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It sounded convincing too, given that tourist arrivals next year are expected to fall by half to between 6 million and 7 million. This would certainly cut the industry's potential revenue, which this year is expected to generate Bt600 billion or about 8 per cent of gross domestic product.

Normally, tourism and related industries employ some 3 million people.

Now that the protesters have returned control of the airports, the authorities are busy seeking out measures to revive the industry.

Andrew J Wood, general manager of Chaophya Park Hotel & Resorts and president of Skal International Bangkok, recently came up with some suggestions of what Thailand should do to revive the industry:

lWe need to put together quickly a recovery road map. It will involve all sectors of the industry and government. The damage has been colossal. The plan must include the airlines, the Board of Investment, the Department of Export Promotion, and should draw in the ministries - Finance, Trade and Industry - and should be spearheaded by the Tourism and Sports minister, or the prime minister himself.

lWe need promotional packages and incentives.

lWe need amazing airfares and family trips.

lWe need to get the message across that not one tourist was hurt during the closure of the airport: it was left intact by the demonstrators - no vandalism, graffiti or damage of any kind.

lWe need to spread the word that Thailand is and continues to be a wonderfully diverse tourism destination, with great beaches, food, spas, hotels, nature, sports and smiles.

lWe need a huge journalism programme to get articles and stories about "back to normal".

lWe need photo/i-phone competitions, activities, promotions and advertising.

lWe need to organise more roadshows and attend more trade shows.

lWe need budgets to make a big enough impact.

lWhen shall we start? Now?

His suggestions sound good. Too bad that two political factions continue to vie for the majority vote to form a new government. As the wrangling continues, it seems certain we will have no legitimate PM or tourism minister within this week.

Consequently, all those budgets for kicking off his suggestions would be on hold, including the Bt24 billion the Tourism Ministry needs to alleviate the impact on stranded tourists and small and medium-sized operators. Without money, all that we need can never come true.