Hong Kong travel agencies change Thai itineraries after violent Bangkok clashes

[webfact]

Hong Kong travel agencies change Thai itineraries after violent Bangkok clashes
Danny Lee

HONG KONG: -- One of Hong Kong’s biggest travel agencies and tour operators have changed tourists’ itineraries in response to the worsening political protests spreading across the streets of Bangkok.

Wing On Travel informed the Travel Industry Council of its intention to avoid shuttered shopping malls in downtown Bangkok, after thousands of Thai protesters swarmed multiple government buildings in violent clashes on Sunday.

Joseph Tung Yao-chung, the executive director of the Travel Industry Council, said: “Wing On have said there has been a change of itinerary because they understand few shopping malls have been closed.”

“The agents decided that since [shopping malls] have been closed, and receiving agents have told Hong Kong they will change their itinerary,” Tung added.

Some tour groups from Hong Kong will now avoid Siam Square, a big shopping and entertainment district, in Bangkok.

“If itineraries include shopping malls in Siam Square, they definitely have to change. There is nothing they can do.”

Full story: http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1370333/hong-kong-travel-agencies-change-thai-itineraries-after-violent

-- South China Morning Post 2013-12-02

[noitom]

This story has contradictions and doesn't make sense. It says the boss understands that "few" have been closed and then he says that agents have decided to change because they have been closed.

[bangkokheat]

This story has contradictions and doesn't make sense. It says the boss understands that "few" have been closed and then he says that agents have decided to change because they have been closed.

it doesnt really matter if it has contradictions, the point is this current crisis is starting to affect tourism

[casindonet]

Closed shopping malls is all they are worried about?

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[asdecas]

This story has contradictions and doesn't make sense. It says the boss understands that "few" have been closed and then he says that agents have decided to change because they have been closed.

He means "a few" not "few". It changes the sense entirely.

[kingalfred]

Tourists from hong kong will soon discover that its better these malls are closed .Save your money.the brand name goods are far cheaper back home.

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[PaullyW]

Tourists from hong kong will soon discover that its better these malls are closed .Save your money.the brand name goods are far cheaper back home.

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And made available in far more diverse selection of brands and stock amoung the brands carried.

Thailand is horrible for luxury shopping. Not even sure how it ever got a decent reputation for such.

[IsaanUSA]

Closed shopping malls is all they are worried about?

What else would Hong Kong travel agencies worry about?

[wellred]

Hope this all boils over soon. Not trying to sound selfish but I don't want anything ruining my holiday. Lol