Tourism sector predicts B10bn loss

Tourism sector predicts B10bn loss

The invoking of the emergency decree in Bangkok and vicinity on Tuesday could cost the tourism sector about 10 billion baht in lost revenue, according to Chidchai Sakornbordee, chairman of Thai Tourism Business Association.

He said number of foreign tourists visiting Thailand is dwindling and hotel reservations by foreign tourists have been cancelled since the beginning of anti-government protests in November 2013.

After the invocation of the emergency decree, the number of foreign tourists to Thailand during the fourth quarter of last year and the first quarter of this year, the tourism high season, is projected to drop by between 30% and 40% on the fourth quarter of 2012 and the first quarter of 2013, Mr Chidchai said.

The loss in tourism revenue is projected at 10 billion baht, he added.

A large number of Chinese tourists visit Thailand at the end of each year and during the Chinese New Year festival, but they had cancelled their trips to Thailand because the Chinese government had issued a warning not to visit Bangkok for safety reasons, he said.

About 30 flights to Bangkok from China and at least 10 flights from Russia had been cancelled, he said.

Foreign tourists have been caught in the middle of anti-government protests in Bangkok. (File Photos)

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