Political turmoil to dent Thai tourism by 3m: council
Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) expected the missing of 3 million tourists during December and March, as a result of the domestic political conflicts.
This would reduce the expected revenue by Bt109 billion, TCT said.
“We expect the tourists to divert to neighbouring countries particularly Bali and Malaysia,” said TCT president Kongkrit Hiranyakit.
A Bangkok, Thailand, vendor waits along a busy downtown street Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2008. Recent events in Thailand involving months of anti-government protest culminating in a siege of Bangkok's two airports along with a global economy slipping into crisis could push the nation's economy into recession, some economist have said. Thailand's new Prime Minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva promised Wednesday to put together a competent Cabinet to revive Thailand's economic woes.
(AP Photo/David Longstreath)
TCT also revised down the tourist arrivals next year to 12.8 million from 15 million, with tourism revenue of Bt460 billion.
Kongkrit said the figures are lower than in 2008 when tourist arrivals are expected to reach 14.1 million and revenue to Bt540 billion.
Category: Thailand
