detail/Tourism-Authority-of-Thailand-reveals-2019-
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