Tourism Authority of Thailand attempting to restore confidence in the destination

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has responded to the political unrest in Thailand, looking to restore international confidence in the destination through dissemination of information via TAT’s overseas offices.

International tourists are concerned with safety, as are tourism operators so TAT has released a ‘fact sheet’. It is reproduced below – draw your own conclusions!!

From TAT:

TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND FACT SHEET
As of September 7, 2008/ 12.00 hrs. (Bangkok Time) 

1. The state of emergency, announced by Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej on Tuesday (2 September 2008), had been introduced to prevent further clashes between the anti- and pro-government protesters. The decree is a “temporary measure” applicable only in Bangkok and does not involve a curfew or any other measures restricting the movement of people around Bangkok or the Kingdom. The Emergency Decree may be rescinded earlier once the situation returns to normal.
2. In a recent survey conducted by Assumption University’s ABAC Poll of 532 foreign businessmen, investors and tourists during 2-5 September, 59 per cent viewed the ongoing political situation as not unusual and just part of the democratic process. As many as 97 per cent of foreigners visiting Thailand said they would visit the country again if the turmoil ends.
   Source: The Bangkok Post, Sunday, September 7, 2008
3. The PAD anti-government rally is restricted to the designated protest site and the immediate areas. Tourists and expats in Bangkok are advised to avoid travelling to areas near the demonstration site namely — Government House and Ratchadamnoen Nok Road (Makkawan Bridge).
4. For visitors planning trips to various sites around Rattanakosin Island (Koh Rattanakosin), shuttle boats and river taxis that serve the various public piers along the Chao Phraya River provides fast and convenient transportation to several of these sites.
5. All other areas in Bangkok remain unaffected by the rally.
6. There has been no significant disruption to life and business in the capital beyond added traffic congestion in a few areas. The vast majority of the city, including all the major tourist spots (including The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun-Temple of Dawn, and Sanam Luang – The Royal Ground), shopping centres and riverside attractions, as well as all roads and public/private transport systems are functioning normally. Bangkok’s city taxi and rail services are unaffected. All hotels and resorts in Bangkok and throughout Thailand are open for business as usual.
7. Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok’s international airport) and regional airports around Thailand are operating normally. This includes Phuket International Airport, Krabi Airport, Samui Airport, Surat Thani Airport and Hat Yai International Airport.
8. With the exception of rail services to the southern region where negotiations are being held with the parties involved, rail services in provincial areas of the north and northeastern regions are operating normally. (Call Centre: 1690)
9. Major surface routes between Bangkok and other parts of Thailand are unaffected. Travel to key destinations around Thailand, such as Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Northeastern Thailand (Isan) and other parts of the country remains unaffected.
10. The Government will continue to exercise utmost restraint and will work with all concerned to resolve the current political situation within the framework of the Thai Constitution and the rule of law, and through non-violent means of conflict resolution and peaceful negotiation.
11. The prohibition of public gatherings of more than five people in Bangkok is limited to political activities and acts which may lead to unrest. The measure does not in any way apply to the organization of local and international corporate meetings, incentive events, conventions, and exhibitions, or MICE. It is ‘business-as-usual’ for all MICE events hosted in Thailand.
12. The situation is being closely monitored by the authorities concerned. All tour operators and travel agents are also keeping abreast of the situation to ensure the safety and security of all visitors.

Whatever the impact of of the above exercise by TAT, Thai tourism must surely be impacted, with the effects of the political unrest becoming an unwanted legacy for the Thai tourism industry.

A Report By The Mole