National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) in Thailand, the country's current ruling body after the military deposed the former government in a coup (see story), announced last night that curfew for three major tourist destinations had been lifted.
The city of Hat Yai and the islands of Ko Chang and Ko Phangan are the latest destinations to enjoy curfew exemption, following a similar move for tourist hot spots Pattaya, Ko Samui and Phuket last Tuesday.
This news comes after reports that the country’s tourism industry is suffering due to the ongoing political unrest. The Tourism Council of Thailand predicted last month that earnings of the industry would be cut by 83 billion baht (US$2.5 billion) for the first half of 2014.
Destinations that are exempted from curfew:
- Phuket
- Ko Samui
- Pattaya
- Hua Hin
- Cha-am
- Krabi
- Phang-nga
- Hat Yai
- Ko Chang
- Ko Phangan
Curfew remains in force in the rest of Thailand, including the capital of Bangkok and northern city of Chiang Mai. Airports are still operational, even during curfew hours. However, passengers arriving or departing during such times are advised to print their flight itineraries out, in case they are asked to present them at military roadblocks and checkpoints.
For more information, visit www.tatnews.org
Clement Huang
