Thai Travel Agents Association President Anek Srichivachart said in Bangkok that so far no foreign tourists had cancelled their planned visits to Thailand as a result of of New Year’s Eve explosions, but when government offices and private businesses reopen after the four day New Year holiday they may receive news of some cancellations.
He said, “If Sunday’s incidents do not linger in the headlines and do not continue to take place, then the impact could be minimal”, adding, “the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Tourism Authority of Thailand should work together with private tourism organisations and join hands to compile information and distribute it worldwide to bolster confidence among foreign tourists planning to visit the Kingdom”.
He said that tourism would be affected by news and perceptions of violence in Bangkok, but unless such violence continued, it would not be major.
Earlier projections estimated that revenue from tourism this year would be 540 billion baht which would be spent by about 16 million people.
Report by The Mole
