Bangkok Poll: Is Bangkok safe for tourists?

BANGKOK, 6 September, 2010 – Bangkokians feel threatened by political unrest and believe the uncertainties will continue to damage tourism, according to a recent survey by a Bangkok University poll released last week.

The Bangkok University Research Institute (Bangkok Poll) issued details of the survey “Is Bangkok Ready for the high season?” based on interviews with 1,237 city residents aged over 18. Details of the survey were released by National News Bureau of Thailand last Friday.

Asked about Bangkok’s readiness to welcome tourists during the coming high season, respondents gave a hesitant 6.71 points on a scale of one to 10.

Fears of more political instigated violence showed in a 7.06 rating, while those interviewed gave the city  6.26 points out of 10 for its potential to threaten lives and property.

The survey says 57.5% of respondents blamed the continuous political crisis for spoiling tourism to Bangkok and said it could happen again during the peak season.

Meanwhile, 22.9% believed that the situation could deteriorate with an escalation in violence including bomb blasts in the city and  just 11.1% said the global economic crisis was a factor that had disrupted tourism to Bangkok.

Asked to identify priorities to restore confidence, 43.9% of the participants said the government should end political turmoil and reduce domestic violence. Of the respondents, 20.3% demanded the highest level of security for tourists and 10.9% suggested a campaign to restore national unity and reconciliation should be the priority.

Concerning the State of Emergency, 64.9% of respondents wanted it to be lifted to boost tourism and rebuild confidence. At the same time, 35.1% said the emergency decree should remain. In July just 2.4% of those interviewed at that time said the decree should be lifted.

The emergency decree still applies to Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi,Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen and Samut Prakan.