Thailand maintains Schedule of International Events despite Bird Flu

Despite the recent epidemic of avian or bird flu that has spread throughout the Asian region, Thailand is maintaining its schedule of international events planned by various agencies in the country.

In realising the consequences that the epidemic could have for the country’s tourism, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) contacted its overseas offices to see whether or not there had been any effect. The TAT offices in China, Hong Kong, Korea, and Taiwan, countries that are also experiencing avian flu, stated that there had been some cancellations, but expected tourists to resume their trips again soon. Other major markets had reported no effect at all.

This news is seen as a boon for Thailand’s tourism industry, especially following the success of the recent 2004 Bangkok International Film Festival and Johnny Walker Classic golf tournament. The 2004 Bangkok International Film Festival saw the attendance of well-known celebrities and the showing of more than 150 films over a period of twelve days. Personalities such as Oliver Stone, who is presently in Thailand shooting his film ‘Alexander’ held a press conference, as well as Bai Ling, Val Kilmer and Jackie Chan who attended various events flew in from different parts of the globe for the Festival. The Johnny Walker Classic also saw world-class pro golfers such as Ernie Els, Ben Curtis, and Nick Faldo recently in Thailand competing against one another for the total prize pool of 67 million Baht.

Mrs. Juthamas Siriwan, Governor of TAT said, “These two events are only the beginning of more of what’s in store for this year. As part of our marketing plan to promote Thailand to the world, we are focusing on some of our more well-known destinations and attractions as well as aspects of our country’s unique culture and traditions.”

“The Pattaya Music Festival next month in which both Thai and international groups and singers perform over three days and our world famous Songkran Festival, which this year is being held in Chiang Mai, in April will showcase some of what our country has to offer. Both events have always encouraged visitors to our country. Also later in the year are a few more surprises.”

Private entertainment entrepreneurs are also not worried about the situation and are also going ahead with their plans to bring more foreign acts to perform in Thailand. This month music fans will be able to see Mariah Carey at the Muang Thong Thani Impact Arena (February 17) and Bryan Ferry and Chrissy Hynde and The Pretenders at the BEC-Tero Hall (February 27).

All these events come in response to the belief by both the public and private sectors in the ability of the Ministries of Public Health and Agriculture and Cooperatives in eradicating the disease. Through these government agencies, measures have been initiated to prevent any further spreading of the flu. For Thailand, there is also further cause of some jubilation as the Head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) yesterday announced that as a result of the measures being undertaken the kingdom was no longer a risk area, and that there was no need for people to cancel their trips to the country.

Mrs. Siriwan said, “This is indeed good news for Thailand, and I’m sure that in the very near future we will also see tourists from our affected markets coming to our country.”

Also in realising the dramatic effects that the disease could have on the region’s tourism industry as well as the possibility of human-to- human transmission, in the 7th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers being held in Vientiane, Lao P.D.R., the Tourism Ministers of the ASEAN member countries not only noted the joint statement of the Agriculture and Health Ministers issued in their meeting in Bangkok on 28 January, 2004, but also applauded the affected countries for their initiatives in the surveillance and effective response to controlling the spread of the disease.

“Visitors who come to Thailand will see that we are working hand- in-hand with our Asian neighbors in combating the disease, so that they can continue their holidays as planned and can see the uniqueness of what Thailand and other countries within the region have to offer,” Mrs. Siriwan said.