Bangkok, Thailand: Golf plays a huge part in Thailand’s tourism industry. During 2018 alone, more than 700,000 international golf vacationers spent their tourist dollars visiting the Kingdom.

Although those figures have dropped due to the Covid-19 pandemic with Thailand’s international airports and borders remaining closed to international tourists, there remains a large number of expats working or retired in Thailand, who play up to four rounds of golf a month.

It is estimated that currently there are more than 1.7 million rounds played a year at over 250 golf courses across Thailand. 

While most travel companies do not expect international tourists to return in large numbers until well into 2021 at the earliest, the Thai golf industry still needs to maintain a high profile.

In an effort to keep the spotlight on the Thai golf industry and provide it with an international platform to promote their courses and services, Thaivisa, in conjunction with Birdie Thailand, have launched a new Digital Golf Directory on their Golf in Thailand Forum.

In conjunction with Thai Golf News, the Forum includes a golf directory, a golf news section plus platforms for clubs to post their promotions, items for sale and a section for golf societies.

Mike Bridge, Editor at Thai Golf News, said: “We have separated the golf directory into regions, and we have listed over 140 golf clubs across the country. Out of a total 250 courses, some are either too remote or maybe not up to international standards to be included. We believe that the courses shown are maintained to international standards and are able to offer a service that will attract overseas players.”

The Golf in Thailand Forum, which attracted over 65,000 views in the first month, will also allow viewers to post their own comments or write a short review on a particular course.

Dan Cheeseman, Managing Director at Thaivisa, added: “There has never been a greater need for up to date information. Our website about Thailand for foreigners has seen the site soar to over seven million-page views a month and our social media reach grow exponentially in 2020.

“We already work closely with the tourist industry so adding a strong platform to promote Thailand’s golf industry makes a lot of sense.”

All basic entries are free to all golf clubs with enhanced packages available allowing extra information, photos and offers to be included.