TCT misquoted in foreign press
The Tourism Council of Thailand’s statements on how the crisis management centre would respond, if there was serious unrest in Bangkok in late February, were taken out of context.
TTR Weekly’s reporter was present at the news briefing and the statements made by the TCT secretary-general, Pornthip Hirunkkate, were clearly in response to a “what-if” question.
A reporter asked: “If there was a serious security lapse in Bangkok, following the court’s decision on the frozen assets case of former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, what would be the response?”
The TCT secretary-general clearlystated that she was identifying a hypothetical question. She said if there was a security lapse then the travel industry would work with the crisis management centre and would advise travel partners to move their guests to hotels and destinations away from the hot spots.
Unfortunately for the travel industry, an English language newspaper in Bangkok interpreted that statement to mean that the TCT was urging foreign tour companies to divert their customers away from Bangkok.
TTR Weekly recognises that the country does face security risks and that Bangkok is awash with rumours and speculation that seriously damages the country’s tourism industry as it attempts to make a full recovery.
But there are solid enough reasons to believe that tourists are safe and that the country will survive political crisis without descending into a destructive cycle of violence.
TTR Weekly bases its confidence on 33 years of reporting on Thailand and its tourism industry.
There are no easy answers. Politically, the country stands at the crossroads. The TCT and the crisis management centre are obviously prepared this time to act efficiently to ensure the safety of tourists. Their planning should be praised. But in the end they are discussing various scenarios that are not carved in stone.
Their only mistake was to share those details and plans with journalists who overlooked the meaning of “If”.
Saturday update 20 February:
Britain, Australia and the United States updated their travel advisories on Thailand yesterday evening . They advise citizens resident and visiting Thailand to avoid political protest sites. They are not currently recommending tourists stay away. However, the British advisory does add that if there are political protests visitors should stay indoors if they are staying in residences or hotels in the vicinity of protests.
Media always want to have exciting news. If the answer is correct then there is nothing to worry about. But it also suggests that the Authorities are at a loose end!!!!
why do we have to be so concerned for just a fugitive convict.
You think anyone outside Thailand gives a hoot about your “fugitive convict”? It’s a (nasty) Thai custom to blame the horrible outsiders whenever Thai officials commit a screw-up (ie whenever they open their mouths). The fact remains that ABC in OZ reported remarks and attributed quotes accordingly and understood the TCT woman’s comments in a certain way. Is that because the English-language journalist in Oz can’t understand English? Of course – if you’re Thai. Of course NOT – if you’re part of the real world.