Songkran revellers go overseas
A child sprays water, a common sight during the long Songkran festival.
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Unsettled by the political turmoil in the past three months, more domestic travellers will spend their Songkran holidays overseas, leading to a significant drop in domestic hotel bookings.
Bookings in Thailand are 10 per cent lower than the same period last year, according to the Thai Hotel Association (THA). Hoteliers made the assessment during the association's 2006-2008 committee elections and annual general meeting recently, ahead of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's announcement of his decision to step down. When releasing the hotel booking figures for Songkran, which runs from April 12 to 16, hoteliers blamed the slump on growing political unrest, particularly sentiment against the Thaksin government. Chanin Donavanik, THA's president, warned that the situation could worsen through the low season. Chanin said that he was concerned that the political situation would deter tourism and cause security concerns for recreation and incentive events. "Even local events are being hurt, like government, corporate and private meetings. If the situation continues to worsen over the next two or three months, business will drop," said Chanin. He added that political unrest in Thailand was not common so it was difficult to assess lost revenue. He said Songkran bookings were especially slow in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Accor's online reservations indicate customers are shifting destinations from Thailand to Vietnam, said ML Hathaijanok Kritakara, a THA committee member and Accor executive. Since the start of the year Vietnam's hotel occupancy has increased 21 per cent. The THA reported that hotel occupancy during the low season from May to August normally averages 50 per cent, with events keeping numbers up. "If the political scene is not clear, occupancy during the low season will be lower than 50 per cent," Chanin said. While many expect Thaksin's departure to end the political turmoil, some businessmen are not totally optimistic. They are now concerned about the public's acceptance of the new prime minister and the future role Thaksin will play in politics. However, businesses on Khao San Road expect a stellar business during the Songkran holiday after Thaksin's decision to step down. Prayuth Singdamrong, executive director of the association of business operators on Khao San Road, told the Krungthep Turakij newspaper that both Thais and foreigners have booked 80 per cent of the hotel rooms available on the leisure strip. He said the Tourism Authority of Thailand gave bookings a boost when it announced a plan to re-install the giant fountain on the adjacent Rajadamneon Road. Meanwhile, beer-maker San Miguel plans a foam party on Khao San Road. Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola are also promoting the Songkran festival celebration. "Local and foreign travellers want to join the water party," Prayuth said. Piriya Vatchitphan, a spokesman for the association, said thousands of people would be seen there during the holiday season. Suchat Sritama The Nation
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