POSITIVE SIGNS

Bangkok activity begins to resume

The Nation

Bangkok is gradually returning to normal, with many businesses resuming activities and services.

After Rangsit Plaza's decision to reopen its Future Park Rangsit shopping mall tomorrow, Central Pattana, the developer of Central Plaza Latphrao, will also reopen the freshly renovated flagship shopping complex on the same day. Until next Thursday, service hours will be shortened by one hour to 10am9pm, but then return to 10am10pm.

Only the Lat Phrao branch and the one in Ram Intra are closed. The company will determine tomorrow when the Ram Intra branch will resume business, according to its statement.

In a filing to the Stock Exchange of Thailand, Thai Cane Paper said that yesterday it moved operations from its plant in Kanchanaburi to the head office on the Thon Buri side of Bangkok.

Thai Airways International, which temporarily moved to Suvarnabhumi Airport on November 6, also fully resumed operations at its head office on Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road yesterday. The national carrier reconfirmed that it is still operating as usual at the airport for passenger and cargo business.

The Mass Rapid Transit Authority said the flood-boards and stop logs installed around the entrances of its subway stations were being removed.

"The situation has improved to some extent. The removal (partial and total at some venues) will increase convenience to commuters," MRTA said in a joint statement with Bangkok Metro, the subway operator.

Dismantling work is now seen at Hua Lamphong, Sam Yan, Si Lom, Lumpini, Khlong Toei and Queen Sirikit stations - the downtown subway stations believed to be safe from flooding.

The flood waters' advance to Vibhavadi-Rangsit and Ratchadaphisek roads early this month sparked fears that they would continue on to the inner city and cause more severe damage to the economy. The damage is currently estimated at about Bt200 billion, mostly due to the inundation of seven industrial estates.

Concerns are now focused on the government's protection of the Bangchan and Lat Krabang industrial estates as well as Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Kongkrit Hiranyakit, the Tourism Council of Thailand's president for policy and planning, said the floods would knock Bt35 billion off of tourism revenue, as tourist arrivals have dropped by 15-20 per cent on warnings against travel to Bangkok issued by more than 30 countries.

Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok is the gateway to Thailand for 70 per cent of incoming tourists. The decline in arrivals will result in the loss of Bt25 billion in tourism revenue, he said.

Domestic tourism was also off 30 per cent because of road damage and cancelled events. This will cut tourism revenue by Bt10 billion.

"It's important that the government assures the world that Suvarnabhumi Airport will be protected against floods, with measures to ensure safe transport from the airport to tourist destinations," he said.

The government should make direct contact with the countries issuing travel alerts as well as major international travel agents. The industry also needs soft loans for business operators and compensation for affected workers, Kongkrit said.

-- The Nation 2011-11-17

The floods have a bearing on tourism??? This is amazing I remember the Minister for Tourism making a statement 6 weeks ago that the flooding will not affect tourism??

The floods have a bearing on tourism??? This is amazing I remember the Minister for Tourism making a statement 6 weeks ago that the flooding will not affect tourism??

You still belive the govenment?

Some one got very rich from the sand bag and brick wallbuild for flood. It seem so ridicules some places like Central world, and Homepro building in Sukomvit. The wall is as high as 4 meter. I hope these peoplekeep government for their ignorance

Bangkok activity begins to resume

You mean the Yellow anti-Thaksin PAD?

The floods have a bearing on tourism??? This is amazing I remember the Minister for Tourism making a statement 6 weeks ago that the flooding will not affect tourism??

Not to mention someone in the government playing down the health risks. Unfortunately they didn't get that one out to the tourists either.

Just an observation but this news has been out for a few hours and only drawn 4 replies.

If the header was "tourism implodes" it would have attracted 100 replies

Are posters so jaded they only respond to bad news?

What about overseas small packages via Thai Mail? Most seem to agree packages and most mail comes to CM via the train, but there seems to be a problem between the airport and the train. Jetpacks normally take 6-8 days from the US. My last one is now 3 weeks and counting. Anyone else having this problem, or anyone not having a problem?

Hope things return to some semblance of normalcy as quickly as possible.

Bangkok activity begins to resume

You mean the Yellow anti-Thaksin PAD?

Well I certainly hope it doesn't mean the Red Shirts are active downtown again.

Just an observation but this news has been out for a few hours and only drawn 4 replies.

If the header was "tourism implodes" it would have attracted 100 replies

Are posters so jaded they only respond to bad news?

Another 12-14 hours on and just a couple more replies, so I guess the answer to your question must be Yes. Maybe it's the ex-pats that are "Amazing".

Well, after a few weeks stuck in neutral, I sense things are very slowing getting into gear again-in time for the next challenge coming over the hill.

Just an observation but this news has been out for a few hours and only drawn 4 replies.

If the header was "tourism implodes" it would have attracted 100 replies

Are posters so jaded they only respond to bad news?

I have always wondered why they stay if there is nothing but bad news.