Penang ups game to draw Thai tourists

PENANG was looking to ramp up its campaign to draw Thai tourists, with an eye on ensuring the neighbouring country supplies the most inbound international visitors to the state to boost its economy.

There are 18 Penang-Phuket and Penang-Bangkok flights a week, operated by Air Asia, Firefly and Thai Smile.

Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said as the load factor on these routes was encouraging, there were plans to expand flight connections with other Thai cities such as Chiang Mai and Hatyai.

Penang was already benefiting from a constant inflow of Thai tourists from the land border crossings at Bukit Kayu Hitam and Padang Besar, both of which are less than three hours’ drive from Penang.

Tourists coming from the immigration checkpoint at Pengkalan Hulu, a less popular border site, have also grown in number.

Wong said Thailand was among the top five sources of foreign visitors to Penang Hill. Many local hotels record brisk occupancy rates due to Thai arrivals.

“It is not just that Penang people love to visit Thailand. The Thais are also keen to visit us in large numbers,” Wong said at a networking session with Thai media and travel agents at Cititel Hotel in George Town yesterday.

Thai consul-general Ratchada Jivalai, who was present, said since the 1950s, many Thais have gone to Penang to study due to the high level of English proficiency in the state and thriving tertiary education opportunities.

“This close relationship is very apparent till today. And there is room for more growth,” he said.

He said Thais adore visiting Penang as both sides enjoy extremely close historical rapport, which has remained undiluted by time.

Historical links

Ratchada also noted Thailand’s first ever Miss Universe winner, Apasra Hongsakula, who was born and raised in Bangkok, was sent to learn English in Penang.

She studied at Convent Light Street in George Town before going home and contesting in the global pageant at Miami in 1965.

She was the first Thai and first Southeast Asian to win the title.

Another notable Thai, tycoon and philanthropist Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahisorn Pakdi, also known as Khaw Sim Bee, died in Penang in 1913.

Phraya was known in Thailand as “Mr Rubber” for bringing the cash crop to the country in the late 19th century, Ratchada said.

His family established a tin, rubber and shipping empire that straddled Penang and southern Siam, as Thailand was then known.

Trusted by King Rama V and Prince Damrong, the family helped develop the economy of southern Thailand by introducing talent, technology, and institutional innovations from Penang, Ratchada said.

The Khaw family left a legacy of beautiful mansions and landmarks in Penang, too.

Ratchada said such tales provide the allure for modern Thais to visit Penang.

“I, for one, have always had a nice time during my current posting at Penang,” he said.

Because of his adoration for Penang, Ratchada said he would help promote the state in his home country.

Returning the tribute, Wong said Thailand was the most popular destination for Penang people, ahead of Singapore.

In view of such strong links and historical ties, Wong said both sides should tap into the inbound and outbound tourism markets for mutual benefit. – The Vibes, December 17, 2023.