Minor Group chief seeks fair-go for Thailand
Bill Heinecke, chairman and CEO of Minor Hotel Group has come to the defence of the Thai military whose coup, he says, "provides the platform for an effective ‘reboot’ of Thai democracy that will meet the needs and aspirations of the Thai people".
In an open letter to the ambassadors of nations represented in Thailand, and to the international media, Heinecke wrote: "A coup d’etat is not a positive event by any means. I do not believe that the Thai military considered it to be positive, but rather a necessary step that was taken reluctantly.
"The military showed great restraint as it stood by watching the situation deteriorate, allowing ample time and opportunity for the politicians to resolve the crisis.
"The price for that period was paid for by the Thai people, in blood, stress and economic sacrifice and only when it was clear that that there was no other reasonable solution did the Thai military step in."
Heinecke said he spoke from the experience of living for 51 years in Thailand.
He said Thailand was not only facing political challenges, "but also the compounding effects of exaggerated media reports which paint a distorted and unrealistic picture of the situation in the Kingdom".
He said 62 countries had issued travel advisories for Thailand, 19 of which contained a "red alert", advising citizens to defer all travel to Thailand.
"These travel warnings are baffling to those of us who understand Thailand and fly in the face of the fact that Thailand continues to peacefully welcome millions of travellers from all over the world.
"Thailand very much remains open for business and is as safe, friendly and welcoming destination for tourists as it has always been.
"I know that my letter is only one voice, but without voices there can be no conversation. I hope that at a minimum my thoughts will cause some reflection, and generate informed dialogue, on the realities of Thailand today," Heinecke wrote.
Footnote: Thailand’s military government has lifted a late-night curfew in 20 more provinces. But it remains in place in more than 50 others and in the capital, Bangkok.
Ian Jarrett
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