‘Bangkok shutdown ‘ – Tourist arrivals down in Thailand
Bangkok : The number of foreign tourist arrivals has dropped by more than 300,000 as a result of the anti-government rallies, leading to an estimated revenue loss of 20 billion baht (about 600 million U.S. dollars) according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand .
Tourist arrivals from China, including Hong Kong and Taiwan are expected to witness substantial decline ahead of the Chinese New Year, the ministry said.
The ministry said the hotel occupancy rates in Thailand would see a 30 to 40 percent drop in January, while flight bookings were expected to rise 2 percent this month but would likely drop 9 percent in February. Forty-five countries have issued special travel advices urging citizens visiting Thailand to be cautious according to Xinhua .
Issuing situation update on Thailand political developments , the Tourism Authority of Thailand states – ‘ Life in Bangkok and throughout Thailand continues as per normal. The massive anti-government demonstrations in Bangkok have been peaceful and are taking place at Pathumwan intersection, Rajaprasong intersection, Saladaeng intersection (Silom Road / Lumpini Park), Lat Phrao five-way intersection, Asoke intersection, the Victory Monument roundabout and the Government Complex on Chaeng Wattana Road.’
These seven areas link directly with 16 main roads – Sukhumvit, Rama I, Rama IV, Silom, Rajdamri, Rajprarop, Phaya Thai, Phahol Yothin, Asoke Montri, Rajadapisek, Rajvithi, Din Daeng, Pracha Songkhro, Vibhavadi, Lat Phrao and Chaeng Watthana. Parts or some lanes of these roads may be closed to traffic.
However, local commuters and tourists can commute to and from their desired destinations using the skytrain, the subway, the airport rail link or other public transport. Those travelling by private vehicles or public buses and vans can make use of the expressways, although some entrances and exits may be temporarily closed.
The anti-government demonstrators are marching to some government agencies in different parts of Bangkok to call for civil disobedience in a bid to mount pressure on the Caretaker Yingluck Shinawatra Government to step down.
In addition, two other anti-government demonstration groups are staging their protests at Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue and the Government House. Parts or some lanes of roads in the areas may be closed to traffic.
Most businesses, including banks, petrol and gas stations, hotels, spas, restaurants, entertainment venues, cinemas, convention centres, shopping malls, superstores, convenient stores, pharmacies and hospitals are open and operating as per normal .
January 14 , 2014
