Tourism sector worried by terror threat

Tourism sector worried by terror threat

The private sector has called on the government to explain the bomb explosions in central Bangkok yesterday to the foreign media, warning that the tourism industry could be heavily impacted.

Ittipan Khaolamai, head of the Ayutthaya tourism association's public relations service, said on Wednesday that news of the three bomb explosions in the Sukhumvit road area yesterday afternoon had spread throughout the world.

European countries had again warned their citizens of possible terrorist attacks in Thailand, he said. This would have a severe impact on tourism

"The government must quickly explain the situation to the foreign media because if the government is slow with its response, even for a day, it could be too late to get foreign tourists back here," Mr Ittipan said.

In Ubon Ratchathani, police beefed up security measures to head off any possible attacks.

Ubon was one of the towns listed in the travel warning issued by the British government yesterday to its citizens in Thailand in the wake of the bomb explosions in Bangkok.

"You should exercise caution, especially in the cities of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani," the warning said.

Ubon Ratchathani police chief Surapol Kaewkhao said stringent security checks were being carried out on foreign travellers at the provincial airport, train stations, bus terminals, electricity and waterworks offices, and oth er public areas.

"Preparations have been made and if there's a violent incident, a forensic team will be brought in immediately," said Pol Maj Gen Surapol.

~News courtesy of Bangkok Post~