TAT ready for PR blitz
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has ordered its overseas offices worldwide to be on high alert to communicate with their host countries closely and clearly if the political demonstrations in the Kingdom grow worse.
Suraphon Svetasreni, TAT governor, said there had so far been no sign of foreign countries warning their citizens against travelling to Thailand. The local tourism industry is still positive and foreign tourist sentiment is good, he said.
The agency is providing its 27 overseas offices with updates to avoid misunderstandings. However, the agency will keep monitoring the situation closely and take precautionary measures if the demonstrations become more violent.
He is confident that the TAT will be able to manage the crisis because the office learned a lesson from the bloody political demonstrations between red and yellow shirts in 2010. Even though the situation is widespread, he believes the industry will move forward.
“We have prepared precautionary plans for every scenario in case the situation gets worse,’’ he said.
Yellow shirts launched a protest against reconciliation bills on Wednesday. At the same time, the red-shirt group has also threatened to form a rally against the yellow-shirt movement. Some worry the demonstration will become more violent and hurt the business sector as a result.
A chance to check the health of the local tourism industry will occur from June 6-10, when the TAT will organise Thailand Tourism Festival 2012 at Impact Muang Thong Thani. Suraphon said it would be a platform to gauge local traveller sentiment and spending.
However, he is confident the event will attract 200,000 people, up from 180,000 last year. About Bt300 million was spent during the five-day event last year, excluding post-event deals wrapped up with business operators.
