The Thai government is betting on people with money to spend more when they come here. This is the new idea for 2010 according to TAT Tourism Authority of Thailand, but if you check the news they say this every year.
I do not really know how they going to change this, Bangkok have not much more to offer then a one day maybe two trip. If you want to stay longer it is for the shopping and parties but when Bangkok closes at 02.00 many other sites around the world have much more to offer.
Phuket counties to be a nail in the eye for the TAT and they are in the lime light every month with bad press. People that spend money are not stupid they do not want to get beaten by a Tuk Tuk driver whenever he is having a bad day.
Pattaya is invaded by low paid Arabs, Indian and Russian group tours. Nothing with money will put it foot down on Walking Street. Whatever the Pattaya Major have planned for Pattaya he better do it soon.
Krabi is still a gem in Thailand but when the low season comes it is not that great place to be.
Samui is the new party place for rich and famous in Thailand and the government should really invest more money in that island. With invest more money I do not cut down more forest but fix the roads and stop all development before it looks like Pattaya.
When people have money they tend to go places somewhere where they can enjoy and spend less even though they are rich. Thailand is really a good place to go because it have many beautiful places where one can relax and enjoy Thai cuisine and women.
Silom and Sathorn area within Bangkok are now the main attraction for tourist now practically crawling with Farang (Tourist) . With Silom Soi 4 road that fill with bar and night clubs.