Thailand Fears Terror Alert May Affect Tourism

By Jamaluddin Muhammad BANGKOK, Jan 20 (Bernama) -– The Thai Government fears the current terrorism alert in this capital issued by some countries could affect its tourism industry. Tourism and Sports Ministry spokesman Watchara Kannika said the prolonged alert could directly affect the country's tourism industry. "There are some psychological impacts on the tourism industry after the United States posted terrorism warning on the website of its embassy in this country last Friday," he said. However, he said there was no significant cancellation of tour packages by tourists at the moment. Last Friday, the US Embassy warned that foreign terrorists could be looking to conduct attacks against tourist areas in this capital in the near future. Apart from the US, several other countries, including Israel and Australia, have also put up the terror alert. Watchara said some tourists had postponed their visit next month and adopted a 'wait-and-see' attitude. "Some tourists have changed their destinations to Phuket and Chiangmai, instead of Bangkok, as a result of the development," he said, adding that the Suvarnabhumi International Airport here still maintained foreign tourist arrivals at between 40,000 and 50,000, three to four days ago. However, Watchara cautioned that Indian and Chinese tourists were sensitive to this kind of development as they had cancelled their trips during the previous worst flood in five decades experienced by this country. He believed the country could generally achieve its target of attracting 19.5 million foreign tourists, with tourism revenue of 760 billion Baht (about RM76 billion) for this year, despite the current development. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has assured public and tourist areas in this capital were safe. A terrorist suspect, a 48-year-old Lebanese, has been detained in this city since last Thursday and more than four tonnes of explosive materials were discovered, following his confession. The suspect had also allegedly confessed that a terror attack on this capital was called off as Thai authorities had become aware of the plot. The suspect had told local police that the explosive materials discovered were not meant to be used in this country but for export to other country. -- BERNAMA