SURAT THANI - The decision to lift martial law will not be an incentive for tourists from the United States and Europe to visit Samui island, the Koh Samui Tourism Promotion Association president said on Wednesday.
Wannee Thaipanich said visitors from the US and European countries remained concern about the situation in Thailand despite the plan to lift martial law. But tourists from China, Malaysia and Singapore continued to visit the country because they understood what was happening in the kingdom, he added.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has submitted an announcement to lift martial law to His Majesty the King for endorsement. It will be replaced by Section 44 of the interim charter which gives Gen Prayut, in his capacity as chairman of the National Council for Peace and Order, sweeping power to handle situations in the country.
Samui is a popular island resort destination for local and foreign tourists.
Mr Wannee said most visitors to the island during the Songkran holiday will be Thais but hotel reservation rates would still be at the 60-70% level because most Thai visitors opted to stay with friends or family.
He expected the summer holiday from April 11-15 would inject at least 500 million baht into the island's economy.