Thailand Travel Industry thrives on the background of political instability
Despite a series of political disorders in Thailand, the head of tourism department of the country Supaphon Svetasreni expressed confidence that the Kingdom does not face either the cancellation or postponement of tours, and the number of foreign visitors will continue to be high.

The minister said that foreign tourists were constantly aware of the political situation in the country they got from industry representatives and tour operators, but there had been no cancellation or postponement of rounds, reports news agency «PDN».

In connection with the current political instability in anticipation of the expected verdict of the Supreme Court, which in the course of the trial, scheduled for February 26 will have to decide the fate of the frozen assets (76.6 billion baht, or 2.3 billion dollars), belonging to a prisoner detained former Prime Minister of the country Thaksine Shinawatre, undercover units and Crisis Management Center (TIC) the Ministry of Tourism, together with private tourism companies instructed to closely monitor the situation.

According to Mr. Surapol, during the meeting to be held on February, 23 under the auspices of the TIC, they will assess the situation, if necessary, the adoption of new proactive measures in the field of marketing strategy and PR-actions will be taken.

A statement, which was made by the General Secretary of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TCT) Pornthip Hirunkate, states that the local tour operator has received numerous inquiries from representatives of the tourist sector overseas to inform them of the development of political situation at the moment.

However, according to the officials, 60% of foreign tourists are regular holidaymakers, mainly Europeans, therefore, the cancellation or postponement of tours in Thailand can not actually take place.

"It seems that the tourist market realizes adequately the nature of political conflicts that are not insured by any one country, so that foreign tourists travel first to Bangkok and then - in areas such as Pattaya, Phuket and Koh Samui" - commented on the situation, Ms. Porntip.

The Head of TAT also drew attention to the dramatic pace of recovery for the entire tourism industry. By the end of January, the number of foreign tourists had increased by 25%, and the main growth took place in the period of New Year celebrations of the Lunar (Chinese) calendar. According to Ms. Porntip, the index growth demonstrates the strong determination of foreigners again and again to see Thailand.