A plan by the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee to shut down Bangkok will affect the tourism business during the coming long holidays of Chinese New Year.
Stylish tourists capture the scene in pictures as they attend Tuesday night’s NewYear countdown on Khao San Road. The threatened shutdown of Bangkok from Jan 13 could have an adverse effect on tourism, say industry analysts. APICHART JINAKUL
The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) expects foreign tourists, especially Asians, to visit Thailand to celebrate Chinese New Year from Jan 20-Feb 1.
ATTA president Susdivachr Cheewarattanaporn said the big new protest, aimed at shutting down the capital from Jan 13, will affect air and hotel bookings during the period.
"Many tour operators have already booked hotel rooms for their guests, but forward bookings for the Chinese New Year are quite small," he said.
In his view, political problems are obstructing national development. If the politicians continue to work for their own personal interest, Thailand will lose competitiveness.
"When politics gets more stable, tourism and other business sectors will prosper automatically," he said.
Surapong Techaruvichit, president of the Thai Hotels Association, said news reports about the anti-government protests have aired worldwide, and tourists are aware of the situation.
"I don't think the planned Bangkok seizure will have an additional effect on tourism," he said.
Tourists wanting to visit Thailand are unlikely to change their minds, while those who are worried about the political situation have long since cancelled or postponed trips to the country.
Mr Surapong said the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (Mice) market will be affected in this year's first quarter. But independent travellers who make quick decisions should continue to arrive unless there are any further violent incidents.
Tourism operators, especially those that depend on online marketing, have adjusted their strategies. Room rates are typically raised during the high season, but the current rates may be tempered.
Mr Surapong said the occupancy rate for Bangkok in the first quarter is forecast at 70-75% compared with a normal 75-80%.
The key question is whether more countries will warn their citizens about travel to Thailand, he said. The harsher the warnings, the greater the potential impact on tourism.