Chinese tourists shrug off fears
Only a few Chinese tourists have called off their trips to Thailand for Chinese New Year out of safety concerns, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said yesterday.
Governor Pornsiri Manoharn said only 2 per cent of all international visitors had cancelled their plans to take part in Thailand's annual Chinese New Year festival, which is scheduled for February 18-19 this year.Most tourists are still confirmed to come despite widespread worries about security. The TAT expects total arrivals to continue to grow. Deputy governor Pensuda Priaram said the TAT had budgeted Bt20 million for nationwide events. She predicts revellers will spend at least Bt1 billion, up 3 per cent from last year. A million locals are expected to travel across the country during the festival, which will be celebrated in a major way in Bangkok's Chinatown and the provinces of Chiang Mai, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Songkhla, Chon Buri and Phuket. The Bangkok rendition will take place in the Yaowarat area, where HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is expected to preside on February 18. "The TAT won't withdraw any plans concerning security, but rather will work closely with police and security guards throughout the event," said Pensuda. Many Chinese would return to visit their relatives, she said. Extra charter flights have been prepared, while hotel operators in major cities have reported advance bookings were up, especially in Bangkok. Suchat Sritama The Nation
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