Chiang Mai hopes for a long-stay life preserver

Via: Bangkok Post

The long-stay market is a strong niche and it would improve tourism revenue in the province after political protests last year.

“Cultural tourism has been promoted for a long time, but competition in the field is intense. Many other provinces have attractive Songkran celebrations,” said chamber president Narong Kongprasert.

The chamber reported that local tourism declined following political protests by supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra last April and May, But the incidents took place in a limited area and did not tarnish the province.

“It’s time to refocus our strength,” said Mr Narong. “We are confident that Chiang Mai is still a tranquil place with nice weather and perfect to be a second home.”

Living expenses in Chiang Mai are lower than Bangkok, while its low crime rate is another advantage.

The province is a long-stay hub for foreigners, especially Japanese. About 3,000 Japanese are long-stayers and have a close community through the Thailand-Japan Longstay Association.

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“We expect to welcome more Japanese elderly in years to come. Once the number rises to 10,000, it means the province gets revenue up to 4 BILLION baht ($133 million USD), much the same it earns from selling longan for the entire year,” Mr Narong said.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/economics/232522/chiang-mai-hopes-for-a-long-stay-life-preserver

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my view:

The Japanese population increasing from 3,000 to 10,000 sounds a little ambitious; but hey, good luck.

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