Thai tour groups return home

BANGKOK  All Thai tourists, who were visiting Nepal during the earthquake, have been accounted for and have since returned home.
Most of them were travelling on cultural and sightseeing tours that visit Kathmandu, Pokhara and resorts on the edge of Kathmandu valley that offer spectacular views of Everest. However, there were some Buddhist pilgrims who also visit Lumbini the birth place of the Buddha.
Thai Travel Agents Association president, Suparerk Soorangura, said around 20,000 to 30,000 Thais travel to Nepal annually which is a very small number. There were less than 100 Thai tourists in the country when the earthquake struck.
“There are two major groups of Thais travel to Nepal, namely, pilgrims and tourists who want to visit cultural sites and enjoy the vistas of snow-capped mountains including Everest.”
inside no 4Pilgrimages linked to Buddhism will concentrate on India and can be managed without staying in Nepal. Lumbini linked to the birthplace of the Buddha is located in southern Nepal close to the Indian border.
Tour operators believe it will take six months before travel can resume to Nepal, but the number of tours originating in Thailand to Nepal is insignificant.
THAI Airways International is operating normal services to Kathmandu, but most of the traffic is related to relief efforts and getting stranded visitors back home.
Tourism and Sports Minister, Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, said at least 11 travel companies have cancelled their trips to Nepal since 25 April earthquake.
Those who had already bought packages changed their holiday destinations to China, Hong Kong and Singapore for the long 1 to 5 May public holiday in Thailand.
Two groups of Thais travelling on package tours to Nepal with Mitr Maitree Tours and Kasem TPM Group when the earthquake struck have been accounted for and have now returned to Thailand.
THAI Airways International is a primary carrier assisting in the transport of rescue aid to Nepal, by supporting the government sector to send medical teams, rescue teams, and relief supplies to those affected by the earthquake.
The airline has set up a centre to coordinate with various organisations to speed up relief and aid to Nepal. Tel 02 545 3181 (24 hours).

sourced:ttrweekly.com