Tour operators will be
urged to adjust their programs in Bangkok for tourists after the
anti-government protesters’ announcement of a mass rally in the city planned
for 13 January 2014.
The Secretary General of
the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban, has
called for the mass rally as a way to show civil disobedience.
Mr. Suthep explained that
the mass rally, which would turn a number of Bangkok roads into walking
streets, is meant show to the world community the failure of the Yingluck
Shinawatra administration to administer the country. He said that public
transport, such as buses, electric trains for commuters – the “skytrain” and
the subway – and airplanes would not be affected by the mass rally on 13
January. A spare lane would be arranged on all roads for ambulances in case of
emergency.
The anti-government
protesters have demanded that political reform be carried out before the next
general election. The planned mass rally will be the fourth called by PDRC in a
bid to overthrow the Government and return power to the people for the reform.
Transport Minister
Chadchart Sittipunt expressed disagreement with the PDRC’s plan to occupy
Bangkok, saying that it would constitute a violation of other people’s
constitutional right to freedom of movement.
Meanwhile, the Association
of Thai Travel Agents said that it would inform tour operators of the situation,
especially those handling tour programs in Bangkok, so that they would adjust
their travel routes. It said that tour operators might offer package tour
programs for tourists during the period to other major tourism destinations,
such as Chiang Mai, Phuket, Samui Island in Surat Thani, and Hua Hin in
Prachuap Khiri Khan.
The Tourism Authority of
Thailand is anticipating tourist arrivals of 26.1 million in 2013. It expects
that the number will increase to 28.01 million in 2014. Tourism revenue
projections are for 1.1 trillion baht in 2013 and 1.33 trillion baht in 2014.
The tourism-related organizations believe that if the ongoing political
demonstrations take place in a limited area, they are unlikely to have a great
impact on the tourism sector.
According the tourism
situation update, the current anti-government demonstrations in Bangkok have
been normal and are taking place mainly at the Democracy Monument on
Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue. Life in Bangkok and all other areas of Thailand
continues as usual.
Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang
International Airports in Bangkok, as well as other local and international
airports throughout the country, are open. They are also operating as usual.
(thailand.prd.go.th)