Record crowds visit Bangkok icons

BANGKOK Thailand’s Department of Tourism reports over 82,000 foreign tourists visited Bangkok’s Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), 1 to 10 November.

The department general director, Wanasiri Morakul, said since the two iconic landmarks reopened to tourists, 1 November, 82,154 international tourists visited the two venue during the first 10 days.

“75% to 85% of all visitors were Chinese tourists travelling in groups and 15% to 25% were independent travellers from Europe and North America.”

She added: “Tourists also preferred to travel by boat to visit the two venues and they usually stopped at the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) before returning by boat.”

The department has set up four service points for tourists at the Grand Palace’s Viset Chaisri Gate, in front of Siam Rath newspaper headquarters on Rajdamnoen Avenue, Tha Chang Pier and Tha Maharaj Pier.

In addition, there are four public-relations points at tourist drop-off points – in front of Viset Chaisri Gate, at Tha Chang Pier, at Tha Maharaj Pier and at Chang Rongsi Bridge.

Three automated information kiosks have been installed at Tha Chang Pier, in front of Siam Rath headquarters and in front of Viset Chaisri Gate (white police box).

The kiosks dispense tourism information, news updates, provide directions to entrances and exits, walking routes, opening hours, and details of lost-and-found services.

At the tour-bus drop-off point in front of Siam Rath headquarters, a squad of traffic police, officials from the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority and municipal polices provide services to regulate the bus traffic.

At Tha Chang and Tha Maharaj piers, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and Marine Department officials provide assistance and look after  safety issues.

Tourism associations and tour guides have also been asked to warn tourists not to purchase unlicensed photos of the Royal Family sold on the streets, the general director added.

The department has also urged tour agencies and other tourism-related businesses to communicate with their foreign clients about the situation in Thailand and to urge them to dress appropriately when visiting historical and religious sites.