Tensions in Bangkok continue to escalate, prompting the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to issue a warning that the country could lose THB90 billion (US$2.76 billion) in tourism revenue should the conflicts continue for a further six months and become more violent.
According to the Bangkok Post, Thailand’s Civil Court had ruled earlier this week that the caretaker government had the authority to exercise the emergency decree declared last month.
However, the court also issued a new set of orders aimed at prohibiting the dispersal of anti-government protestors. These include a ban on gatherings of five or more people and the use of weapons to curb peaceful demonstrations.
The article also stated that the number of foreign visitors to Thailand is forecast to drop by 900,000. Tour groups, which represent more than 30 per cent of total visitors, are the largest group affected by the political tension.
Foreign tourism authorities have continued to advise travellers against travelling to Thailand, with the Security Bureau in Hong Kong maintaining the “Black” travel alert which it issued last month (see here), and Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs warning its citizens to avoid affected areas in Bangkok.
For more information and updates, visit www.tourismthailand.org
Clement Huang
