Postbag: Tourists must feel safe

Postbag: Tourists must feel safe

The Bangkok Post editorials on Nov 11 and 12 put out the important message that Thailand cannot afford to ignore the risks and hazards tourists face in the country if we expect to continue benefitting from the substantial revenue and employment generated by the tourism sector.

When it comes to attracting tourists, perceptions are often far more important than realities.

Yes, Thailand is generally a very safe country. Yes, assaults, robberies and scams can and do happen to tourists in nearly every country. But if potential tourists think Thai authorities are uncaring or unwilling to address real threats, inconveniences and annoyances, they will quickly abandon the Land of Smiles for other destinations that are perceived to be more ''tourist friendly''.

Attempts by authorities to sweep serious incidents under the carpet _ such as the inexplicable attitude of Tourism Minister Chumpol Silpa-archa over the alleged rape of a young Dutch woman in Ao Nang district of Krabi in July _ certainly do nothing to enhance the image of Thailand as a safe and secure tourism destination.

Tourism figures for Thailand are impressive. International visitors topped 19 million in 2011, spending some 776 billion baht.

But authorities should note that Malaysia has leapfrogged above Thailand in tourist numbers in recent years, hosting more than 24 million visitors in 2011.

If Thailand hopes to retain or increase its share of tourism numbers and income _ including associated jobs and tax revenue _ authorities need to make every effort to ensure that all risks and threats to tourists are treated seriously. This should unquestionably include prompt and serious investigation and prosecution of all serious crimes perpetrated against tourists.

At the same time, it would go a long way toward improving Thailand's image if notorious gem scams, airport touts, ''no-rubbish-bin-in-sight'' littering fines, and other well-known irritations and threats to tourists were finally eradicated for good.

SAMANEA SAMAN


Barack beware of futsal

Fifa declared the new Bangkok futsal stadium unsafe, so what does the government do? It invites US President Barack Obama to watch a game there. Maybe the Republicans will have their day after all.

JACK GILEAD


Land reform the problem

Re: ''Rice scheme seen playing favourites'', (BP, Nov 13).

Economist Nipon Poapongsakorn expects 65% of the fiscal compensation to reach three million farm households, but the data shows less than one-fifth going to low-income farmers, with middle-income farmers receiving two times the compensation of poor farmers. Maybe that's because pledging rice can only be done by land owners, not farmers?

Maybe the real problem is land reform?

JOHN FRANCIS LEE


Abhisit must explain

Re: ''Abhisit smear campaign is unnecessary, experts say'', (BP, Nov 13).

The claim by Sripatum University ''political scientist'' Somchai Srisutthiyakorn - that the accusations levelled against Abhisit Vejjajiva are a concerted smear campaign against the Democrat Party to discredit and distract it ahead of the censure motion - is complete nonsense.

As far as I am aware, the accusations are against Mr Abhisit personally, and have nothing to do with the Democrats.

Second, the resolution of these matters will come long after the debate is over and in the meantime there is nothing to prevent Mr Abhisit from taking part in the censure debate. I would think the present circumstances might in fact encourage him to present a bravura performance.

Even if he were to withdraw from the debate for some reason it should make little difference. He may be the party's best debater but I'm sure he wouldn't claim to be the only party member capable of mounting an effective attack on the government.

Instead of accusing the government and engaging in various legal counter-moves, it would be better if Mr Abhisit gave a clear explanation of the circumstances which led to his exemption from national service.

DOM DUNN


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