Thailand tourism on the backfoot again
Thailand’s travel industry is divided over the impact of martial law on the country.
The army announced martial law in the early hours of Tuesday with the intention to “preserve order and bring back peacefulness” after months of political unrest.
Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), told the Bangkok Post the declaration of martial law would affect foreign tourist confidence, especially in sensitive markets such as South Korea, China, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Bank of Thailand statistics showed that three-month advance bookings for hotels in Thailand were 26% in March, compared with 32% a year ago, while the occupancy rate was 58% compared with 72% a year earlier.
ATTA members are advising tourists to adjust their schedules and head to places other than Bangkok, such as Chiang Mai, Phuket or Samui.
Porntip Hirunket, deputy chairwoman of the Tourism Council of Thailand, said the tourism sector was relieved after the announcement of martial law.
"It’s clear that the military did not stage a coup. It’s just a soft action to prevent violence and pave the way to ending the (political) deadlock," she said.
Thailand has forecast 28 million arrivals this year.
Ian Jarrett
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