Thai authorities say tourism has been largely unaffected by last week’s bomb attack which killed 20 people.
The military government insists arrivals are at ‘a normal level.’
"The number of tourists in prominent tourist attractions both in Bangkok and other provinces is still high" said government spokesman Colonel Winthai Suvaree.
The bombing of the Erawan shrine, a major tourist attraction, was the country’s worst single attack.
Authorities were also at pains to reassure Chinese visitors after suggestions they may have been specially targeted in the attack.
We are sure the target is not only Chinese," said national police spokesman Prawut Thavornsiri.
While officials are putting on a brave face, it is still too early to assess the impact for Thai tourism.
The Association of Thai Travel Agents said about 5% of bookings were cancelled in the aftermath of the blast.
Juthaporn Rerngronasa, deputy governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand said TAT would devise a short and long term strategy to stimulate tourism with a focus on restoring Thailand’s reputation as a safe destination for tourists.
