The Changes that have been brought about the growth of tourism in Thailand

It is evident that the growth of tourism had generated a huge deal of benefits in monetary terms in Thailand. However, a country can be easily blinded by the economic benefits, and hence, neglecting the impacts it has on the socio-cultural and environmental aspects. We will look into the impacts of tourism in this entry post.

Economic (Positive)

The growth of tourism has helped to boost the economy of Thailand. Thailand is one of the world's major tourist destinations, with attractions that include the natural beauty of rainforests, islands and beaches as well as the cultural heritage and way of life of the Thai people. For instance, Cultural Tourism has brought about a relatively large amount of tourism receipts. In 2009, historic sites had generated 4,315 Bt Million, which is 48% of total attraction sales. With such revenue being generated, it can be used to improve the infrastructure of the country. An efficient transport network and facilities shall create jobs, which in turn benefit the economy back and attract business opportunities.

For example, BTS Skytrain was opened for service in December 5, 1999, transforming the face of public transportation in the Thai capital as it serves Thais and foreigners a efficient and comfortable ride through central Bangkok. A trip between the two busy commercial centers of Silom and Suriwongse would have taken an hour by car. It is fast, convenient, and environmentally friendly. People no longer have to be stuck in the congestion, noise and pollution in the streets just right below the rail tracks. Now, Thai citizens who live in the commercial, residential and tourist areas can easily travel to the central city.

Also, since the indigenous groups do not have a Thai citizenship, they are unable to work in the city. With tourists coming into the country, these indigenous people can earn money through the sale of handmade products, or even home stay. Since they are best known for their weaving skills, they can also make clothes and sell to them.

Economic (Negative)

However, even though tourism had helped to generate tourist receipts, but most of the revenue will be kept by the Government to be used in the country’s development. Those indigenous groups only earn a small amount of money through the sale of handicraft products. Thus, looking at it from short run point of view, this will actually widen the income gap as the rich get richer by a higher margin while the poor becomes poorer. In the long run, though, with the tourists’ dollars being used to improve lives and generate employment of the locals, then this disparity will be solved.

The ultimate goal would be the economic growth as a nation, and help the locals to escape from the poverty cycle as an individual.

Social (Positive)

Tourism can be a force of peace, in which people of different nationalities and cultures visit Thailand and understand more about the Thai culture and traditions. There will be mutual respect and helps to minimize the possible conflicts in future. It will raise awareness of the importance on conservation and sustainability of such culture.

As tourists purchase handicraft products, these indigenous groups will be encouraged to continue to preserve their own culture and skills. It implies the fact that there are people who appreciate their culture, helping to instil a sense of belongingness and pride in the indigenous people. Younger generation will be interested and be taught of the weaving skills, strengthening the community’s ties and ensuring the continuity of these groups. Hence, they might even embrace tourism.

Social (Negative)

The impacts of tourism are that it had exposed the indigenous groups to modernity. Some of the younger generation will be tempted to leave the hill tribes and pursue a life in the city. If all the younger people are like that, it will definitely threaten cultural survival, which might lead to a loss of their unique culture and traditions. In addition, since there is a tourists' contact with the indigenous groups, it might actually generate crimes because they will introduce drugs and alcohol to the indigenous people. It will also cause human trafficking and access to prostitution and sex tourism. In Thailand, more than 40% of the indigenous groups of girls and women who migrated to the cities work in the sex trade. Since their culture and languages are different from the Thais in the city, they are usually being segregated from the mainstream city and discriminated. Thus, they might end up having jobs in the sex sector for survival.

Lastly, prostitution is legal in the country. Culture combined with poverty and the lure of money has caused prostitution and sex tourism to flourish in Thailand. Tourists from all over the world will visit Thailand for sexual activities and hence, increases the cases of HIV/AIDS diseases. With such disease spreading widely in Thailand, it is not surprising to know that other people will be turn off to visit this destination in fear of contracting AIDS.

Environmental (Positive)

Tourism receipts generated from tourism can be used in conservation programmes and activities that ultimately protect and maintain cultural sites. If you look at the map, you will realized Thailand’s last remaining forests and natural biodiversity hot spots are found in the homes of the indigenous groups. This is because this group of people are animists, and believe that forests have a spirit and thus take great caution in having any activities related to trees. They even practices extensive forest categorization by classifying them according to climate, altitude, use. Messages on the importance of the trees are conveyed through songs, sayings or even riddles to others. Hence, it will raise environmental awareness on protecting the trees because this message is conveyed to tourists who come in to view their cultural performances.

Environmental (Negative)

However, the growth of tourism will lead to negative impacts on the environment. With the boost in tourism, more and more tourists are coming in, leading to roads being paved to make way for them. This will cause land degradation, air and water pollution. With tourism, cultural sites are exposed to the public, making it vulnerable to vandalism and misuse. Furthermore, it might even exceed the carrying capacity, causing the destruction of such sites. Tourists who throw their rubbish as and when they like will eventually deteriorate the environment.