Tired of the chaos in Bangkok, tourists may head to provinces
BAMRUNG AMNATCHAROENRIT
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE TOURISM outlook in provinces near Bangkok as well as in Hua Hin is bright as many people will likely want to escape the political confusion in the capital for a peaceful place to spend the long holidays this month.

"People are getting bored of the political turmoil and many choose to go out of Bangkok for the holidays.

Early this month, occupancy rates in provinces near Bangkok faced a slight drop, but later that will be offset by an outflow of local tourists from Bangkok into the areas during this festive season," Surapong Techaruvichit, president of the Thai Hotels Association, said yesterday. Such a trend would help improve the country's overall situation, slammed by the political chaos. Their trips would also help prop up occupancy rates in those provinces at 80-85 per cent, on par with last year.

Even though that is stagnation, it is considered the best performance at a time when the country is mired in a political crisis.

Overall, political tensions are easing, thanks to the footage of a compromising act between security officers and protesters on Tuesday, which was seen worldwide.

From today to Tuesday, Hua Hin will be one of the major destinations. Many local tourists are going there to celebrate His Majesty the King's auspicious birthday today and relax at the same time.

Somchai Chompoonoi, director for the Central region of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said Thais planned to go there to view the decorative lighting in the beach resort as well as other activities. Hotel occupancy rates could reach 90 per cent. The number of Thai tourists has increased 30 per cent, which would help drive occupancy rates up to 90 per cent.

However, an executive of Accor Group said occupancy at the hotel chain's properties in Hua Hin, which include Ibis and Novotel, had stayed at about 70 per cent.

Its hotel in Pattaya is also only about that full, so there are plenty of rooms available at the two cities for this weekend.

The company said people might be heading to cooler places up North rather than hitting the beach.

-- The Nation 2013-12-05

Looks like someone has generated a "news" article based on an optimistic TAT press release. Some local tourists may leave town, the international tourists just will change destinations.

God, please don't come to Phuket. We bees fully full.

There were a lot of Thai tourists at my Singapore hotel the past two weeks. Hadn't noticed any in the 5 months before that.

"Provinces" like Costa Rica, Maldives, Canary Islands and Malaysia?

The pooch has been screwed. Now all we can do is wait and see what the puppies look like.

"Provinces" like Costa Rica, Maldives, Canary Islands and Malaysia?

The pooch has been screwed. Now all we can do is wait and see what the puppies look like.

Montenegro and a certain Middle Eastern destination ?

We welcome you to Isaan.

They might enjoy traveling out of Bangkok (I thought they did that anyways...I mean...who would possibly want to stay there for more that a few days)

I don't mind the chaos but for no result I don't like .

Tourists will eventually leave Thailand for Vietnam and other places where they don't have to be co-opted by Thai problems all the time.

Too late. They are already in Pattaya which is packed. But seems to be combination of tourists,

as well as Thai people fleeing Bangkok....Not much room here with the hordes of Russians

having already arrived....

They might enjoy traveling out of Bangkok (I thought they did that anyways...I mean...who would possibly want to stay there for more that a few days)

Live in Bangkok and love the place!

God, please don't come to Phuket. We bees fully full.

Ah! Beat me to it!

I will tell my brother to avoid Bangkok all together. He already booked the trip before the protest. They will spend most of their time in Phuket. I don't want anything to happen with my little nephews.

And who could blame them?A holiday in my opinion isn't about getting caught in the middle of another country's political chaos with all the disruptions associated with it.

Missed this:

"Overall, political tensions are easing, thanks to the footage of a compromising act between security officers and protesters on Tuesday, which was seen worldwide."

Any clues anyone?

They might enjoy traveling out of Bangkok (I thought they did that anyways...I mean...who would possibly want to stay there for more that a few days)

Live in Bangkok and love the place!

Many people like Manila too... but I only met them for a few days.

May Have ??? they are already here in UDON, was in the new Central Plaza yesterday and many more farangs shopping with their Thai partners, The guys have brought their wives/gf you can usually tell the bar girls apart from the others, and of course the obvious young lads with (dads). Pleasant change from Jomptien, not so cut and thrust, easier life than the BKK and Pattaya etc.---have a good airport service /rail/tour bus. ( hey I could get a job with TAT for that)

I wonder how Accor's hotel numbers vary from this time last year. For that matter the last 5 years. Also would

love to know what there numbers projection is. Never mind the TAT.

They might enjoy traveling out of Bangkok (I thought they did that anyways...I mean...who would possibly want to stay there for more that a few days)

Yes because if they have the audacity to think the political turmoil is "boring" they will obviously be able to stomach more than 24 hours in nakhon nowhere.

Missed this:

"Overall, political tensions are easing, thanks to the footage of a compromising act between security officers and protesters on Tuesday, which was seen worldwide."

Any clues anyone?

Don't you watch the news?