absolutelyBangkok archive · News & Media
Originally published May 9, 2010
You may have heard it, Thailand’s tourism industry is again suffering thanks to our red brothers promising a bright future and pure democracy. As a “side effect” there’s a flare up of civil unrest with reds hurting their very own people, upcountry migrant workers. Because, however looked at, as a result many tourists and business travelers have canceled or reconsidered their travel plans to Thailand.
In a country famous for its beaches, nightlife and friendly folks, people are suffering greatly as many towns and cities are heavily reliant on tourist dollars. The official Tourism Authority of Thailand was hoping that the days of economic downturn and riots that have put a dent in Thailand’s tourist industry were over.
However, the recent clashes and series of attacks that rather remind of Baghdad than Bangkok have caused more doubt and confusion in the minds of foreign tourists. Travel departments of many countries, such as Australia, the U.K. and U.S., have warned their citizens to reconsider, while some media have also done their best to play on the fears of tourists.
The reality is however, foreign expats and seasoned travelers have been unaffected. Simply be sensible, avoid the demonstrations and you’re able to travel in and around Bangkok and Thailand with the same level of safety as we’ve always had.
The good news for people looking to visit Thailand is many airlines, hotels and tour groups have significantly lowered their prices in a bid to attract the tourist dollar. Despite the one square kilometer of unrest in Bangkok, the other remaining 512,120 square kilometers of Thailand remain unaffected and still offer tremendous value and are a world away from the troubles and violence.
Now actually could be as good a time as ever to take the opportunity to visit Thailand.
To give you an example, before the initial clashes in 2009, the Metropolitan, a five star hotel in Bangkok had rooms starting at $260 USD. Now, you can book a room for as little as $110, by using a hotel price comparison search like Hotels Combined.
In similar fashion, family friendly resorts in southern parts of Thailand (in places that haven’t been touched by violence such as Koh Samui and Phuket) are available at lower rates than usual to compensate for the downturn in tourist numbers.
Airlines have also been discounting, direct return flights from London to Bangkok in May can be booked from 663 pounds with Thai Airways and 633 pounds by using flight comparison tool Skyscanner. Prices for the same route in July start from 780 and 883 pounds respectively.
Another reason to visit Thailand right now is the beautiful weather with the low season kicking in. As a tourist you feel like having the country for yourself. Sure it’s hot, but you’ll have the occasional rain shower and it’s sunny again. Perfect for relaxing around a beach, a hotel pool — or why not a spa.
Sure many of us miss the food courts over at Paragon and Central World. But if you’re not heading to red square aka Ratchaprasong you won’t even notice that the kingdom’s in trouble. Thais are as welcoming as ever, this is still a completely safe place — except for that motorcycle you may wanna rent. Wear the helmet and proper shoes.
Point is, at the moment you get more Thailand much cheaper than usual.
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