Political strife puts more pressure on Thai tourism
Thailand has been adding up the economic cost of ongoing political strife in the capital which has paralysed the central city shopping and tourist areas.
According to a survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), the mass rallies by red shirts at Ratchaprasong intersection and Ratchadamnoen Avenue have resulted in 60-90 billion baht in lost revenue – mainly for hotels, department stores and the tourism sector.
Several hotels and shopping malls in the area have been forced to close due to the demonstrations and fears of further violence.
UTCC added that the protest would cut the country’s gross domestic product by 0.4-0.6 percent. That figure would rise to 0.6 percent to one percent lower economic growth should the protests last another three months, costing the country as much as 140 billion baht.
Thanavath Phonvichai, an economist at the university, urged the government to speed up the disbursement of economic stimulus spending and accelerate aid measures for tourism operators and small and medium-sized enterprises that have been hard hit by the protests.
Imtiaz Muqbil, a Bangkok-based journalist writing for TTR Online, said, “The red shirts’ deliberate and calculated targeting of the tourism sector has politicised, splintered and angered the industry, and will lead to further problems down the road.
“On the positive side, however, there is no doubt that Northeast and upcountry Thailand will become a major focus of marketing and promotional attention in the years ahead.
“It will also lead to stepped up efforts by individual destinations such as Samui, Phuket, Chiang Mai and others to reduce their dependence on Bangkok as a gateway and develop independent accessibility and brand-image.”
Muqbil added, “If there is one lesson to be learnt from this latest crisis, it is that complacency and perpetual optimism are no longer an option.”
Chumpol Silapa-archa, Thailand minister of tourism and sports, and Suraphon Svetasreni, governor, Tourism Authoirty of Thailand, are due to update the outlook for Thai tourism during Arabian Travel Market in Dubai on May 4.
Phil Davies
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026