The
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) plans to organize big events to restore
tourist confidence once the political situation in Bangkok eases.
The
events will be held at the venues where mass rallies have taken place, such as
Ratchadamnoen and Ratchaprasong roads.
As part
of a proactive campaign, TAT will also invite foreign tour agencies and members
of the international media to visit Thailand after the situation in Bangkok
returns to normal. It still maintains that Thailand’s tourism income will reach
the target of 2.2 trillion baht by 2015, with an emphasis on creating a quality
market base and expanding the niche market.
Regarding
the ongoing anti-government demonstrators’ occupation of the Bangkok’s downtown
areas, TAT has announced that all tourist assistance measures are still in
place. The occupation has been carried out by the People’s Democratic Reform
Committee since 13 January 2014.
TAT
Governor Thawatchai Arunyik reiterated that all authorities involved and
relevant private organizations continue to work hand in hand to ensure safety
and convenience for all tourists to Bangkok.
The
tourist assistance measures, which have been lined up and operating prior to 13
January 2014 are still in place. For instance, the Tourist’s Friend Center
(TFC) – operated by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports in conjunction with TAT
– remains open 24 hours a day to offer assistance for tourists. There are two
TFC branches located at Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang International
Airport and four TFC Help Desks, located at the BTS Skytrain Siam, Phaya Thai,
Ekkamai, and Sala Daeng stations.
In
addition, there are three TFC Shuttle Bus Pick-up Point, located at the Jewelry
Trade Tower, Windsor Suites Hotel, and Twin Towers Hotel. Each location has one
bus, two vans, and one boat on standby.
Meanwhile,
a number of rapid Tourist Police units and 50 volunteers are on standby to
assist tourists who may need to travel through the demonstration areas. Apart
from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and TAT, the TFC has coordinated with
the Tourist Police, the Immigration Bureau, the Metropolitan Police Bureau, the
Railway Police Unit, the Tourism Council of Thailand, the Thai Hotels
Association (THA), the Road Passenger Transport Association, and the
Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA).
Suvarnabhumi
Airport continues to operate the Airport Operation Center, offering assistance
for passengers at check-in counter row R, Departure Hall, 4th floor of the
Passenger Terminal. The Airport also deploys a group of facilitation personnel
from TAT, ATTA, and THA to assist passengers near the Airports of Thailand
(AOT) Information Counter, Arrival Hall, 2nd floor of the Passenger Terminal.
(thailand.prd.go.th)