Bangkok hotels serve as airport check-in points

After an urgent meeting with Transport Minister Weerasak Kow-surat, Deputy Foreign Minister Sompong Amornwiwat and private tourism operators yesterday, Olarn said the shutdown would have a medium-term impact on the industry.

Due to the closure of Suvarnabhumi  Airport since Tuesday, he estimated that over 30,000 travellers per day would miss their flights.

Last year Thailand welcomed 14.5 million tourists. The entire industry is expected to generate Bt600 billion in annualised revenue, but the Bank of Thailand estimates a Bt140-billion shortfall due to the airport stand-off.

"Tourist arrivals this year will fall from the 15.4-million target to 13.5 million. Next year it could be only 6-7 million. This would have a serious impact on tourism and related industries such as restaurants and spas, and over one million workers could lose their jobs," he said. Olarn said it would take a month to clear all stranded tourists, who now exceeded 100,000.

Weerasak said the government was preparing international airports like Phuket and Chiang Mai for the task, aside from U-tapao airport. Some landing equipment has been transferred to these airports, and they should be ready for service in 1-2 days, he said.

Tourists can then check-in and reschedule their flights at four hotels, the Centara Grand CentralWorld, JW Marriott Sukhumvit, Asia and Maenam Riverside. Three more check-in points will be set up at the Imperial Queen's Park Hotel, the Holiday Inn Silom Hotel and the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Bitec) under Thai Airways International's supervision.

Foreign tourists in Thailand and Thai tourists stranded overseas will receive compensation of Bt2,000 per head per night for accommodation, food and travel. According to Olarn, if the number reaches 500,000, the government will need to spend Bt1 billion on such allowances.

Tour agencies estimate that at least 3,000 Thais could be stranded in international airports abroad.