Calm before a storm?
March 12, 2010 by TTRweekly Staff
Filed under News
The streets of Bangkok and highways from the suburbs are quiet this morning, but the city is bracing for a storm as red shirt protestors gather for what they call a show down with the government.
The government confirmed, yesterday evening, that as many as 50,000 troops have been deployed in the capital in a peace keeping role.
There are nine Royal Navy gun boats guarding the Thon Buri side of the river, opposite Thammasat University.
Travel to Thailand cancelled for a week
March 12, 2010 by TTRweekly Staff
Filed under News
Hong Kong package tours to Bangkok have been cancelled for one week, while the Singapore government has announced that all citizens travelling to Thailand must register their travel plans online before they leave the country.
The Hong Kong travel red alert follows the Thai government’s announcement that it has placed the city and nearby provinces under the Internal Security Act in an attempt to curtail violence during red shirt rallies over the weekend.
CX waives fees on BKK route
March 12, 2010 by Rapeepat Mantanarat
Filed under News
As a result of political turmoil in Thailand, Cathay Pacific Airways says it will waive all rebooking and rerouting charges for all tickets issued worldwide, irrespective of fare type on/before 10 March for travel involving Bangkok until 16 March.
The announcement does not apply to cancellation and refund charges for both Cathay Pacific and Dragon Air services, just the waiver on rebooking and rerouting fees. Passengers have to make requests on/before 16 March and before departure. No-show passengers are not eligible for the waiver.
Hotelier: Stay away this weekend
March 11, 2010 by TTRweekly Staff
Filed under News
A leading hotelier and former president of Bangkok’s Skal Club, Andrew Wood, describes cancellations and outlines a disturbing escalation that suggests Thailand’s tourism is about to face its biggest challenge.
He issued a situation assessment and update to Skal Club members in Thailand, earlier this afternoon.
He suggests that if visitors are not travelling on essential business to Bangkok they should not travel to the city this weekend.
TAT update on Bangkok security
Tourism Authority of Thailand’s News Desk issued an updated fact sheet, this morning, on political rallies that start Friday 12 March and are expected to continue throughout the weekend.
For official text see: http://www.tatnews.org/newsletter/e-News/sent/Fact_Sheet/Fact_Sheet-10-03-2010.html“
Based on the TAT assessment, it would appear that tourists visiting Thailand, 12 to 14 March, should travel up-country and enjoy the beaches of Pattaya, Samui, Phuket, golf courses and the peace and quiet of northern towns. Once the dust settles in Bangkok early next week they could resume their itinerary.
TG shutters ticketing offices
March 11, 2010 by TTRweekly Staff
Filed under News
Thai Airways International announced, today, that its Larn Luang ticketing office and THAI Silom ticketing office will be temporarily closed Saturday 13 March and Sunday 14 March.
For information or assistance, contact THAI Vibhavadi-Rangsit ticketing office on Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road, which will be open Saturday 13 March from 0800 to 1700 and Sunday 14 March from 0800 to 1300.
Inquiries can also be made through the THAI Contact Centre Tel 02 356 1111 or visit website www.thaiairways.com
Rallies threaten tourism recovery
March 11, 2010 by Chanida Sa-ngiamphaisalsuk
Filed under News
Four more countries have issued travel advisories that warn travellers to avoid Bangkok between 12 to 14 March. Warnings have been issued by 31 nations so far.
Tourism Authority of Thailand deputy governor of marketing communications, Prakit Piriyakiet, confirmed the latest additions stating it was due to the “intense and sensitive political situation in the country”.
The latest advisories were issued by Brazil; Latvia; Czechoslovakia and Cambodia.
Ministry sets up assistance centres
March 11, 2010 by Chanida Sa-ngiamphaisalsuk
Filed under News
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports deputy permanent secretary, Thanittha Maneechote, said the Ministry would set up a National Tourist Assistance Centre operating from 12 to 23 March to facilitate foreign tourists around the clock.
Ms Thanittha revealed she had meetings with representatives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tourist Police, General Insurance Association, Tourism Council of Thailand, Thai Hotels Association and Association of Thai Travel Agents to start the project rolling.
Tourism makes global recovery
March 11, 2010 by TTRweekly Staff
Filed under News
Global tourism is poised to make a strong recovery but there are serious challenges too related to global economic order and ecological balance that will impact on tourism, according to UNWTO secretary-general, Taleb Rifai who is attending the ITB this week.
ITB 2010 follows a year of decline when international tourist arrivals fell by 4%, while earnings fell by approximately 6%.
UK updates advisory on Thailand
March 11, 2010 by TTRweekly Staff
Filed under News
The UK government issued a travel advisory update, 10 March, warning British nationals to exercise great caution throughout the country and avoid political demonstrations.
The advisory reads:
“The political situation in Thailand is volatile. British nationals should exercise great caution throughout the country and avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, which may turn violent. Anti-government protesters have announced plans to hold large demonstrations throughout Thailand over the course of this week. Protesters say that they will gather at several Read more
