|
2 November 2010
THAILAND IMPOSE NEW RULES TO TOUR OPERATORS IN MALAYSIA MATTA would like to inform that it is now compulsory for Malaysian tourists visiting Southern Thailand to hire Thai local tour guides and purchase tourism insurance from Thailand. This new ruling takes effect today (1 November 2010). This latest regulation has been announced by Southern Thailand Tourist Business Registration Department. Those who breach the rules will receive warnings. According to the department, there have been complaints from Songkhla tour guides association claiming that some Malaysian tour operators refused to hire tour guides from Thailand when visiting Hat Yai. The situation has seriously affected the livelihood of Thai tour guides. Nevertheless, due to the sudden implementation of the regulation, many Malaysian travel operators were caught by surprise, and some of them are questioning its authenticity since the notification letter was not stamped and signed by any relevant party. Under the new rule, there are five procedures needed to be followed by Malaysian tour operators, as follows: 1) Malaysian tour operators, who are bringing tourist groups to Thailand, must hold valid license issued by Malaysia Tourism Ministry.
2) Malaysian tour operators should only deal with legally registered Thai tour operators.
3) Malaysian tour operators should submit all information listed below to Thai tour operators, at least 7 days before date of departure
a) name of Malaysia tour operator and license number b) dates of travel c) cost of tour package and services charges d) number of days for accommodation and meals in Thailand e) background information of Malaysian tour guide/leader f) places of interest to visit
4) Malaysian tour operator must hire a licensed tour guide in Thailand. 5) Although tourists have bought travel insurance in Malaysia, every tour operator in Thailand is required to buy another insurance in Thailand, with minimum sum insured of at least 1 million baht (travel insurance) and 500 thousand baht for accident. One of the tourist bus operators in Malaysia told China Press that the rule has actually been implemented on them since the last two years, but it has now been extended to tourist van operators. He hopes that the authority concerned in Thailand will review this new regulation and stop make things difficult for Malaysian tour operators to conduct tours as they are promoting Thailand's tourism and food industries. Besides, a tourist van operator claimed that the action taken will increase the cost of visiting Thailand and will reduce the demand for visiting Southern Thailand. Nonetheless, public relations officer in Southern Thailand, Lin Ming Jing was surprised with the announcement when contacted by media, as he has yet to receive any notice regarding the new rules imposed by the Thailand authority. He will contact the relevant authority and reply on this issue to avoid misunderstandings between both countries. He stressed that Malaysians and Singaporeans are playing vital role in promoting Thailand tourism industry. He urged all the tours operators in Malaysia to contact Tourist Business Registration Office in Southern Thailand, telephone number: 0066-74-232230 or Tourism development Office, telephone number: 0066-81-5991179 for enquiries. Thank You. JEFFRI SULAIMAN VP - OUTBOUND | 
No comments:
Post a Comment