Bangkok clashes affecting tourism and travel

Ongoing violence in Thailand?s capital has taken its toll on tourism, with a significant drop in crowds reported at Suvarnabhumi Airport yesterday. According to the Bangkok Post, arrivals into Bangkok?s international airport are down to two-thirds of normal levels as images of bombs, gunfire and grenade blasts in the capital continue to engulf television screens across the world.

The violence has also been witnessed in front of the Australian Embassy, which is located on Sathorn Road, prompting it to close yesterday until further notice.

Australian travellers are now reconsidering their need to travel to the country while companies such as Intrepid have cancelled eleven trips to the capital which were due to depart this week.
 
Intrepid spokeswoman Eliza Anderson said other Intrepid trips departing until May 23 had also been suspended.

Despite the drop, Thai Airways have not cancelled any flights to Bangkok.

She added that she was not aware of any drops in passengers. The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) also showed its support to Thailand yesterday, going ahead with its scheduled meeting in Bangkok. "These are sad times for Thailand however, there is no country that does not go through its share of strife at given moments? said PATA Chairman Hiran Cooray.