Indian tourists are seen walking in front of Bali Hai pier in Pattaya, Chon Buri, in May 2023. (Photo: Chaiyot Pupattanapong)
The Indian business community in Pattaya has urged the Thai government to restore confidence among tourists from the subcontinent, which has been affected by intense regional competition and fraudulent practices by foreign tour operators.Laxman Singh, president of Pattaya-based Indian Community Eastern (Thailand), an association dedicated to supporting Indian nationals and promoting cultural exchange, said despite a persistent influx of Indian meetings and incentive groups, Thailand is losing a significant amount of wedding groups to Vietnam.
He said hosting ceremonies in Vietnam is 30% cheaper than in Thailand, with the strength of the baht against the Indian rupee exacerbating the situation.
Mr Singh said an Indian wedding with several hundred guests could cost around 10 million baht at a four-star hotel in Thailand and 15-20 million baht at a five-star hotel, causing more Indians to shift to Vietnam.
He said Thailand must promote itself as a family-oriented destination, particularly Pattaya, which is still seen as a nightlife city by Indian tourists.
