Calm – not chaos – prevails and the closures and cancellations of events are unlikely to last more than a month. More importantly authorities believe that there should not be any serious long-term impact on tourism.
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha has declared a one-year mourning period and urged people to refrain from organising entertainment events for 30 days. But he has also made it clear that life must go on, and urged businesses to remain open to ensure the nation does not “lose its credibility”.
More than 30 million tourists visit Thailand every year, accounting for about 10% of government revenue. The tourist industry is a very significant part of the Thai economy.
No foreign government has suggested that its nationals cancel trip plans, but several have issued advisories. Canada called on its citizens to “refrain from any behaviour that may be interpreted as festive, disrespectful or disorderly.” Britain urged its nationals to “wear sombre and respectful clothing when in public” and the US called on Americans to maintain “decorum during this extended period of profound mourning.”
Credit: Bangkok Post