Potential for BD entrepreneurs in Thai tourism sector  

Pattaya, one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations, has become a familiar destination for Bangladeshi visitors. Liton Guest House & Restaurant, run by Bangladeshi entrepreneur Liton Rahman, is one of the establishments catering to Bangladeshi tourists in the city. Alongside providing Bangladeshi cuisine and hospitality services, Liton has also remained involved in various social and cultural activities within the Bangladeshi expatriate community. In an interview with Mizanur Rahman of The Daily Observer, Liton Rahman spoke about the prospects of Bangladesh-Thailand tourism cooperation, opportunities for Bangladeshi entrepreneurs in Thailand and ways to strengthen people-to-people connectivity between the two countries. Following are the excerpts of the interview: 

Question: How did you come up with the idea of serving Bangladeshi tourists in Pattaya?
Liton Rahman: Pattaya is a well-known tourist destination for visitors from around the world. Every year, many Bangladeshis also travel to Thailand. When people travel abroad, they often look for familiar food, language and surroundings from their home country. That is where the idea came from-to create a comfortable and familiar environment for Bangladeshi tourists. We want them to feel connected to their own culture and cuisine even while staying abroad.

Q: What do you think makes Pattaya attractive to Bangladeshi tourists?
LR: One of Pattaya’s biggest attractions is the wide range of entertainment and travel opportunities it offers. From beaches and island trips to tourist attractions, shopping, food and entertainment, visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences. Families, young travellers and people visiting for business can all find something suitable here. With proper planning, tourists can experience a lot even during a relatively short stay.

Q: What can be done to increase tourism from Bangladesh to Thailand?
LR: There is considerable scope to further expand tourism connectivity between Bangladesh and Thailand. Tourism organisations and businesses in both countries should strengthen their cooperation. Joint promotional campaigns, attractive tourism packages, travel expos and cultural exchange programmes can help attract more visitors.

Bangladesh has many attractive destinations, including the Sundarbans, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, the hill regions, Kuakata and numerous historical sites. These destinations should be promoted more effectively to international tourists. At the same time, Thailand’s diverse tourism attractions can also be presented more widely to Bangladeshi travellers.

Q: What makes your establishment special for Bangladeshi tourists?
LR: For many people, having familiar food while travelling abroad is a pleasant experience. We try to serve food with authentic Bangladeshi flavours while also providing warm hospitality. Our goal is to ensure that guests feel comfortable with both the food and the environment. For us, business is not the only consideration. Guest satisfaction and trust are equally important.

Q: What problems do Bangladeshi tourists commonly face in Thailand?
LR: First-time international travellers often face difficulties related to language, transportation, food, accommodation and local rules and regulations. That is why gathering sufficient information before travelling is very important.

Tourists should know in advance where they are going, how they will travel, where they will stay and what local laws and regulations they need to follow. Carrying valid documents and respecting local laws are also essential.

Q: How do you see the prospects for Bangladeshi entrepreneurs in Thailand’s tourism sector?
LR: There are certainly opportunities. However, investing abroad is not enough to ensure success. Entrepreneurs must properly comply with local laws, taxation, labour regulations and business requirements.

Competition in the tourism industry is intense. Therefore, quality service, transparency, professionalism and customer trust are extremely important. Anyone planning to operate a business in Thailand for the long term should also develop a good understanding of the local market and culture.

Q: What can Bangladesh learn from Thailand’s tourism management experience?
LR: Bangladesh has enormous tourism potential. We have natural beauty, beaches, hills, rivers, forests and historical sites. However, greater attention needs to be given to tourism infrastructure, transportation, cleanliness, information services, safety and professional tourism management.

Tourism should not be viewed simply as taking visitors to a particular attraction. It should be approached as the complete travel experience of a tourist-from arrival and transportation to accommodation, food, sightseeing and overall safety and comfort.

Q: What can be done to further strengthen tourism relations between Bangladesh and Thailand?
LR: Regular communication among tourism authorities, tour operators, hoteliers and other stakeholders in both countries should be increased.

Joint tourism promotion, travel expos, tourism fairs and special travel packages could be introduced. At the same time, reliable and easily accessible information should be made available to tourists. Such initiatives could encourage more people from both countries to visit each other.

Q: Could you tell us about your involvement with the Bangladeshi expatriate community?
LR: Although we live abroad, we continue to carry our Bangladeshi identity and culture with us. That is why I try to remain involved in various social and cultural activities.

The participation of expatriate Bangladeshis in events such as International Mother Language Day and other national and cultural programmes strengthens our connection with our roots and heritage. I also believe that promoting Bangladesh’s culture and traditions abroad is part of our responsibility.

Q: What are your future plans for Liton Guest House & Restaurant?
LR: Our primary goal is to further improve the quality of our services and develop the establishment as a reliable hospitality destination for Bangladeshi tourists.

At the same time, we want to introduce Bangladeshi food and culture to a wider audience in Thailand. We plan to gradually expand our services while maintaining the trust and satisfaction of our guests.

Q: What is your message to Bangladeshi tourists planning to visit Thailand?

LR: Plan your trip carefully before travelling to Thailand. Carry all necessary valid documents and comply with local laws and regulations.

Do not limit your trip to Pattaya; learn about the attractions and experiences available in different parts of Thailand as well. Respect the local culture and people during your stay.

A Bangladeshi tourist’s responsible behaviour not only makes their own travel experience more enjoyable but also contributes to presenting a positive image of Bangladesh abroad.