Thailand’s minister of tourism has blamed reports on the country’s political demonstrations by media outlets such as the BBC and CNN for causing an over the top “psychological” impact on would-be tourists.
Speaking at Arabian Travel Market Chompol Silapa-Archa said the reports gave the wrong impression about the recent politcial unrest in Bangkok.
He explained: “The trouble is located in a very small area in Bangkok but you would think it was all over the country.
“Most of Bangkok and all of the rest of the country in places like Phuket and Samui there is no trouble at all and it is perfectly safe.”
The minister said he expected the trouble to be over within two weeks but has introduced a number of initiatives to keep tourists coming to the country.
These include waiving the tourist visa until March 2011, reducing aircraft landing and parking fees and a free insurance scheme to cover tourists in the event of a disaster up to $30,000.
Silapa-Archa also claimed he was not worried by UK foreign office advice advising againt travel to Thailand because he believes the “British people are not frightened and will continue to visit.”