Explosion to cast long-term impacts on tourism
Visitor arrivals this year could expand only 1-3 per cent this year against 5 per cent forecast, as the Feb 14 bomb blasts could scare away foreign travellers, Siam Commercial Bank said in its research.
SCB's Economic Intelligence Centre expected visitor arrivals this year to range 19-19.4 million.
Last year, the number hit 19.1 million.
"Foreign travellers would be more sensitive to alert warnings. Besides, possible flooding this year has already posted a downside risk to the industry," it said.
The centre expected the negative repercussions to stay for some time, as the explosion took place in the inner area of Bangkok - the capital city which welcomes about 40 per cent of total visitor arrivals. The blasts were also shortly before Thailand will host the Songkran Festival, highly popular among foreigners.
Moreover, the blasts followed warnings on terrorist attacks in Thailand by over 20 countries. Only China lifted the warning shortly ahead of the Chinese New Year.
