BANGKOK – Thailand’s tourism industry continues to be concerned about the possible affects of Friday’s court verdict on the seizure of former prime minister’s Thaksin Shinawatra’s wealth.
Prakij Chin-amornpong, chairman of Thai Hotels Association (THA), said operators of tourism-related businesses are keeping a close watch on movements of Thaksin’s supporters – the red-shirt group – ahead of the verdict.
“We do not want any violence as it would directly affect the tourism sector’s recovery,†Prakij said.
He said room occupancy rate during the Chinese New Year festival was as high as 90 per cent and it was expected that the number of foreigners visiting Thailand this year would rise by 15 to 20 percent over 2009.
“If there is any unrest it could derail this target,†he said.
Prakij said if government was forced to invoke the security law, as it had in the past, it would definitely deter foreign tourists and the occupancy rate would drop sharply.
The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions will on Friday give its verdict on the seizure of frozen assets from Thaksin and his family.
Supporters of the former PM say up to one million people across the country will descend on Bangkok on March 14 to protest against government policies regardless of Friday’s court verdict.
