Songkhla Entertainment Business Association chairman Sorajak Juuthong has said that entertainment venues in Thailand’s southern commercial hub of Hat Yai have beefed up security measures to reassure tourists that it’s safe to come back, with members of the Association agreeing to hire more security guards and install closed circuit television at each entertainment venue.
Five bombs exploded in central Hat Yai on September 16 leaving four persons dead and some 80 others wounded and the incident has, understandably, had a negative impact on tourism.
Mr. Sorajak said after the bombings, the number of foreign tourists dropped 40 to 50% per cent while the number of Thai tourists fell 20 to 30% per cent both of which have severely affected the Hat Yai entertainment industry.
Mr Sorjak expressed confidence that that improved security measures will help restore the confidence of all tourists, both Thai and international, with nightlife and tourism business owners optimistic as the high season in Hat Yai starts in October.
He added, “Now that there’s excellent security in place, we look forward to fully recover in December.”
A Thailand Special Report by The Mole
