Convention bureau announces security measures for visiting VIPs in wake of blast
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VIP businesspeople attending a meeting in Thailand can ask for a police escort for their safety, after the bomb blast in Bangkok's Ratchaprasong area that killed 20 people just over a week ago.
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau has come up with six measures focused on providing assistance and maintaining confidence among MICE (meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition) organisers and travellers coming for events in Thailand.
TCEB president Nopparat Maythaveekulchai said yesterday that one measure was dispatching special police to accompany and support large groups and VIPs with the emphasis on providing safety and a smooth experience in transferring between the airport and their hotel.
MICE organisers can request expense support for events with at least 200 delegates per group or with VIP participants. The maximum is Bt5,000 per time. This is only for events that the TCEB supports.
Other measures are helping MICE travellers get from the plane to immigration at Suvarnabhumi Airport, providing information and assistance at the TCEB’s counter at the airport around the clock, reporting on the current situation and offering extra security upon request.
All key events are still on track.
From August to October, 72 MICE events are confirmed to be held in Thailand, with 76,608 delegates, generating revenue of Bt6.6 billion.
“There is no cancellation or postponement of events scheduled to be held in Thailand during this time,” Nopparat said.
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, tourists have returned to the city thanks to increased security and the presence of police in all areas popular with them.
The shopping districts of Sukhumvit, Siam, Silom and Ratchaprasong, the popular Chatuchak Weekend Market, and shops and restaurants have remained open.
Tourists and local shoppers have continued going to the big malls and stores in the downtown area.
Worshippers and sightseers have also started coming back to the Erawan Shrine to pay their respects to the Four-Faced Brahma God and to the people who lost their lives in the August 17 attack.
