Thai tourism to lose Bt200 billion
Thai tourism to lose at least Bt200 billion after political chaos
Thailand’s tourism industry will lose at least Bt200 billion of revenue this year, as the consequences of political unrest sparked by both yellow and red-shirted protesters, said Kongkrit Hiranyakit, chairman of the Tourism Council of Thailand.
“After the Suvarnabhumi Airport closure (in December), tourism business operators expected the industry to be affected for 6-9 months. The magnitude of damage from the invasion into the Asean Summit meeting venue would also give a similar result,” he said in an interview with Thai PBS.
He noted that the invasion concerns the safety of leaders of 15 nations, which are key markets. The number of tourists from these countries is expected to account for 8.5 million, or 60 per cent of target. The tourists however will question on security issue, following the actions that affected the security of their leaders. Therefore, though the emergency decree takes effect only in Chon Buri, but as Pattaya is a world-class destination, it would be difficult for the government to come up with a good explanation. And this would affect the tourism industry nationwide.
“Some tourists have showed their desire to leave the country, on fear that the protesters may continue to block the airport like last year. Those incoming tourists have also questioned on security issue and demanded cancellation,” he said.
Kongkrit is now concerned with the financial conditions of tourism business operators, which could worsen. Many would shut down businesses with the disapperance of tourists, aside from liquidity shortages, he said.
“So far, we have urged both yellow and red shirts to stay calm. Now. I think that’s not enough. Business operators are pondering some actions, to tell them that both sides could no longer claim that their actions are for the future sake to the nation,” he noted.
While the airport shutdown was expected to result in loss of Bt120 billion this year, the red shirts’ action would contribute at least Bt100 billion. This year’s tourism revenue target is set at Bt500 billion.
