Bangkok shrine reopens to tourist unease over safety
The Erawan Shrine has reopened in Bangkok following the deadly bomb blast, with few tourists visible.
The shrine, which suffered only moderate damage saw very few visitors, heavily outnumbered by news reporters and police.
Among those foreign tourists that did visit, mostly to pay their respects, there were several who felt unease about safety in Bangkok.
"I admit that I am not sure about the security here, but I understand that such a sad event can occur anywhere," said John, a New Zealander.
A Chinese tourist named Vivian also felt wary of travelling in the city, as the bomb was targeted at a busy tourist attraction.
"I feel shocked and sorry for the bloody attack here. Our family just arrived here from Chiang Mai and we wanted to see what happened here and pay our respects to the victims," Vivian said, adding that they would soon leave to spend time in Phuket rather than stay in the capital.
The blast claimed the lives of 20 people, many of whom were foreign tourists and 68 people are still being treated in hospital.
Meanwhile authorities have circulated a sketch of the suspected bomber’s face and claimed the well-planned attack was planned by a network of at least 10 people.
Tourism leaders said they will continue to promote Thailand overseas.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand will press ahead with planned trade events in Asia over the next few weeks.
"We’ll use the fairs as venues to update potential tourists about the real situation in Bangkok and Thailand so they can understand the situation and not be afraid to travel here," said Srisuda Wanapinyosak, TAT executive director for East Asia.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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