HAT YAI INCIDENT HAS NO IMPACT ON THAI TOURISM

The situation in southern Thailand has quickly returned to normal and has no effect on the tourism industry following the incident in Hat Yai, a popular southern Thai city.

The situation is returning to normal while train services between Bangkok and the southern Thai provinces are also functioning as normal. Meanwhile, an investigation is now being conducted into the incident.

There were no casualties among international visitors.

Various preventive methods have been implemented to ensure the safety and security of local people and tourists during the coming Songkran festival. These include the installation of closed circuit cameras and additional deployment of plain clothes police officers in public places such as railway stations, bus terminals, airports and hospitals.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has established a Special Tourism Safety Unit to closely follow up the incident and collect the most updated situation from related government agencies.

The Unit will be responsible in providing updated and correct information on the incident through TAT’s 22 domestic offices, five tourism development co-ordinating centres and 15 overseas offices, Thai embassies aboard as well as foreign embassies in Thailand, especially to visitors from Malaysia and Singapore, two of most important markets for Thai tourism.

The Unit is opened 24 hours and can be contacted at Tel: 280-0710- 5 or Fax: 282-9775

TAT Governor Mr. Pradech Phayakvichien commented, “Providing clear and correct information will prevent negative rumours which will further damage the image of the country, help visitors understand the current situation, and make them feel less worried.”

“We are optimistic that visitors especially from the two southern neighbouring countries, namely Malaysia and Singapore who have planned to visit Hat Yai, will still come and enjoy this most unique Thai festival,” he added.

A total of 9,800 rooms in Hat Yai have been fully booked during April 13-15, and there have still been no cancellations of reservations and tours by travel agents and international visitors. It is expected that visitor arrivals to Hat Yai will total about 50,000, bringing about 300 million baht to the city’s economy.

In addition to high-spirited water throwing, various local festivals and tourism activities will also be held to celebrate the Songkran festival. These include Dove and Rooster Competitions, Bull Fighting, religious ceremonies as well as light and sound presentations.