Tourism ministry: Samui explosion no effect on tourism



BANGKOK, 13 April 2015 (NNT) - The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has reported that no foreign tourist has cancelled trips to Thailand despite a car bomb explosion on the island of Samui on Saturday. Security at all hotels in Samui has been tight.

Minister of Tourism and Sports Kobkan Watthanawarangkun on Sunday said Thai tourism-related units had explained the situation to foreign countries after the attack. As for the overall tourism during Songkran festival this year, Ms. Kobkan said more than two million tourists were expected to join in Songkran celebrations nationwide.

In the first three months of 2015, the Thai tourism industry expanded by 23%, making it more likely that this year’s tourism growth rate may reach the target of 28.8 million people.

The minister added that both Thai and foreign tourists in many provinces were very eager to celebrate Songkran festival. As for Bangkok, the theme of Songkran celebrations was traditional Thai culture, said Ms. Kobkan.

The ministry’s main Songkran event in Bangkok is held at Sanam Luang from now until 15 April 2015. Highlights of the event include merit-making activities, demonstrations of Thai culture and way of life in the past, traditional dances, outdoor movies and hoop Takraw shows.

-- NNT 2015-04-13

No cancelled trips to LoS ! An immediate, totally expected and equally unbelievable statement from someone not noted for the accuracy of her comments and just how could she be so definite in such a short time. ?

What about tourists already in the country who planned to visit Samui and have changed their mind or those already there who have / are cutting their stay on the island short ? If there are it will either be ignored or denied as nothing ever affects tourism.

Surprise, Surprise tourism is expanding and on target for arrivals ! What else could it be ?

I see the UK foreign office has the following on their travel advice web page:

Cambodia: There is a low threat from terrorism ...

Laos: There is a low threat from terrorism ...

Malaysia: There is a low threat from terrorism ...

Thailand: There is a high threat from terrorism ...

"The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has reported that no foreign tourist has cancelled trips to Thailand despite a car bomb explosion on the island of Samui on Saturday"

Spoken to every potential tourist the world over, has she?

My, but the Internet really has speeded up the ability to share.

As premature an announcement as is possible to make!

Just another day !

If you travel to Thailand and do minimal research, you realise stuff happens. Probably more risky to have an incident USA as far as bombings are concerned.

No cancelled trips to LoS ! An immediate, totally expected and equally unbelievable statement from someone not noted for the accuracy of her comments and just how could she be so definite in such a short time. ?

What about tourists already in the country who planned to visit Samui and have changed their mind or those already there who have / are cutting their stay on the island short ? If there are it will either be ignored or denied as nothing ever affects tourism.

Surprise, Surprise tourism is expanding and on target for arrivals ! What else could it be ?

According to her stupid comment these "experts" seem to believe nothing hurt Thai tourism in the past so far and not even a nuclear disaster or epidemic disease outbreak would.

Declining numbers of tourists- if they ever happen to appear- are the results of economic crisis elsewhere, of problems caused by other nations (travel warnings / bad press) and if these conjured excuses don't work,- we play our ace in the hole: it is all caused by evil spirits.

Never blame us for anything - so nobody will lose face. All happy.

It was only a couple of months ago the Banana Sergeant was saying Thailand has no danger from terrorists because it has no enemies.

Seems like anything falling out of his mouth these days results in the exact opposite.

As to the Ministry Of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, the buffonery is strong with that one.

What is this obsession Thailand has with Tourism?.....It obviously depends on it for money, but day after day, week after week, daily statements on tourism....it's like it is the beginning and end of life as we know it.

If you travel to Thailand and do minimal research, you realise stuff happens. Probably more risky to have an incident USA as far as bombings are concerned.

These "it probably happens elsewhere posts" are tiring. Next time please go fishing instead.

thainess, just ignore the news

maybe next time they can cover it up and say it was an lpg leakage, certainly no TERRORISM in thailand

What a beautiful photo.

If you travel to Thailand and do minimal research, you realise stuff happens. Probably more risky to have an incident USA as far as bombings are concerned.

huh......where you get your info ? you are not at all traveled, kinda small, and should take your head outta your own keester :-)

And the mall where the bombing took place is full of happy Chinese tourists!

It was only a couple of months ago the Banana Sergeant was saying Thailand has no danger from terrorists because it has no enemies.

Seems like anything falling out of his mouth these days results in the exact opposite.

As to the Ministry Of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, the buffonery is strong with that one.

Good word, buffoonery.

What a beautiful photo

Taken just after a visit by the deck chair police to remove all non members of the "Police Ball ticket sales fund."

How dare you doubt the words of a Thai minister??

Her words are supported by reliable statistics....................

They're getting good, soon these announcements will be made prior to the incidents.

Thank goodness, no damage to the wallet! The inured people? Mai pen rai

If you travel to Thailand and do minimal research, you realise stuff happens. Probably more risky to have an incident USA as far as bombings are concerned.

Um, not entirely true. Just how many bombings have there been in the USA compared to Thailand this year? Are you employed by Thai Tourisim Authority?

I am currently in Kho Chang on holiday and was leaving today for Samui but have since decided against going and will stay in Kho Chang. It will not be hard to stay considering the island is virtually empty.

What is this obsession Thailand has with Tourism?.....It obviously depends on it for money, but day after day, week after week, daily statements on tourism....it's like it is the beginning and end of life as we know it.

It does make you wonder if the often quoted tourism being only 6% of the GDP is not quite accurate.

Thailand could be obliterated by numerous nuclear bombs and the numbnuts at TAT would be stating no effect on tourism and we still expect record numbers.

What is this obsession Thailand has with Tourism?.....It obviously depends on it for money, but day after day, week after week, daily statements on tourism....it's like it is the beginning and end of life as we know it.

It does make you wonder if the often quoted tourism being only 6% of the GDP is not quite accurate.

It means more than anything to them. Somchia stubbed his toe the other day and TAT immediately went to air with a press release, No tourists have cancelled travel plans as a result.

They're getting good, soon these announcements will be made prior to the incidents.

Soon......................................?

Just to let everyone know, Kate Upton has definitely not cancelled any plan to come round to my place for the weekend.

Just tell it as it really is:

There are never any negative effects on Thai tourism. Not in the past, not in the present, not in the future. Thai tourism has a built-in mechanism that repels all negative effects .

Thai Teflon Tourism: nothing bad sticks to it, ever!

Samui could be hit my a meteor and no longer exist and TAT will still announce no one has canceled trips to Samui

If you travel to Thailand and do minimal research, you realise stuff happens. Probably more risky to have an incident USA as far as bombings are concerned.

Except it's not.