Siam Paragon explosion 'will not affect tourism in the long term'

[webfact]

Siam Paragon explosion 'will not affect tourism in the long term'
SUCHAT SRITAMA
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- The bomb explosion outside Siam Paragon shopping mall in downtown Bangkok on Sunday night is expected to affect the tourism industry during the upcoming Chinese New Year festival, though a top official said there would be no long-term damage.

"Though no lives were taken, it might still destroy the country's image and confidence of tourists. However, there is nothing major to worry about right at the moment, as there have been no cancellations or queries from partners overseas," Supawan Tanomkieatipume, marketing chief for Thai Hotels Association, said yesterday.

However, she said, if the blasts are found to have been linked to any political groups, the tourism industry would suffer a greater negative impact, not only during the Chinese New Year period, but for the entire quarter.

Thailand hopes Chinese New Year, which will be marked on February 19 this year, will draw millions of visitors.

"Hotel operators have already received a lot of advance bookings from China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, as well as many other countries from Asia," she said.

Supawan went on to say that tourism had bounced back last month, thanks to more tourists from Asia, even though arrivals from the West remained slow. She added that tourists from Japan are expected to return this month.

According to Ittirit Kinglake, president of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), tourism operators were not too worried about the bomb attack as they believe the incident was not meant to cause much damage, but just to annoy people.

'More concern'

However, Ittirit said if the incident was found related to political groups, it could create more concern about tourism environment and confidence.

"The council has been calling on the government to lift martial law to boost tourism and rebuild confidence, but the Sunday bombing will shake up the travel sector again," he said.

Meanwhile, TCT is calling on the government and officials to focus more on security and safety, particularly in public areas.

"We need to wait and see," he said.

Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said the bomb attack should not affect the tourism industry in the long term, but it might have an effect on meetings and conferences from large corporations from overseas.

She said she was confident that tourists would continue coming to Thailand, as most of them understand the political situation.

"The government has already explained the reason why martial law is necessary, and it does not impinge on people's daily lives and on tourists. Life has continued as normal after the Sunday night blasts and Siam Paragon has opened as usual," she added.

Tourist Police have been ordered to boost security in the area, and the Foreign Ministry has also been alerted to communicate with tourists.

Last month, there were 2.65 arrivals, marking a 15.9 per cent growth from the same month last year. The arrivals are expected to generate an income of Bt120 billion, 12.7 per cent more than last January.

The ministry expects the number of tourists to continue rising this month thanks to Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day, as well as soar in April during the Songkran festival.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Siam-Paragon-explosion-will-not-affect-tourism-in--30253243.html


-- The Nation 2015-02-03

[Somtamnication]

Won't really affect incoming tourists until there is a death. Then, the theme to the Titanic will start to play as the TAT anthem.

[ExPratt]

I hate the way they always equate Tourist numbers with Money. It shows just how they view their visitors,

[shirtless]

Head in the sand comes to mind according to TAT nothing will affect tourism.

[siampolee]

All through the various bombing campaigns London suffered over the years the matter of tourism was hardly ever mentioned, tourist figures remained the same and life carried on . the comments made here regarding tourism in truth actually start to project a negative image.

That image clearly displays a total disregard for human life and the worship of money, the welfare of any tourists foreign or domestic not actually being of any importance or concern to the T.A.T. or the irrelevant authorities.

Whether these latest bombings were or are politically, religiously, judicial (anti graft) or perhaps a business related grudge matter or even possibly a black flag matter (although personally I somehow doubt that) remains to be seen.

Rest assured that the truth if it is ever found to be anti government or anti establishment will indeed be hidden away from the public lest it should cast the those aforementioned entities powers in a bad light.

[daveAustin]

What image?

If there had have been deaths, you can bet the concern regards to affect on tourism (not anyone's welfare) would be exactly the same. Sadly, Thailand seems less and less disposed to the lessons and spirit of the Buddha as time moves on.

[rasmus5150]

Of course there are no cancellations yet. But wait until the western media airs the story, then the ball will get rolling.

[plachon]

All through the various bombing campaigns London suffered over the years the matter of tourism was hardly ever mentioned, tourist figures remained the same and life carried on . the comments made here regarding tourism in truth actually start to project a negative image.

That image clearly displays a total disregard for human life and the worship of money, the welfare of any tourists foreign or domestic not actually being of any importance or concern to the T.A.T. or the irrelevant authorities.

Whether these latest bombings were or are politically, religiously, judicial (anti graft) or perhaps a business related grudge matter or even possibly a black flag matter (although personally I somehow doubt that) remains to be seen.

Rest assured that the truth if it is ever found to be anti government or anti establishment will indeed be hidden away from the public lest it should cast the those aforementioned entities powers in a bad light.

Yes, a curious one to decipher until the perp is caught, which is probably quite unlikely given the past record of authorities in bringing the (right) person to book for bomb attacks. I thought Paragon had a strong link to the Thaksin business network (seem to remember him going there once and his heavies beating up a few old protesters towards the end of his tenure), which if that is still the case, it doesn't seem likely to be the work of the Redshirts. However, he may now have nothing to do with it and this was simply a case of trying to stir up trouble and strife by anti-govt elements, rather than a deliberate attempt to target Paragon or seriously injure anyone. Did anyone ever get prosecuted for the series of bombs at New Year a few years ago, for example, again targeted at popular shopping/entertainment areas of central Bangkok?

[noitom]

The more Thais operate in secrecy about disclosing the cause of the pipe bombs in the Siam Paragon area, the more Thai credibility is at stake. Thais have little credibility already and pin their tourist hopes to the sex trade as usual. Unless those elephant roundups are still selling.

[LuckyLew]

Surprised TAT are not announcing that with the bombings at Siam Paragon they now expect tourist numbers to increase

The more bombs go off the lower the numbers will be, toss in a few injured or dead foreigners and the numbers will plummet

I do not know any families that would take their family to a war zone for a vacation

[chainarong]

The introduction of a Junta , the introduction of Marshall Law , , monitoring of mobile phones , internet providers introducing the own censorship ,L.M. restrictions , freedom of speech and media restrictions and a few Murders just to name a few hasn't stopped tourists according to TAT figures, so why should a few bombs going off worry them.

Edited February 3, 2015 by chainarong

[PepperMe]

It is pathetic the way they declare one day that tourism is deffo going to rise this year, and the next they get their excuse ready and tomorrow it will be on the rise again and the next day another excuse for a decline, mand so it will go on for the entire year........ PATHETIC and a complete joke of a set up.

[JohnThailandJohn]

I hate the way they always equate Tourist numbers with Money. It shows just how they view their visitors,

You should consider where you are reading your news. If you read a financial newspaper then they will talk about events in terms of financial impact -- not much different than reading expat/English news. Then again, not like news in every country and governments don't consider financial impact of things.

[whatawonderfulday]

The introduction of a Junta , the introduction of Marshall Law , , monitoring of mobile phones , internet providers introducing the own censorship ,L.M. restrictions , freedom of speech and media restrictions and a few Murders just to name a few hasn't stopped tourists according to TAT figures, so why should a few bombs going off worry them.

Exactly. Why they will soon declare Thailand as another hub - "The Hub of Excitement and all round fun".

Why undertake base jumping, cliffclimbing and other hazardous sports when every thing you need is here in Thailand ? They could market it in such a way people will want to come here to risk:-

1) Being scammed by the largest organized crime syndicate in the world ( RTP )

2) Fun to avoid possibly being shot by the RTP's stray bullets as they miss their targets

3) Perhaps avoiding shrapnel by those "bombs" planted by ????

4) Fun avoiding being murdered on some island and the RTP claiming it is the Burmese

5) Fun trying to avoid having your necklace snatched in Pattaya

6) Fun trying to book a first class seat on Thai airways when generally they are full of Thai employees or government freeloaders

7) Fun counting motorcyclists riding the wrong way down a one way street that they nearly knock you down

8) Fun counting how many RTP do 8 above

Yes there is so much fun to be had here the hotels are going to be full, the airport will be even more chaotic but hey, enjoy the fun.

However if you do not want so much fun , perhaps only a little enjoyment, then I suggest you give the thieves alleys like Bangkok, Pattaya etc a miss. Just go North to the countryside where the locals still embrace you as a friend and look after you. Bangkokians and other intellectually challenged HISOs are known to consider those folk as stupid. Well they are not that stupid to understand that Thailand is slowly slipping on the"countries to visit list" because of all this "Fun"

[jalansanitwong]

Why are they always so concerned about Thailands image being damaged?

The best thing that could happen to this country is that its image is wiped out and start with a clean slate!

Even though the Paragon incident was relatively minor it got front page coverage overseas.

Thailands on the nose.

These Thai officials are so grubby. They dont care about tourists and never will. All they care about is the money they think theyre going to make out of the Chinese and Russians.

[Strangebrew]

TAT's spin on bomb blast come Visit Amazing Thailand Where your sure to have a blast. You will just die to visit Koh Tao Be greeted by are best scam artists our taxi driver where the rip off's begin Then enjoy our two price scam where Tourist always pay twice the price for our knockoff goods. If lucky enough you may even get our free drug test done at random and in public The only time you can let your Johnson out to enjoy the fresh and ladyboys scream in glee at the sight. Yes all this and more await in in the LOS.

.

[Baerboxer]

The introduction of a Junta , the introduction of Marshall Law , , monitoring of mobile phones , internet providers introducing the own censorship ,L.M. restrictions , freedom of speech and media restrictions and a few Murders just to name a few hasn't stopped tourists according to TAT figures, so why should a few bombs going off worry them.

Exactly. Why they will soon declare Thailand as another hub - "The Hub of Excitement and all round fun".

Why undertake base jumping, cliffclimbing and other hazardous sports when every thing you need is here in Thailand ? They could market it in such a way people will want to come here to risk:-

1) Being scammed by the largest organized crime syndicate in the world ( RTP )

2) Fun to avoid possibly being shot by the RTP's stray bullets as they miss their targets

3) Perhaps avoiding shrapnel by those "bombs" planted by ????

4) Fun avoiding being murdered on some island and the RTP claiming it is the Burmese

5) Fun trying to avoid having your necklace snatched in Pattaya

6) Fun trying to book a first class seat on Thai airways when generally they are full of Thai employees or government freeloaders

7) Fun counting motorcyclists riding the wrong way down a one way street that they nearly knock you down

8) Fun counting how many RTP do 8 above

Yes there is so much fun to be had here the hotels are going to be full, the airport will be even more chaotic but hey, enjoy the fun.

However if you do not want so much fun , perhaps only a little enjoyment, then I suggest you give the thieves alleys like Bangkok, Pattaya etc a miss. Just go North to the countryside where the locals still embrace you as a friend and look after you. Bangkokians and other intellectually challenged HISOs are known to consider those folk as stupid. Well they are not that stupid to understand that Thailand is slowly slipping on the"countries to visit list" because of all this "Fun"

How much did the Bali bombs, with lots of deaths, ruin their tourist trade?

Do you really think that other tourist destinations have no scamners?

I can remember the Spaniards doing their best to fleece tourists in the 70's. The Guardia Civila were about as much use as the BiB. Got stuck at the airports thanks to French air traffic strikes - the Spaniards answer was to jack up the prices of water and food, like quadruple to what is normally was. Or Greece. Full of scams especially on the beach. Chairs, loungers, umbrellas, boats etc - and employing cheap Albanian lowlifes as enforcers. Friends had some "lovely" experiences in the Caribbean and Africa.

Holiday makers want to relax - and drop their guard and become easy targets. But, despite the scams, the threats people still keep coming and many come back for more.

[maidee]

mhhh, if after the coop, regular bomb attacks would not freighten tourists ...

they better start selling protective amulets at the airport, or maybe a good side business for taxi drivers, that seem to never be happy with how much they already got

[HeijoshinCool]

Of course there are no cancellations yet. But wait until the western media airs the story, then the ball will get rolling.

.

No, no, no!

Don't forget TAT's big international campaign a few months back: Thailand under martial law is even safer!

No doubt that marketing scheme caused millions to book their flights.

[khaowong1]

TAT is more fun that reading the comics.

[DM07]

I am really, REALLY tired of this TAT - crap!

According to them, Thailand-as a whole- sinking to the bottom of a <deleted>' ocean would not affect the tourist numbers!

[webfact]

DPM Pridiyathorn: Siam Paragon blasts won’t hurt investment confidence

BANGKOK, 3 February 2015 (NNT) - The deputy prime minister in charge of economics is confident that the recent blasts in front of a high-end shopping area in Bangkok will not hurt investment confidence.

He is also confident that Thailand’s economy will expand satisfactorily this year, when a number of the government’s infrastructure development projects are implemented; besides, the private sector is anxiously waiting to make their own investment as well.

He added that around 4,000 applications for permits for factory operations have been submitted to the government for approval during the past seven months.

The Bank of Thailand has been handling the foreign exchange policy very well as the baht has barely moved even after capital inflows have driven the Stock Exchange of Thailand index up by 100 points recently, said the deputy prime minister.


-- NNT 2015-02-03

[ToddinChonburi]

I think a little to early in the game to announce a winner yet. YAH THINK.

[Thailand]

Definitely need to keep martial law in place forever to combat this type of occurrence.

[JohnThailandJohn]

The more Thais operate in secrecy about disclosing the cause of the pipe bombs in the Siam Paragon area, the more Thai credibility is at stake.

The cause of the pipe bombs? The cause was somebody put them there. Do you suspect they know who did this and why but will keep it a secret beyond what secrecy is needed to investigate and convict?

"There were improvised explosive devices detonated by a digital clock," said Police Lieutenant General Prawut Thawonrsiri, a spokesman for the Royal Thai Police.

The motive behind the attack appeared to be to create panic rather than take lives, Prawut said. The police have yet to identify the bombers, he added. http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/01/us-thailand-bombs-idUSKBN0L51NF20150201

[WinnieTheKhwai]

What everyone here seems to be missing is that tourism in Thailand is just fine, and actually IS increasing. And for any specific markets where it's not increasing it's due to economic factors (value of the Ruble, etc.)

So it's not really a very unreasonable statement to make. Except in Thaivisa-Land.

As for martial law, tourists by and large don't even know it's in place. So from that point of view there's no urgent reason to lift it.

Of course there's also the thing that the military is in charge anyway, and can make up laws and regulations on the spot whenever they want to. There is no constitution, the law of the land is what the military says it is anyway.

Martial law potentially has a function under a democratic system when temporary powers are needed. In this case though.. is there really any power that the military controlled government doesn't already have?

[bheard]

"Siam Paragon explosion 'will not affect tourism in the long term"

Maybe not directly, but all the various disturbances in the country in recent years - killings down south, political unrest, protests in BKK, milltary take-over, bombs, rising prices, horrendous road toll, regular bus crashes, all these things and more - all eat away at overseas public confidence and fewer will want to take the risk.

The nation will need to pull the finger out and get on top of all this if it wants to become the hub of tourism in Asia . . .

[Just1Voice]

I think if an atomic bomb totally wiped out Phuket, TAT would find a way to spin it: "Come see the blast area! Free radiation suits to all tourists! Tourism will increase to 40 million now!"

[JohnThailandJohn]

I think if an atomic bomb totally wiped out Phuket, TAT would find a way to spin it: "Come see the blast area! Free radiation suits to all tourists! Tourism will increase to 40 million now!"

Well international visitors have more than doubled since Phuket was devastated by a Tsunami in 2004.

[ExPratt]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

I hate the way they always equate Tourist numbers with Money. It shows just how they view their visitors,

You should consider where you are reading your news. If you read a financial newspaper then they will talk about events in terms of financial impact -- not much different than reading expat/English news. Then again, not like news in every country and governments don't consider financial impact of things.

Not really the report I was taking issue with , its TAT or whatever Tourist authority is making the statement always turn tourist figures into currency. I really do think as well that some tourist areas in Thailand do the same thing , Tourists are just cash cows to be fleeced