BANGKOK, 22 May 2018: Travel association leaders in Bangkok expressed dismay that political protests planned for this week could disrupt tourism.
They made their complaint to Minister of Tourism and Sports, Weerasak Kowsurat, during a meeting Monday.
They focused their attention on groups assembled at Thammasat University to protest up-coming elections, claiming the images in the media could impact on the travel confidence.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Tourism Council of Thailand, the Association of Thai Travel Agents, the Tour Guide Association, Association of Amusement Parks, Thai Restaurant Association and Thai-Chinese Association.
The vice president of ATTA warned that the tourism sector was an important driver for the economy. Political protests would dampen demand for travel to Thailand, he said.
“We want all parties to be aware of the problems that may impact on tourism, he told the Minister. “Income to the country would fall and it would impact on tourism development projects.”
During the meeting the Minister of Tourism and Sports confirmed that the Ministry of Industry along with the Ministry of Energy would back a project to introduce electric ‘Tuk Tuks’ to cut air and noise pollution.
It would require cooperation with the private sector to establish charging stations near attractions such as the Grand Palace.
During the briefing, the Minister of Tourism and Sports gave an update on creating new attractions and developing secondary destinations and promotions.
There are plans to promote routes that include river and canal attractions in and around Bangkok, while promoting incentives and conference business in secondary cities in Northeast Thailand.
While the core objective continues focus on spreading tourism to secondary destinations there were calls for improvements to land and marine safety as well as the standard of guiding in the country.
The crackdown on illegal guides and illegal hotel operations will continue headed by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Royal Thai Police.
There are enterprises that are selling stays to tourists in apartments and condominiums as well as illegal hotels that have not been registered correctly.
The Minister confirmed that the crackdown would continue, led by the tourist police, to prosecute groups that exploit tourism and avoid paying taxes.
He blamed foreigners living in the country who are conducting tourism business without being registered properly. There are also moves to pressure online booking sites to promote properties that are registered and ask for proof of registration when the hotels apply for a posting.
