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Thailand's Political, Tourist Woes Continue
Southeast Asia's top tourist destination can't seem to break out of its slump. Supporters of two major political parties have been clashing in the streets. Former PM Samak Sundaravej was forced from office following scandals and protests. Now, just two weeks into his run as prime minister, Somchai Wangsawat, Samak's replacement, is under investigation for breaking the government rules about owning shares in companies that do business with the government (it's an obvious conflict of interest). If charged, he could be tossed out of the government.While other nations in the region seek to bolster their position as economic players and tourist destinations, Thailand is hurting. The recent riots led to a spate of cancellations. Tourist numbers for the country that once dominated Southeast Asia's vacation trade are down. And those who are looking for any sign that things are going to get better are only able to find evidence of a worsening situation. Thailand has always bounced back from political woes before. However, with other regional player like Vietnam gaining steam, would-be tourists have other options these days. Why opt for uncertainty when there are other viable destinations out there?
Filed under: Thailand
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Sara Oct 2nd 2008 11:33AM
I went to Thailand less than a week after the coup and saw no real evidence of anything going on while I was there.
Of all the traveling that I've done, Thailand is by far my absolute favorite. I would hop on a plane there at any moment no matter what is going on!
http://mycheckedbaggage.blogspot.com/
Pureboy Oct 2nd 2008 9:20PM
The Thai government has an incredible knack for shooting itself in the foot. And then pouring salt on the wound. Between the coups, the sudden changes in foreign ownership laws that wiped out a year of economic growth overnight, and now the compounding PM scandals, it is no wonder tourists are being scared off.
That being said, it is an incredible place to visit, and pretty safe, to boot. I went summer 07 for my second trip and loved it. The country just generates lots of bad PR.
Alf Oct 22nd 2008 11:22PM
I love Thailand I have been on numerous occasions.However with this global crisis effecting economies around the world I fear that tourists will flock to other destinations in asia where they will get more value for their dollar seeing the baht is so strong. I am going to phillipines and vietnam this summer where I can get much the same for much less , and thats the honest truth.
Thanks
Alf