When all else fails to prop up falling tourist numbers…create a new drink. Yes, you read that right, the Thailand Tourist Authority has unveiled a new Thailand drink that they are hoping will draw tourists to Thailand. Only one problem that I see…well maybe 2. Firstly the drink sounds vaguely disgusting and secondly they gave away the exact ingredients so if you are so inclined you can stay home and drink it.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand unveiled the drink Thursday, calling it “Thailand in a glass – the new punch in Thai tourism.”

The cocktail consists of a shot of vodka, coconut liqueur, a dash of chili pepper and sugar, lime juice, a few slivers of lemongrass and ginger – shaken not stirred, then strained into a glass – with ice and soda water.

I would love to have been a fly on the wall at this meeting. I mean, of all the things Thailand can do to get the tourist numbers up the best plan is a new Thailand drink? Heres a novel idea, how about advertising? I’ve never once seen an ad in print or on television in America for Thailand vacations…not even a radio ad heard.

Thailand is one of the best vacation bargains in the world even during the global economic meltdown. The largest expence with a Thailand vacation is the plane ticket!

When I tell people about Thailand without fail I always hear ” isn’t Thailand a third world country”? No, it’s not. Technically it has emerging nation status…that means you can get your Starbucks while feeding your fat ass on McDonald’s, Burger King or KFC. If you explain to Americans that Thailand is a cheap vacation and they can still get fat then it’s a win win and tourism numbers will jump.

Or how about this. Address a mango to every vegetarian in America? Just put a small note saying “Come to Thailand”. UFC is huge in America, well it’s huge with wrestling fans. Make 30 second commercials touting Muay Thai boxing and run them during UFC fights. You can even show the Muay Thai boxers relaxing after a bout whilst partaking of Thailand’s new drink…or not…probably not.

Then there is always Andrew Zimmer. You know,  the guy that eats all the nasty food from around the world. It’s perfect, he’s been to Thailand and featured it’s dishes on his show. Call up Andrew and coax him back to Thailand with all manner of disgusting culinary treats. Pay him for his time and buy multiple ad spots for every airing of the show. You can show people playing on the beach, playing golf, visiting historic sights and checking out ancient temples. And if you like you can even have a spot showcasing all the great Thai food…maybe even some of the disgusting things like Zimmer eats…you know, like the new Thai drink.

If I was the person that created the Mai Thai I’d be pissed…

When all else fails to prop up falling tourist numbers…create a new drink. Yes, you read that right, the Thailand Tourist Authority has unveiled a new Thailand drink that they are hoping will draw tourists to Thailand. Only one problem that I see…well maybe 2. Firstly the drink sounds vaguely disgusting and secondly they gave away the exact ingredients so if you are so inclined you can stay home and drink it.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand unveiled the drink Thursday, calling it “Thailand in a glass – the new punch in Thai tourism.”

The cocktail consists of a shot of vodka, coconut liqueur, a dash of chili pepper and sugar, lime juice, a few slivers of lemongrass and ginger – shaken not stirred, then strained into a glass – with ice and soda water.

I would love to have been a fly on the wall at this meeting. I mean, of all the things Thailand can do to get the tourist numbers up the best plan is a new Thailand drink? Heres a novel idea, how about advertising? I’ve never once seen an ad in print or on television in America for Thailand vacations…not even a radio ad heard.

Thailand is one of the best vacation bargains in the world even during the global economic meltdown. The largest expence with a Thailand vacation is the plane ticket!

When I tell people about Thailand without fail I always hear ” isn’t Thailand a third world country”? No, it’s not. Technically it has emerging nation status…that means you can get your Starbucks while feeding your fat ass on McDonald’s, Burger King or KFC. If you explain to Americans that Thailand is a cheap vacation and they can still get fat then it’s a win win and tourism numbers will jump.

Or how about this. Address a mango to every vegetarian in America? Just put a small note saying “Come to Thailand”. UFC is huge in America, well it’s huge with wrestling fans. Make 30 second commercials touting Muay Thai boxing and run them during UFC fights. You can even show the Muay Thai boxers relaxing after a bout whilst partaking of Thailand’s new drink…or not…probably not.

Then there is always Andrew Zimmer. You know,  the guy that eats all the nasty food from around the world. It’s perfect, he’s been to Thailand and featured it’s dishes on his show. Call up Andrew and coax him back to Thailand with all manner of disgusting culinary treats. Pay him for his time and buy multiple ad spots for every airing of the show. You can show people playing on the beach, playing golf, visiting historic sights and checking out ancient temples. And if you like you can even have a spot showcasing all the great Thai food…maybe even some of the disgusting things like Zimmer eats…you know, like the new Thai drink.

If I was the person that created the Mai Thai I’d be pissed…