Thailand Limps Back to Stability – Tourism took a major hit

After two months of pitched battles on the streets of Bangkok, the country is showing signs of some order being restored. However, it won’t be prudent to book Thailand flights right now. Although the government has been able to lay siege to the protest zones the situation still remains fragile. Centre for resolution of emergency services (CRES) has imposed curfew in Bangkok and 23 provinces to contain the situation. The protest which came to an end in the wake of the surrender by major protest leaders after the brutal clampdown by troops in the central Ratchaprasong area has already cost the country dearly. The damaged properties include the Stock Exchange and the Central World, which ranks among Asia’s biggest shopping malls.

Although the situation is seemingly limping back to order, many believe that it will be long before Thailand could restore peace completely so as to have the tourists flocking again to the country. Thailand relies heavily on tourism for its revenues which accounts for at least 6 percent of the country’s GDP. As per the reports, country’s 15 to 20 percent of employment is generated from tourism alone. Many countries have not changed their advice to their citizens of not traveling to Thailand. The fact remains that the protests were curbed with raw force and elections have not been announced. As a result, the Red Shirts are bristling and have vowed to continue fighting.

Still, the major part of the crisis is over and one can look ahead to the easing of the restrictions imposed earlier by the Thai government. Besides, it may not be an exaggeration to mention that the airline industry, which felt the impact of the crisis, will definitely roll out packages offering cheap Thailand flights.