Thai Government Lifts Bangkok’s State of Emergency

The Thai government has ended the 60-day state of emergency which was imposed on Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Bang Phli district in Samut Prakan, and Lat Lum Kaeo district in Pathum Thani on 22 January 2014.

The revocation of the emergency decree is effective from today (19 March 2014).

Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said, “While the state of emergency has caused little inconvenience to travellers to Thailand, its lifting is a sign that things are fast returning to normal in Bangkok and visitors can look forward to travelling round the Thai capital with ease, as well as to the provinces for next month’s Songkran festival.”

In 2013, Thailand welcomed 26.7 million tourist arrivals, a 19.6% increase over 2012. For 2014, TAT has set a target of 28.6 million tourists generating estimated foreign exchange revenue of 1.32 trillion Baht, up 13%.

The Thai New Year (Songkran) 2014 celebration will take place between 5-20 April, throughout the kingdom.