Asian tourists have begun turning away from Thailand, official statistics show, prompting concern that holidaymakers might be avoiding the kingdom because of its continuing political woes.
The number of tourists arriving from East Asia dropped by 7,3% in the first two months of the year, compared with the same period in 2006, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said.
“Sensitive Asian tourists, from Japan, for example, have been scared away from Bangkok due to security concerns,” said Pornthip Samerton, MD of travel agent Destination Asia.
The TAT numbers showed a general drop-off in February among tourists from around the world, as overall arrivals fell by 6% from January. Arrivals were still slightly up from the year before.
Pornthip said that many tourists may have reconsidered their travel plans following the deadly New Year’s Eve bomb blasts in Bangkok that killed three and injured dozens. Since then, several foreign embassies have upgraded their travel warnings for Bangkok, citing the threat of more blasts.
Meanwhile, a separatist insurgency in southern Thailand has sharply escalated, and the junta that took power in a coup last September has threatened to invoke a state of emergency in Bangkok over political protests.
“After the bombs, the political situation and the insurgency in the south have added to tourists’ concerns. Meanwhile, changing regulations regarding foreign investments have had an impact on business arrivals,” said TAT spokesperson Chattan Kunjara na Ayudhya.
Foreign investment has dropped off since the Bangkok of Thailand imposed tough currency controls in December, and the government in January proposed tightening foreign business rules.
“Those factors led to a decline of arrivals, and those from Asia fell short of our targets,” he said.
Tourism is a key money spinner for Thailand, generating about 6% of gross domestic product.
Las Vegas-based tourism consultant Globalyis said that Thailand could still expect to see an 8% percent increase in overall arrivals this year to 14,9-million — assuming there is no more political turmoil.
“Any further incident in the country’s capital or another popular tourist destination could trigger panic and drive away many tourists who may be concerned for their safety,” the consultancy said in a recent paper. “Traditionally in the region, tourism revenues are directly correlated with political stability.
“Reduced foreign investment could see Thailand lose out on tourism development in the coming years in favour of its competitive neighbours in the region.”
South-East Asia has seen increasing competition for tourist dollars, especially among Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Tourism groups have also warned that Thailand could see its annual expected tourism earnings of 800-billion baht ($22,85-billion) slashed by 10% because of a proposal to tighten rules on alcohol sales.
The new Bill, which is awaiting approval from the military-installed Parliament, bans alcohol sales within 500m of schools, temples and government offices. That would prevent many bars and restaurants from selling alcohol, which means tourists might spend less money or just pack up for a neighbouring country, the Federation of Thai Tourism Associations said. — AFP