Concerns That Political Unrest May Affect Tourism In Thailand

[Jai Dee]

The Tourism Council of Thailand Is Prepared to Deal with the Current Political Situation

The Tourism Council of Thailand is concerned that the current political situation will have an effect on tourism in Thailand, especially the destinations in Bangkok. Thus, the council is trying to make tourists truly understand the current situation and notifying them that their safety in Thailand is guaranteed.

The President of the Tourism Council of Thailand, Mr. Vichit Na Ranong, said the current political tension is affecting some areas of Thailand’s tourism sector. However in overall, the number of room reservation rates and air tickets are still normal at the moment. However, some tourists who wish to set up the seminars in Thailand have to postpone their trips, prior to the dissolution of the parliament. Thus, they will have to wait for the new parliament to be set up.

And if this political situation prolongs, it can reduce the number of room reservations in the future. In addition, many big international conferences are now hesitant to organize their events in Thailand, as they are concerned of the security issues. Thus, it is necessary for the country to publicize the actual political situation in Thailand to foreign tourists in order to regain their confidence.

Nevertheless, the Tourism Council of Thailand is confident that this year’s tourism growth will reach the target by 10% in comparison to the previous year, and the financial transaction will be more than 400 billion baht.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 06 March 2006

[astral]

And if that happens, who's fault will it be????????????????

THE GOVERNMENT.

[britmaveric]

Unless smth unforseen happens I can't really seeing it affect tourism in the slightest. More a curiousity then a problem at this point.

[englishoak]

Other than the songkran crew and farang/thai couples it's unlikely to hit tourism too hard as long as it is resolved before next tourist season.....

Probably the most important factor is the essential absence of violence during this time...

[sriracha john]

I understand tourism makes up an important source of revenue for the country, but it's certainly not the largest nor most important. So when tourism-implication news is published so quickly following untoward news events, whether it's Ms. Horton's murder on Samui or the political turmoil in Bangkok, it leaves an understandable sour taste in many people's mouths, implying that Thais only concern is about tourism and not the untoward event itself.

Edited March 6, 2006 by sriracha john

[Jai Dee]

Tourism Authority says tourism is on the rise despite political turmoil

The Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor, Mrs. Juthamas Siriwan (จุฑามาศ ศิริวรรณ), has affirmed that the current political situation will not affect the tourism industry, but preparations have been made for direct sales of flights to Thailand to draw even more tourists from the Asia-Pacific region.

Mrs. Juthamas commented on the current political situation, saying that it will bear no relevance on the number of tourists entering the country, due to the fact that the first tow months of 2006 has seen a steady growth of tourists, with hotel bookings in Bangkok almost full.

The governor stated that the Thailand Grand Invitation 2006 Project is set as a contingency plan to draw in even more tourists. She adds that Thailand has made arrangements to conduct direct ticket sales in other nations in the Asia-Pacific region. The cities on the iternary include Peking, Shiang Hai, and Kwang Jao, from March 15th to 25th. Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong will be covered in April.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

Political heat has not affected tourism.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor Juthamas Siriwan (จุฑามาศ ศิริวรรณ) insisted the current political heat has not affected tourism, but the agency will organize promotional activities in Asian countries to boost tourist arrivals.

Mrs. Juthamas said that the current political situation has not affected tourism, as growth rate for the first two months was strong, with full bookings in Bangkok hotel. She added that tens of thousands of tourists came to participate in the Bangkok International Film Festival 2006.

As for domestic traveling, Mrs. Juthamas said that the TAT has organized campaigns to stimulate tourism, adding that marketing activities under the Thailand Grand Invitation 2006 campaign do not need to be adjusted. However, she accepted that psychological effects may cause some slow-down in the number of tourists.

The TAT governor said that direct marketing campaign has been held in Asian countries, adding that activities will be organized in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guang Zhou during March 15-25. In April, the TAT will organize activities in Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. The agency aims to bring tourists to Thailand to meet targets within two months.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 March 2006

[gurkle]

I don't think tourists expect violence to come out of a protest regarding tax avoidance.

[Ted]

Tiger has kept its flights unusually low for flights between Singapore and BK. Most flights (including weekends) less than 1000 Baht each way before airport tax. These sorts of prices are usually reserved for people booking a few months in advance, not for the same month.

So, safe to assume that more than a few Singaporeans are reluctant to visit.

[TAWP]

Unless smth unforseen happens I can't really seeing it affect tourism in the slightest. More a curiousity then a problem at this point.

In Scandinavian media the protest over the weekend has been clumbed together with the 5 deaths in the south on monday in the newsreports. Making it almost seem like they are releated. And yes, protests and deaths that are on the front-page DO affect tourism.

[britmaveric]

Unless smth unforseen happens I can't really seeing it affect tourism in the slightest. More a curiousity then a problem at this point.

In Scandinavian media the protest over the weekend has been clumbed together with the 5 deaths in the south on monday in the newsreports. Making it almost seem like they are releated. And yes, protests and deaths that are on the front-page DO affect tourism.

To the uneducated and the chicken littles of the world I suppose...

[TAWP]

*sigh*

So you are going to slander a couple of millions of people in Europe just to somehow defend your warped view of reality?

Edited March 7, 2006 by TAWP

[englishoak]

I guess it depends how it's reported in those countries......

[Ricardo]

And if that happens, who's fault will it be????????????????

THE GOVERNMENT.

Surely it's the opposition's fault, for holding all these peaceful rallies, and refusing to vote TRT ?

[peace]

I am from Singapore and we are sadden by what had happened in Thailand.

We have always view Thailand as one of our closest ally in Asean and recent events have made us think twice whether we are welcome.

Today news reported that protester are calling for "Temasek to get out" and some of us here felt that we are being victimise. Simply for the fact that no one can force a powerful company like Shin Corp to sell if they don't want too. For the sake of the friendship of the 2 countries, I believe Singapore will not hesitate to withdraw this investment. At the same time, many MNC is looking at how Thai government handle this issue as they are concern about thier investment too.

I hope this is a one off incident and we can progress from here on. Singapore and Thailand relationship is deep and interaction from various level from government, business and our people.

Hope there will be peace soon.

Tiger has kept its flights unusually low for flights between Singapore and BK. Most flights (including weekends) less than 1000 Baht each way before airport tax. These sorts of prices are usually reserved for people booking a few months in advance, not for the same month.

So, safe to assume that more than a few Singaporeans are reluctant to visit.

[astral]

And if that happens, who's fault will it be????????????????

THE GOVERNMENT.

Surely it's the opposition's fault, for holding all these peaceful rallies, and refusing to vote TRT ?

You may have a good point there.

[gurkle]

And if that happens, who's fault will it be????????????????

THE GOVERNMENT.

That's like blaming the police for people committing crime. The opposition instigated the problem by trying to subvert the democratic process of a fair election and overthrow a legitimate government.

If Abhisitocrat and the opposition truly believed they were in the right, feel free to show all the evidence of wrongdoings they have to the public and then participate in a fair election.

[jdinasia]

Show me what law the opposition has broken in not playing a game corruptly stacked against them. Show me what law has been broken by them asking the King for redress from the situation at hand.

[britmaveric]

Last I checked - Thaksin was following the law too? (mind you, whether its for self interest is another matter, but within the law)

[usatrader]

Yet but a drop, yet unknow in becoming a dribble and or beyond.

We have delay a couple of small partnership investments and our annual trip, opting instead to bring family here. We are aware of two other families here who instead of going there have opted to bring family here until things settled down. As it appears from this distance that a democracy approach of letting the people decide, seems unacceptable to some and, as such, is not a viable way things are going to work out it would seem.

It appears, historically, when the immoveable and intractable would stand against its twin in like-minded ambitions of self-interest; violence is not afar from a door already ajar. Hey!

Wishing and hoping that self-interest of but a few does not disenfranchise the lot.

[penzman]

One or two tourists have apparently been injured in the bomb blast yesterady afternoon near Prem's house. That sure won't help tourism.

[sriracha john]

Tourists in Thailand have been put on alert for possible violence as a British man was slightly injured in a bomb blast in Bangkok today amid the country's deepening political crisis.

The man, aged 28, was walking near to the home of Prem Tinsulanonda, a former prime minister, in the popular old district of the capital when the explosion took place at around 2pm local time (0700 GMT).

The bomb exploded hours after Foreign Office updated its travel advice to Britons visiting Thailand. The advice says: "There is a high threat from terrorism throughout Thailand. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against places frequented by foreigners.

"Opponents of the Prime Minister have called a demonstration to march from Sanam Luang to Government house in Bangkok on the morning of 14 March 2006. Further demonstrations are expected to continue during the coming weeks. You should avoid large crowds and public gatherings, as there is a risk of public disorder."

Police in Bangkok said that the device had been hidden beneath a stone bench near to an unoccupied security booth. Three cars parked nearby were damaged by the blast.

The attack has been blamed on protestors linked to political instability caused by a campaign to oust Thaksin Shinawatra, the Prime Minister. He has responded to the dissent by calling snap elections on April 2.

Gamol Santiglanhul, a police colonel, was quoted by Reuters as telling a Bangkok radio station: "It was primarily meant as a threat or to cause havoc to keep the political turmoil going. Coincidentally, the security guards just happened to be inside the house with Papa Prem."

The Canadian embassy said that an earlier report of one of its nationals had also been wounded was a mistake by a hospital. The man entered the hospital at the same time as the British tourist.

The Prime Minister denounced the attack on a visit to the Chantaburi province: "We can’t yield to bandits," he said.

Kongsak Wantana, the Interior Minister, told reporters that witnesses had seen a man in his 20s planting the bomb, which appeared to be similar to devices that went off near the Justice Ministry in January and at the Interior Ministry the previous month.

Since the anti-Thaksin campaign started in September, there have been several small bomb blasts in Bangkok, but most of the others went off during the night and nobody was hurt.

A small bomb exploded at a Buddhist meditation centre associated with a key Thaksin critic last month.

Prem, who was inside the house when the bomb exploded, served as prime minister for eight years in the 1980s. The 85-year-old retired general chairs the 18-member privy council and is the chief adviser to King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

"He just wondered why a bomb was put in front of his house," Thammarak Isarangura, the Thai Defence Minister, told reporters.

Anti-Thaksin protesters have vowed to step up their campaign next week, raising fears of violence and army intervention in a country with a long history of military coups.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "It was a small bomb. Two people were injured, and one was a British man. He was taken to hospital for treatment to minor injuries."

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,25...2077536,00.html

[usatrader]

As to the bombing.

It appears, historically, when the immoveable and intractable would stand against its twin in like-minded ambitions of self-interest; violence is not afar from a door already ajar. Hey!

Wishing and hoping that self-interest of but a few does not disenfranchise the lot

[Ricardo]

If Abhisitocrat and the opposition truly believed they were in the right, feel free to show all the evidence of wrongdoings they have to the public and then participate in a fair election.

Sorry, but did you miss the long series of peaceful rallies and, before they were censored & disrupted, broadcasts , over the past several months, which did show plenty of allegations & evidence of wrongdoings ?

And what makes you think that Abhsit & company would not participate in a fair election, were one to be held, in the future ?

One or two tourists have apparently been injured in the bomb blast yesterady afternoon near Prem's house. That sure won't help tourism.

Nor the 2 blasts last night.

[gurkle]

If Abhisitocrat and the opposition truly believed they were in the right, feel free to show all the evidence of wrongdoings they have to the public and then participate in a fair election.

Sorry, but did you miss the long series of peaceful rallies and, before they were censored & disrupted, broadcasts , over the past several months, which did show plenty of allegations & evidence of wrongdoings ?

And what makes you think that Abhsit & company would not participate in a fair election, were one to be held, in the future ?

Again with the rumors and conspiracy theories.

They've never shown real evidence. If so, they would have put it in print which is permanent and heavily in favor of the opposition.

Edited March 10, 2006 by gurkle

[Ricardo]

If Abhisitocrat and the opposition truly believed they were in the right, feel free to show all the evidence of wrongdoings they have to the public and then participate in a fair election.

Sorry, but did you miss the long series of peaceful rallies and, before they were censored & disrupted, broadcasts , over the past several months, which did show plenty of allegations & evidence of wrongdoings ?

And what makes you think that Abhsit & company would not participate in a fair election, were one to be held, in the future ?

Again with the rumors and conspiracy theories.

They've never shown real evidence. If so, they would have put it in print which is permanent and heavily in favor of the opposition.

Do you mean the rallies were only rumoured, and didn't take place, or that the allegations went unanswered because they were true, and unanswerable ?

What conspiracy theories ?

In the modern world, print is not the only medium available, and I would not agree that the print-media are heavily in favour of the opposition.

Just my opinion. Or rumoured to be my opinion.

[Jai Dee]

Phuket Tourist Association says that the prolonged demonstration has affected tourism industry in the province

Phuket Tourist Association has stated that the prolonged demonstration has affected the tourism industry in Phuket (ภูเก็ต) Province, adding that the amount of tourists is decreasing.

Mr. Jirachai Amornpairoj (จิรชัย อมรไพโรจน์), a committee member of Phuket Tourist Association, commented that the current political situation has a negative impact on Phuket. The island has just recovered from the tsunami disaster. He has informed that over the last two months, 80 % of hotel rooms in the province have been reserved, but for this month, the average reservation rate has decreased to only 60 %.

He said that if the demonstration carries on, tourists will shift their trips to other countries such as China and Vietnam. Both neighboring countries are now the key tourism competitors of Thailand.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 March 2006

[Maejo Man]

Phuket Tourist Association says that the prolonged demonstration has affected tourism industry in the province

Phuket Tourist Association has stated that the prolonged demonstration has affected the tourism industry in Phuket (ภูเก็ต) Province, adding that the amount of tourists is decreasing.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 March 2006

Might this also have something to do with the fact that we are on the "shoulder" of the high season? Next months figures will be down further, and will gradually decrease till the start of the next high season.

[cclub75]

Might this also have something to do with the fact that we are on the "shoulder" of the high season? Next months figures will be down further, and will gradually decrease till the start of the next high season.

Of course. But thai people have only a +1 step in inference processe...

So less tourists in Phuket it's the fault of "political unrest". Which is of course a pure non sense.

But it's much easier to speak about "political unrest" rather than :

-low season

-shitty hotels overpriced

-bad environment

-bad service

-tuk tuk mafia

etc. etc

You will notice exactly the same phenomenon about the property market... We had some bad news in february : less units built for less value...

The brillant thai will say "it is because political unrest"... But never :

-buble market

-people don't buy because they don't have money anymore

-or people buy less expensive units because they have less money

etc etc

I've got a last one for you : i didn't shave myself this morning. Not because i'm lazy, but because of political unrest.

[Plus]

If Abhisitocrat and the opposition truly believed they were in the right, feel free to show all the evidence of wrongdoings they have to the public....

Feel free to show? That must be in some different country, because here, in Thailand, radio broadcasts of Senate sponsored seminars of graft have been banned. Right on cue, I don't even need to search archives for examples of media interference.

From today's Bangkok Post.

Senators will ask the Administrative Court today to force parliament radio to continue to broadcast a series of live seminars on corruption and politics under the Thaksin administration held by Upper House panels after the station director yesterday imposed an indefinite ban.

The first of as many as four seminars on Monday featured among other esteemed graftbusters, Auditor-General Jaruvan Maintaka, who attacked the administration on widespread corruption and political favouritism, with state officials from top to bottom unable to do anything.

Anti-graft panel chief Senator Chirmsak Pinthong said FM 87.5 parliament radio station director Thavorn Chuntamara issued the ban only hours before the seminar was supposed to go on air.

Mr Thavorn immediately asked to appear in front of the panel to explain the reason, telling the committee that the broadcast was taken off the air because of inappropriate material which might mislead listeners and interfere with the April 2 election.

Mr Thavorn also admitted that he was acting upon the instructions of Senate Speaker and caretaker Parliament Speaker Suchon Chaleekrua.

''The duty of the parliament radio station is for parliament members such as senators to communicate directly with the public and, by canceling the live feed, Mr Thavorn is violating the constitution,'' Mr Chirmsak said.

Senator Chirmsak also said Mr Suchon gave the instructions via a phone call and not with a written statement. Therefore, Mr Thavorn was legally prohibited from acting upon such an order.

Yesterday's seminar was entitled ''Social Meltdown and Government Policies''. The other two seminars will be held in Yasothon on Saturday and in Bangkok on Tuesday.

Senator Sak Kosangrueng said Mr Thavorn had interfered with the democratic system and discriminated against the three committees by taking their show off the air but not touching anyone else's.