The Bangkok bombing will approximately cost THB64 billion in lost tourism revenue after 1.33 million people cancelled their trips, the Tourism and Sports Ministry said yesterday.
The loss is a stark contrast to the junta’s statements claiming the tourism industry will not be affected by the bombing. The Tourism and Sports Ministry also reported that 35 countries delivered travel warnings to their citizens about trips to Thailand.
A few countries, such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Slovakia, issued level 4 travel alerts advising people not to visit Thailand unless it was totally necessary. However, most countries only issued level 1-3 alerts advising their citizens to take adequate safety measures when visiting Thailand.
The ministry believes tourism should recover in the fourth quarter of 2015
Meanwhile, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) disclosed that half of the air-ticket reservations and tour packages to Thailand from Singapore, Japan, China, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Vietnam were cancelled in August and September.
The TAT sees these as medium-level losses and described the situation as “under control.” However, it is unlikely that tourism revenue will reach its target of THB800 billion due to the country’s economic problems, not the bombing.
The TAT added that fewer Thais have visited Erawan Shrine and the surrounding area since the blast.
The TAT will initiate new advertisements, campaigns, and festivals to attract more visitors, the Bangkok Post reported.
The blast at Erawan Shrine on Aug 17 killed 20 people and injured more than 100, mostly Asian tourists.
