Travelers breaking from their demanding lives during better days to enjoy Khao San Road’-signature, the bucket of booze. Photo: Gemb1.
More tourists than ever have visited Thailand so far this year, but the year-end numbers will likely take a hit from the politically instability wracking the capital.
By the end of last month, Thailand had nearly 22 million arrivals, according to government spokesman Chalitrat Chantarubeksa.
That was an increase of 3.9 million people, or 22.3 percent, over last year.
ASEAN, European and U.S. tourists were most represented, along with travelers from China, Malaysia, Russia, Japan, Korea, Laos, India, Australia and the United Kingdom, MCOT reported.
However, if the global international backpacker Mecca that is Khao San Road is any indicator, the rest of the year may not look so good for Thai tourism.
Despite being peak travel time, only 30 percent to 40 percent of that area’s 8,000 rooms are currently occupied.
With the epicenter of a large movement to overthrow the elected government located at its edge, the popular destination is seeing about half the usual visitors, said Prasit Chiaranaisakul of the Khaosan Business Association. Almost all rooms were booked at this time last year, he added.
It hasn’t helped that 19 nations have issued warnings about traveling in Thailand, including the United Kingdom, France, Sweden, Japan, Taiwan, Canada and Australia, MCOT reported.
