FOCUS ON THE WRONG MARKET ?

In recent months Thailand has aimed its tourism marketing at the 'quality' (aka high-spending)tourism sector, but a report in The Bangkok Post today suggest that the backpacker sector is growing even faster.
When you think about it, those with money have a wide range of options when deciding where to holiday, yet Thailand has always been a favourite for gap year students and young travellers because of its relative low costs. These are the kind of people who will be least bothered by the current political uncertainty, and even though they're young it doesn't necessarily mean they don't have money.
I wonder if Thailand should re-focus its marketing efforts and take advantage of this booming market?