Thailand stands to lose £1.6bn in tourism revenue if violent protests continue
Thailand's tourism industry has warned that it faces losing £1.6billion if the country's political turmoil and violent protests drag on for another six months.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is forecasting that the number of foreign tourists visiting the popular winter sun destination will drop by 900,000 over the next six months, according to The Bangkok Post.
Thailand's capital has been gripped by mass demonstrations since November, with opposition protesters demanding Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra step down.
Violence: Demonstrations turned into riots in some parts of the capital on Tuesday, killing five and injuring 70
The protests were initially sparked by the government trying to push through legislation that would allow the Prime Minister's brother - former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who is in self-exile in Dubai due to corruption allegations - to return to the country.
Despite an initial election held on February 2, to decide a new Prime Minister, the process is ongoing and there has been no let-up in protests, with some turning violent.
Unrest is restricted to the capital and is not affecting the beach areas, however there are fears that tourists could be put off visiting the country altogether.
In Bangkok, police have been ordered to exercise restraint and avoid using force, but deadly gun battles erupted on Tuesday after they moved into several locations around the city to remove protesters. Five people were killed and 70 injured in the clashes.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has updated its information, stating: 'The government has signalled its intention to dismantle the protest sites. On 18 February this resulted in violent clashes between the police and protesters at the Phanfa Bridge on Ratchadamnoen Road.
Unrest: Anti-government demonstrators were involved in a stand-off with police in Bangkok on Tuesday
'Voting in a national election took place on 2 February. There were protests and some violence during the election period and these may continue until all rounds of the election are completed and the results announced, which may take several months.'
TAT has constantly warned that prolonged unrest will affect tourism and has worked with partners to set up Tourist’s Friend Centres (TFC) to provide information and assistance for visitors. They are open 24 hours a day and there are branches at both Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang Airport. A further four are located at TFC BTS Skytrain stations (Siam, Phaya Thai, Ekkamai, Wong Wian Yai) as well as Hua Lampong MRT station. Visitors can also contact the TFC by telephone on +66 (0)2 314 1212.
TAT has also advised any worried tourists who have questions about an imminent holiday to Bangkok to contact its London office on 0207 925 2511 or to email info@tourismthailand.co.uk
Escape: Thailand's beaches are a popular winter destination and remain unaffected by protests in the capital
Speaking about the expected drop in tourist numbers, TAT governor Thawatchai Arunyik said the biggest fall will be in tour groups, which represent around 30 to 35 per cent of visitors.
However, the agency is in talks with eight tourism associations about what it can provide to help them market themselves throughout the difficult period.
The FCO is not advising against travel to Thailand (apart from the Thai-Malaysian border) or to Bangkok in particular, it simply advises holidaymakers to 'take extra care and avoid all protests, political gatherings, demonstrations and marches'.
However, the FCO does warn the situation is 'unpredictable' and also advises holidaymakers to leave extra time to reach the airport in Bangkok, due to traffic congestion caused by protesters.
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