As the actions of yesterday’s street protest and subsequent dissolution of the House of Representatives come into sharp focus, (has anything really changed?) it is also clear that the protests are NOT over.
As the chaos threatens to be prolonged, tourism takes an ever deepening dip which in Bangkok at least, will have long term effects.
Today apart from being a public holiday is also the start of the ‘peak’ tourism season which is the zenith of the high season (Nov-Mar). The peak runs from the 10 Dec-10 Jan.
Hoteliers in Bangkok describe December business as miserable and have occupancies of 30-50% (eg Plaza Athenée which is reported to be currently 40% occupied or 60% empty) with bonus payments now looking unlikely. And it’s not just hotels – it’s travel agents, airlines and a myriad of other supporting tourism infrastructure.
Peak season with Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties is for many businesses a crucial period to make money for the rest of the year.
Yes Thailand is safe to visit and now more than ever the industry would welcome your continued patronage – please.
