Pattaya Daily News

Bangkok, the 16th of February 2010 [PDN]: With the current situation of political unrest, according to the Tourism of Thailand (TAT) Governor Supaphon Svetasreni, confidence of the foreign tourists remains high, with neither cancellations nor postponements to the Kingdom.
 
In a statement from the TAT chief, it is said, foreign tourists have been in contact with tourism officials and tour operators concerning the political situation, but to date, there have been no cancellations or postponements.
 
In response to the current political uncertainties of the Supreme Court’s ruling on the frozen assets Bt76.6 billion (US$2.3 billion)  of convicted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra scheduled for February 26, the TAT Tourism Intelligence Unit and Crisis Management Center (TIC)  along with the tourism private sector has been instructed to monitor the situation closely. Mr. Surapol said that the TIC has called a meeting on 23rd February to evaluate the situation and adopt new measure if required for a proactive marketing strategy and a public relations campaign.

Secretary – general Pornthip Hirunkate of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) stated that tourism in other countries have made numerous enquiries of private tour operators here about the latest political developments, however, there have been no cancellations of trips to Thailand as 60 per cent of the travelers are frequent visitors, with the majority being European.

The tourist market appears to understand the nature of the political conflicts which can happen in any county,  and foreign holiday makers often head for Bangkok before heading to other destinations such as Pattaya, Phuket and Samui Island said Mrs. Pornthip,
 
She continued by saying Thailand’s overall tourism industry has shown remarkable resilience, the TAT chief said. In January the number of foreign visitors so far has risen by 25 per cent especially during the start of the Chinese New Year, with rising figures proving tourists readiness and confidence in revisiting Thailand.

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