The current political stand-off and state-of-emergency following clashes among protesters in Bangkok is greatly effecting tourism in Thailand, yet almost all tourism facilities and services are functioning normally throughout the rest of the country.

The current political stand-off and state-of-emergency following clashes among protesters in Bangkok is greatly effecting tourism in Thailand, yet almost all tourism facilities and services are functioning normally throughout the rest of the country. Protesters demonstrated on Tuesday in Bangkok, causing chaos as well as regional airport disruptions; demonstrations are currently limited to the immediate area around Government House in Bangkok. The government is urging tourists to Bangkok to avoid this area.

Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej declared a state-of-emergency on Tuesday, yet it does not involve a curfew or any other measures restricting the movement of people around Bangkok or the Kingdom. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the decree is a “temporary measure”, applicable only in Bangkok and that “the Government will continue to exercise utmost restraint”.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “in other districts of Bangkok and the rest of the Kingdom, people continue to carry out their livelihood as usual with the country’s economic and financial system functioning normally”.

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has gathered updates for travelers in Thailand, stating: “Bangkok International Airport is operating normally. Services have resumed as normal at Phuket airport. There continue to be some concerns about Hat Yai airport. All other regional airports are operating normally….”Major surface routes between Bangkok and other parts of Thailand are unaffected, although there may be disruptions to rail services to some provinces. Bangkok’s city taxi and rail services are unaffected,” as seems to be the case for all hotels, resorts, tourist attractions, shopping centers and restaurants in Bangkok and throughout the country.

“Many of Thailand’s prospective visitors are understandably reluctant to travel when they hear about a state of emergency being declared and see images of violent clashes in media reports,” said PATA President and CEO Peter de Jong. “The reality, however, is that life is continuing as normal in Bangkok and Thailand and that, as of today (September 3), there is minimal threat to the safety of visitors to the Kingdom.”

Travel resources in the area that are being affected by the current events are typically offering contingencies for clients affected by the temporary disruption of domestic rail and air services.

“September is traditionally the low season for international travel to Thailand, therefore, in terms of volume, the impact may well be minimal if things return to normal soon,” noted PATA Director - Strategic Intelligence Center John Koldowski.

What is the protest about?
Members of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), royalists, businessmen and the urban middle class people, want the government led by Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to resign, because they say it is a proxy for ousted leader Thaksin Shinawatra’s administration, who is accused of corruption and abuse of power. The same group organized the massive street protests in Bangkok that preceded the 2006 military coup which forced Mr Thaksin into exile.

About PATA
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of the Asia Pacific travel and tourism industry. In partnership with PATA’s private- and public-sector members, it enhances the sustainable growth, value and quality of travel and tourism to, from and within the region. PATA provides leadership to the collective efforts of nearly 100 government, state and city tourism bodies, more than 55 international airlines and cruise lines, and hundreds of travel industry companies. In addition, thousands of travel professionals belong to more than 30 PATA chapters worldwide. PATA’s Strategic Intelligence Center (SIC) offers unrivalled data and insights, including Asia Pacific inbound and outbound statistics, analyses and forecasts, as well as in-depth reports on strategic tourism markets. For more information, please visit www.PATA.org.