Tourism operators hope the military coup will boost the confidence of foreign tourists in the long term, but want a curfew exemption in some major tourist areas in the meantime.
Ayutthaya is always a destination for many foreigners visiting Thailand. (Bangkok Post file photo)
Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, vice chairman of Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) and president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, said it was still too early to determine the impact of the military coup on the industry, but he believed there would be an immediate falling off in all areas.
The private sector felt the coup would benefit the industry in the long run, and hoped there would be some recovery within three months.
He said the coup was preferable to the political conflict continuing with no foreseeable end.
“The curfew will directly impact tourists’ feelings so, if possible, an exemption should be considered in some major tourist destinations,” said Mr Sisdivachr.
TCT president Piyaman Techapaiboon said the political stalemate had diminished the competitiveness of the Thai tourism industry.
She put her hopes on the the National Peace and Order Maintaining Council to help the country in the long term. Reform - whether political, economic, social or aimed at corruption - would benefit the industry's sustainability.