Thai Tourism association concerned over prolonged protests

[webfact]

Tourism association concerned over prolonged protests
By English News



BANGKOK, Dec 23 - The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) today expressed concern that Thai tourism industry could be hit in the first quarter of next year if political demonstrations are prolonged.

ATTA president Sisdivachr Cheewarattanporn said he has closely monitored the Sunday protests with the huge turnout of demonstrators.

He admitted that the people have rights to express their voice under democratic system. But he raised concerns over foreign media coverage of the situation that could affect foreign tourists who are deciding whether to visit Thailand in the first quarter of next year, which coincides with the Chinese New Year celebration.

Under normal situations, he said, there would be a large number of tourists from China and other countries coming to celebrate the festival in Thailand.

Mr Sisdivachr said peaceful dialogue is the only solution to end the crisis and each side should take a step back, even if only a small one.

If all concerned parties insist on continuing with the situation like this, the country will be affected, given that as of now 39 countries have already issued travel advisories for their citizens. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-12-23

[LuckyLew]

That' right blame the foreign media .... had nothing to do with Thai people

All trouble can be directly traced back to foreigners

You reap what you sow

Thailand is a mess with graft corruption and poor leadership ... but that too is the farangs doing

[ramrod711]

He admitted that the people have rights to express their voice under democratic system.

Good of him, he should talk to Tarit.

[chooka]

No need to be concerned, TAT have already announced that they will meet their new record target of 26 million by the end of the year and next year are expecting an increase of 3 Mil to 29 Million.

[DocN]

What the...the foreign media???

If their reporting is so damaging to Thailand, than why doesn't even my mother know, about anything happening here?

Yeah, yeah...blame the farang!

[andygunther]

No need to be concerned, TAT have already announced that they will meet their new record target of 26 million by the end of the year and next year are expecting an increase of 3 Mil to 29 Million.

I laugh to death... Who they try to fool?

[outsider]

Now I am really, really curious. How did Thailand become the country it is today, when almost everyone at the top, everyone who is someone, is stupid as stupid could ever get? So the foreign media should just shut up, ignore Thailand, while you TAT goons go around promoting the Land of (non-existent) Smile, while your fellow countrymen and women shut down the whole damned city? Really, I will not, even for a second, believe that ALL Thais are stupid. But the ones that are 'featured' are never brighter than a low-watt light bulb. Sheesh...

[noitom]

This ATTA president need not worry about the foreign press negatively influencing tourists to visit THailand. All a tourist needs to do is hop on a few web sites and view up to the minute photos posted by THais of the demonstration circus in the streets. Tourists can easily form their own consclusions about the risk, aggravation and danger in Thailand.

[PaullyW]

So, so typically Thai to blame any outsiders, in this case the Farangs. It would be funny if it wasn't so truly pathetic. They really are an ancient people who have not progressed much at all in the last couple hundred years. But, I guess that's also what we like about them - their utter simplicity.

[lostmebike]

TAT: Protests, what protests?

[FangFerang]

Title could also be "Tourists concerned over prolonged protests..."

"Mr Sisdivachr said peaceful dialogue is the only solution to end the crisis and each side should take a step back, even if only a small one." Of course, his statement has an economic edge, being that he is who he is, but I still like him saying this! I hope more Thais do.

I am not certain he was blaming the foriegn media. I think he was just saying foriegners would of course check their news sources before considering a vacation here, but his phrasing was off (imagine that, bad English?). A Frenchman would not read Bangkok Post or the Nation, he would use whatever news source he trusted most. The only country mentioned by name was China, who are typically big customers here during Chinese New Year. My Chinese friends said he is correct, fewer Chinese are coming here for New Years.

I do not blame them. This protest and their opposition refuse to budge, and tensions are rising. The BP reported some very strong languge from a village up North. This is a powderkeg in a smoking lounge...

On the flip side, tourism is healthy everywhere except Bangkok.

Edited December 23, 2013 by FangFerang

[bigbamboo]

No need to be concerned, TAT have already announced that they will meet their new record target of 26 million by the end of the year and next year are expecting an increase of 3 Mil to 29 Million.

Thais do love an auction!

"29 million I'm bid. At 29 million for the first time. At 29 million for the second time. Do I hear 30 million?.......... Yes, over in the corner. Thank you. 30 million from the man from TAT holding the Chinese school tablet. 30 million it is then."