Bombings pose limited impact on local economy

Nirut Raksaseri, senior director of Bank of Thailand, Southern Branch, said that the seven bombings in Songkhla on Sunday night could rattle civilians and tourists' confidence in safety but would not cast a long-term impact. He noted that Hat Yai and Songkhla suffered from several bombings but the economy could be revived with the number of tourists returning to the province.

Yet, he noted that the authorities must find out the real cause of the bombings and prevent the reoccurences.

 "We need stricter security measures, particularly through the introduction of new equipment and new technology. After each bombing, we always talked about defense measures including the installation of hundreds of closed-circuit TV. Yet, finally, the number of CCTV is not sufficient. While the Municipality provides 1,000 units, the government which promised another 900 units has not yet provided any. The government must come up with a clear measure," Nirut said. 

He noted that the bombings last night were less severe than those in the past, and as such its impact to the local economy is less. However, there is a psychological impact, particularly on those operators of hotels and tourism business.