Violent crime in Thailand puts trade off selling
The spate of violent crime in Thailand is making agents nervous about selling the destination.
A recent TravelMole Poll asked ‘Man arrested over Thai island shooting’ – does it put you off selling/marketing/visiting?’
This followed a British tourist being shot dead in a Thai bar popular with backpackers in Koh Phangan on January 1.
A massive 83% voted yes, it does put them off while only 17% voted no – taken from more than 1400 votes.
The Foreign Office issued a warning following the murder stating that seven British nationals had been murdered in Thailand since January 2009 and that western tourists have been victims of vicious, unprovoked attacks by gangs in Koh Phangan, see previous story.
The TravelMole Poll prompted a Facebook discussion on the subject.
One personal travel adviser wrote he’s in the business to sell dreams and that ‘this one is tainted right now’.
He added: "It highlights that you can be perfectly innocent and get into danger. Following the incident I read an article highlighting police corruption etc. It puts me off selling it."
While others argue they still feel safe in the country.
Lee Harrison of Malvern World Travel said: "I’ve no qualms with selling it whatsoever. It’s got to be put into perspective.
"Besides customers are so independent."
Another agent said: "The Thai tourist area is a massive area so for these numbers I don’t think it’s shocking – there are innocents getting killed all over the world including our doorstep."
Diane
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