The Latest Breaking News from THA

The weak baht could benefit the tourism industry as foreign purchasing power gains value, though it might not be enough to offset high airfares, according to the Thai Hotels Association (THA).

When Bass MP Janie Finlay was asked whether Labor supported the card-based scheme under which poker machine users would have to set bet limits before they start gambling, she appeared unsure of what to say and took advice before returning to answer the question.

A new move to limit the amount of money punters can pour into poker machines in Tasmania wins praise, with the government saying it is the "right thing to do" — but the local pubs and clubs association is fuming.

Hotels are struggling to raise room rates amid intense competition in the industry, despite pressure from higher operational costs due to surging electricity bills and wages.

Plans to exempt more small hotels from regulation will lead to unfair competition and heightened safety and security risks, according to the Thai Hotels Association (THA).

Landlords in the hotel sector have raised concerns about the government's policy to confiscate vacant land which has not been utilised for 10 years as there are no proper schemes or environment-related laws from state authorities to help develop the land for public benefit.

Despite fully reopening in July, the employment rate in the hotel sector stands at just 71% of the pre-pandemic level with 68% of hotels hit by a labour shortage, according to the Thai Hotels Association (THA).

Thai tourism earned 157 billion baht in the first seven months from 3.15 million international travellers, while the Tourism and Sports Ministry is maintaining the target of 10 million tourists despite Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's suggestion that the tally would be lower.

Tourism and hospitality businesses that proposed stimulus measures to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha remain sceptical that the suggestions will be put into practice, as related authorities may be reluctant to help.

Hotel operators have voiced mixed feelings over travel sentiment for the two long holidays in July as the spike in Covid-19 infections and oil prices continue to impact tourism.

The highly transmissible BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants of Omicron are keeping people alert to a possible outbreak, but Covid-19 may not be the most serious concern as the economy ambles forward.