Thailand Tourism News
Thai state of emergency extended
The government of Thailand has extended a state of emergency in 19 of the country’s 76 provinces. The move – which grants powers to disperse public gatherings – follows the deaths of nearly 100 anti-government protestors in April this year.

First Hotel Indigo signed in Southeast Asia
188-room boutique hotel to open in Bangkok by end of 2012.

Provincial tourism industry urges govt to expedite help
The tourism industry in Phuket has urged the government to expedite assistance measures to help recover the tourism industries in provinces outside of the capital.
Free test-run rides for Thai Airport rail link attracts public
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) on Tuesday conducted a test run of the Thai capital’s Airport Rail Link, attracting passengers to try free rides.
26 Nations scale down their travel advisories to Thailand
Twenty-six countries have scaled down their travel advisories to Thailand following the government’s recent decision to revoke the curfew in Bangkok and 23 other provinces.

Thai travel returning to normal
Governments around the world have begun to rescind warnings against travel to Thailand as the political situation in the country calms. The United States, Canada and United Kingdom have all withdrawn warnings, while Thai authorities have simultaneously launched a promotional drive to woo visitors.

Thailand needs your support. not price cutting
The Thailand PATA Chapter regrets to observe that Royal Orchid Holidays (ROH), a division of THAI Airways International, has come up with a self-defeating tourism recovery strategy for Thailand – price reductions of 50%.

Statement by Thai Prime Minister HE Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva regarding political developments
Prime Minister HE Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, Prime Minister of Thailand, issued the following statement regarding the political developments in his country:

Thailand plots tourism comeback
Thailand is plotting its return from the tourism cold now that control and order has been restored in Bangkok. The government estimates US$1.5 billion has been lost in tourism revenue following two months of political upheaval, whilst many fear that Thailand’s image as the “Land of Smiles” has been shattered by the violence that left 88 dead and 1,900 injured.
Order restored in Thailand following unrest
Thai prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has said order has been restored to the capital Bangkok following weeks of unrest across the country. Mr Abhisit added that, while “huge challenges” remained, now was the time to “heal the emotional wounds and restore unity among the Thai people”.
Bangkok curfew extended
The curfew in Bangkok has been extended by a further three nights as Thai troops attempt to storm the anti-government protesters’ camp and weed out the ringleaders. The army insisted the violence was now under control following yesterday’s outburst which claimed a further 14 lives.
Thai troops crush Bangkok barricades
The Foreign Office is warning British travellers to avoid all but essential travel to Bangkok as Thai troops overrun barricades in the heart of the city. At least five people are known to have died as forces loyal to prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva stormed Red Shirt barricades ending weeks of protest.