absolutelyBangkok archive · Being farang
Originally published Oct. 24, 2008
An unspectacular, but nevertheless telling topic. High season is approaching — or what will be left of it. And Thai hoteliers start not only charging an arm and a leg for rooms. They may even cancel your confirmed reservation when there’s a higher bidder.
Happened this extended Chulalongkorn Day holiday. Tells me one family they had two confirmed reservations canceled, both in Hua Hin. The first room they had booked one week ahead at a discounted online rate. The reservation was canceled two days before the arrival by a polite phone call.
They had no choice and had to hurriedly find another hotel. Did it again online. Only that this reservation was canceled as well, this time the night before departure… I’d gone ballistic. Be beware. In times of downturn Thai entrepreneurs not only raise prices to make up for less customers.
Now even “discount guests” are unloaded when they can make a few bucks more — until they’re left with only “discount guests” arriving by the busloads. You must wonder how stupid they think tourists are. Why should they care anyway. As Thailand is such an exceptionally unique place, rivaled by none, so blessed with cheap hookers, great food and stunning nature.
Tourism though is a democracy. People vote with their wallets where to go and what to do. And not that the ridiculous comedy called Thai politics helps Thailand’s standing. The kingdom has become a laughing stock of the world. Only cynicism and sarcasm help the outsider understand.
Whereas Thais seem to have long lost track of the true state of affairs. Who’d blame them, as long as there are cheap hookers, great food and stunning nature.
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