Thailand still ready to welcome visitors

(05 September 2008)

Many potential visitors to Thailand have been deterred due to the recent political stand-off, despite almost all tourism facilities and services operating normally and the protests only affecting a small area of Bangkok.

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej announced a state of emergency on 2 September following clashes among protesters in Bangkok and temporary disruption at some regional airports, including Phuket.

However, the Ministry of Foreign affairs is keen to point out that the decree will not restrict the movement and activities of people around Bangkok or the Kingdom.

The tourism facts as of 3 September are as follows:

• Bangkok International Airport is operating normally. Services have resumed as normal at Phuket airport. There continue to be some concerns about Hat Yai airport. All other regional airports are operating normally.

• Major surface routes between Bangkok and other parts of Thailand are unaffected, although there may be disruptions to rail services to some provinces.

• Bangkok's city taxi and rail services are unaffected.

• All hotels and resorts in Bangkok and throughout Thailand are open for business as usual.

• All tourist attractions, shopping centres, markets, restaurants and clubs are operating normally in Bangkok and throughout the Kingdom.