Tourists undeterred by Bombs? - Thais are

Tourists 'undeterred' by bombs
Bangkok Post
Sydney (Agencies)

Fears that the New YearтАЩs Eve explosions in and around Bangkok would affect the numbers of incoming guests to the country have proved wrong, at least so far.

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata) has reported that most to their guests are continuing with their plans to Thailand.

Pata has been monitoring the situation and has found that there have been minimal cancellations reported from hotels, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) overseas offices and key tour operators.

"We encourage people who were planning to travel to the Kingdom to continue with their plans," said Pata President and CEO Peter de Jong.

As a result, business has been running as usual with security measures stepped up.

TAT has advised guests staying in Bangkok to avoid crowded places such as markets or bus stations, but otherwise, the New YearтАЩs events should not affect travel plans.

TAT has reported that a special communications centre has been set up to coordinate the tightened security measures at airports, bus terminals, train stations and light rail stations in Bangkok.

Bangkok Post

NEW YEAR'S EVE BLASTS
Many in service sector feeling the heat
The Nation

Restaurants report slump, but food-deliverers gain; some hotel bookings cancelled

Food delivery services are enjoying a huge windfall from the bomb attacks in Bangkok as people are afraid to go out, but few other services are benefiting from the violence that is feared will have lingering effects.

Many hotels have reported room cancellations, though no functions have been called off yet. Dine-in business at restaurants has been down.

However, suppliers of surveillance cameras are among the few companies which look set to gain from the heightened security concerns.

Though international event schedules remain intact, including the Eric Clapton concert this month, some functions might not take place.

If so, it would coincide with Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont's warning on Friday that people should brace for months of political unrest, as new attacks could follow the deadly New Year's Eve blasts.

Airports of Thailand has dropped plans to hold a Children's Day celebration at Suvarnabhumi Airport due to safety concerns, while the Tourism Authority of Thailand is considering whether to go ahead with the Pattaya Music Festival, which was set for March at the beach resort. There is no final decision yet as the TAT needs to discuss further with the event organisers, a source at the agency said..."
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