Thailand prepares for a drop in tourists after martial law is imposed


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There are fears that Thailand's army-imposed martial law could further damage the country's fragile tourism industry.

Long-running protests, which first began in November last year, have destabilised the tourism industry, causing a six per cent drop in visitor numbers in the first three months of the year.

But tourism officials are reassuring travellers that the new imposition of martial law shouldn't affect them.

Fears: Martial law has been imposed by the Thai Army, meaning there will be a bigger military presence in the capital

Fears: Martial law has been imposed by the Thai Army, meaning there will be a bigger military presence in the capital

'It might look scary and to outsiders it might sound violent, but if we look at it from another angle it should bring more security and peace which should reassure tourists,' said Supawan Tanomkieatipume, vice-president of the Thai Hotels Association.

However, some travel agencies said they expected a further fall in bookings after Tuesday's news.

The Tourism Council of Thailand estimates cancellations will cut earnings in the tourism industry by 83 billion baht (£1.5billion) in the first half of 2014. Last week, the tourism body cut its foreign tourist arrivals target for this year to 26.3 million, the lowest in five years, from 28 million.

The council's vice president, Pornthip Hirunkate, said there had already been some cancellations since the announcement of martial law and predicted a further nine per cent fall in arrivals in the April-June period from a year earlier.

Unrest: Protesters have taken to the streets since November, which has at ties resulted in violent clashes with police

Unrest: Protesters have taken to the streets since November, which has at ties resulted in violent clashes with police

'The martial law will have some impact on tourists but this year is not a good year for tourism anyway because of the protracted unrest,' Pornthip said.

Inadequate insurance cover may also put some off: most travel policies have exemptions specifying that claims will not be paid if they are a result of martial law or civil unrest.

Many governments updated their travel advisories to citizens on Tuesday, warning of an increased military presence and some roadblocks in and around the capital Bangkok.

 

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advised: 'There is increased military presence in Bangkok and neighbouring provinces. The situation is evolving and you should monitor local news and social media for developments. Allow extra time for journeys, including to the Bangkok airports.'

It went on to explain: 'Martial law provides an enabling framework for the Royal Thai Army to take action it deems necessary to enforce law and order, and instructions can change rapidly.

Presence: The FCO warned that there will be more military in Bangkok as a result of martial law, but did not declare the city unsafe

Presence: The FCO warned that there will be more military in Bangkok as a result of martial law, but did not declare the city unsafe

'Political demonstrations continue in and around Bangkok and elsewhere in Thailand. There have been indiscriminate attacks involving weapons and explosives at protest sites and at protest marches causing casualties and deaths. Attacks have taken place during the daytime and at night.'

On Internet travel forums, potential visitors voiced concern about the situation and asked whether they should cancel trips. According to the FCO, Bangkok remains a safe place for tourists to visit - there are no restrictions.

Tourism outside Bangkok has held up but overall arrivals to Thailand still fell 5.85 percent in January-March from a year before.

Kellie Carty, a spokeswoman for travel agency Flight Centre, said visitors were unlikely to cancel trips altogether but would avoid stays in Bangkok.

The Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents President Hamzah Rahmat said any impact was likely to be short-term and mostly affect the capital.

'The riot is only in Bangkok - Phuket is booming,' he said.




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