Curfew ease up pleases agents

BANGKOK, 12 June 2014: Association of Thai Travel Agents says the National Council for Peace and Order decision to ease the curfew for most tourist destinations is a positive sign that will help tourism to recover.
ATTA president, Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, said the tourism sector will bounce back now that the curfew has been withdrawn in 22 provinces where the country’s most popular destinations are located.
“All our beach resorts are now curfew-free,” he said many other destinations around the country have been included over the last week.
“Ending the curfew in these destinations will boost local tourism and encourage more foreign visitors to travel to Thailand. It is a good sign for tourism. The businesses in those areas will start to return to normal.”
The president added: “Tourism will make a full recovery once the curfew is lifted in Bangkok as the city is the main gateway for tourism.”
But he cautioned the NCPO to be “careful” as it was important to maintain order in the capital and ensure there were no more protests.
“Public safety remains the top priority and any violence occurring in the city would affect the national image and set back recovery.”
There are now 22 provinces that are curfew free.
Additions earlier this week were Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Tak, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Sukhothai, Mae Hong Son, Uttaradit, Phrae, Nan, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Roi Et, Loei, Surin, Trang and Satun.
Also 15 districts are curfew free: Sadao and Muang districts in Songkhla, Petchaburi’s provincial seat including Khao Yoi, Nong Ya Plong, Tha Yang, Ban Lat, Ban Laem and Kaeng Krachan districts; and Trat’s provincial seat, Klong Yai, Khao Saming, Bo Rai, Laem Ngop and Kood Island districts.
The 20 areas joined the existing 10 major tourist destinations currently enjoying curfew-free, which are Phuket, Samui Island, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Cha-am, Krabi, Phang Nga, Hat Yai, Chang Island and Pha Ngan Island.

Sourced: ttrweekly