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A New Year On The Horizon

Reflecting On 2011, And Looking Forward To 2012

In many ways 2011 was a tough year for Thailand, with the worst flooding in more than 50 years crippling the country's capital and killing any hopes of positive economic growth. Despite facing adversity, Thailand will look back at 2011 as a year that brought many positive milestones. The national elections in July of 2011 saw Thailand elect their first ever female Prime Minister, Yingluck Shiniwatra, sister of former PM Thaksin. Despite the flooding in the Central provinces and the closure of the Don Muang Airport, Thailand still managed to see a record number of annual visitors in 2011, a staggering 16 million tourists arrived at airports throughout the country.

resort areas of Pattaya and Hua Hin will see a dramatic increase in demand

While the floods managed to slow economic growth in 2011, property value continued to rise, Thailand's Treasury Department announced a 20% increase in property valuations nationwide, the cost of construction materials and skilled labour is expected to rise as much as 50%, with increased demand due to necessary repairs and reconstruction. While buyers might be hesitant to invest in property in the country's capital without a clear plan in place to combat future flooding, the nearby resort areas of Pattaya and Hua Hin will see a dramatic increase in demand.

The island of Phuket continued to see record numbers of annual visitors in 2011, however the resort destination is still suffering from growing pains, including the lack of an efficient transportation system, and an increase in crime and petty theft. Swedish newspaper "Aftonbladet", recently published a story predicting the demise of Phuket, saying "Phuket in Thailand has become a nightmare for many Swedish holidaymakers". Swedes make up a large percentage of the annual visitors to Phuket, and while negative publicity like this is nothing new, it seems inevitable that local authorities have a lot of cleaning up to do if they want to keep people coming to Phuket.

The economic forecast for 2012 is a modest growth of just under 5%, however GDP in the second half of 2012 will grow 5-7 per cent, better than the 3-4 per cent growth expected in the first half of the year. Another record number of annual visitors in 2012 will not only boost the economy, but also keep the property market going strong. All indications are that 2012 will be far more kind to Thailand than 2011, as we look forward to a positive new year.

The Similan Islands

When it comes to scuba diving and snorkelling in Thailand, there is no better place to visit than the Similan Islands. The National Park is located just 84 KM north of the island of Phuket, and the Similans rank amongst the world's top 10 dive sites, alongside such places as The Great Barrier Reef in Australia and west coast of Grand Turk in The Turks and Caicos. There are several dive companies offering day trips as well as live aboard trips departing from both Phuket in the south as well as Khao Lak just 50 KM away.

The Similan Islands are a group that consists of 9 islands with different names, however they are commonly referred to as "Islands #1,#2,#3" and so forth. The southernmost island, "Koh Huyong" is also known as Similan Island #1, and the numbers increase as the islands go north. There are ranger stations on Islands #4 and #8, with the only available overnight accommodation available only on Island #4. The island of Koh Bon, located approximately 17 nautical miles north, is a part of the Similan National Park and in the future may be granted honorary status as Island #10.

The Similan National Park is closed every year between May 1st until November 1st, and it is illegal to visit during this time. During the high season that begins November 1st, the island is open to visitors, however there are no resorts or stores at the National Park, only a few ranger stations and a handful of bungalows available for rent. The bungalows are quite modest, and they rent for over 2000 THB per night, however tents are available at a much lower price for those who are traveling on a budget.

The wide variety of marine life that are found living near The Similan Islands are what attracts scuba divers and snorkelers from all over the world. You will find Sea Turtles, Manta Rays, Barracuda, sharks, and a wide variety of other creatures that you don't find at most other dive sites in Thailand. Fishing in the waters near the National Park is illegal, however big game fisherman target Marlin and Sailfish just outside the immediate area of the marine park. Fishing charter companies often advertise day trips to The Similan islands, fishing in the waters nearby, getting as close to the marine park as the possibly can.

The crystal clear blue waters and glistening white sandy beaches of The Similans appear in postcards and travel brochures around the world, known as one of the most naturally beautiful places on the planet, and the premier location for diving and snorkelling in Thailand. Nowhere else in Southeast Asia will you see the wide variety of marine life, and the natural beauty that you see while diving and snorkelling in The Similan Islands.

Celebrating Christmas And New Years In Thailand

With the peak of the tourist season in Thailand being between November and February, many tourists will find themselves celebrating their Christmas holidays in the Land of Smiles. Tourists and expats from all over the world from places like Germany, USA, Scandinavia and Great Britain, and everyone has their own unique traditions that make for a truly multicultural atmosphere during the holidays. While most Europeans celebrate Christmas with a traditional hot turkey dinner, the Swedish tourists and expats enjoy "Julbord" (Christmas Table), which is a variety of mainly cold dishes such as sliced meats, preserves and smoked fish. Thai Buddhists do not celebrate Christmas, however in recent years many Thai families will follow the tradition of exchanging gifts on Christmas day, or in some cases on New Years Day.

Traveling to Thailand during the holidays is a wonderful way to spend Christmas with the family

These days almost all Thai people participate in New Years celebrations on News Years Eve, and the festivities are quite similar to what you would find in any other country. There are wild parties, with balloons, fireworks and streamers, and of course the traditional countdown to midnight. Thailand has it's own calendar, and while it is currently 2011, in Thailand it is actually the year 2554, and the Thai new years takes place in April during the Songkran holiday. As anyone who has ever been to Thailand already knows, Thai people love to celebrate and they are more than happy to take advantage of the opportunity to celebrate New Years twice per year.

Local restaurants and Pubs in popular tourist destinations across the country offer Christmas dinner buffets during the holidays, and most decent restaurants take reservations in advance, as limited seating is available. If you are dreaming of a white Christmas, well you won't find any snow in Thailand, however some tourists opt to make a snowman out of sand in order to recreate the holiday atmosphere. The weather in most popular tourist areas across the country will have an average high of over 30 degrees almost every day in December and January. Popular activities during a holiday season in Thailand include surfing, water skiing, scuba diving and sun bathing as apposed to the winter activities that would be popular in Europe or North America.

Many tourists will take the opportunity to do their Christmas shopping in Thailand during their stay, purchasing gifts for their relatives overseas at a fraction of what it would cost in their home country. Bangkok's shopping districts of Pratu Nam and Chatuchak Market are loaded with affordable toys, clothing and souvenirs that make ideal gifts for children and distant relatives. Traveling to Thailand during the holidays is a wonderful way to spend Christmas with the family, the warm weather and affordable prices make living it up and enjoying the finer things in life just a little bit easier. Whether it is Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui, or Chiang Mai, it will be a holiday to remember. Perhaps this is why so many foreigners are choosing to spend Christmas and New Years in Thailand year after year.