Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silapa-archa said today that the Cabinet's decision to further put Bangkok and other provinces under the the emergency degree will not affect the tourism industry.
While saying that many countries have softened warning against travelling to Thailand except Saudi Arabia, he expected a higher number of tourist arrivals in the upcoming high season. Arrivals at Suvarnabhumi Airport are reaching 30,000 per day, he added.
"People have been familiarised with the decree. They perceive this as an ordinary issue. Overseas, concerns reflect in travel warning. Now, there is no warning except in Saudi Arabia. Whether the extension is good or not depends on the security concerns," he said.
Separately, Sak Korsaengruang, president of the Laws Society of Thailand, noted that the law was imposed when the political situation escalated. Now, the situation is normal. Moreover, the law would affect investment and tourism.
He noted that it is unfavourable to maintain the law for a long time, as it would give a picture that the situation is like in the Deep South.
The Cabinet today approved the further enforcement of the law in 19 provinces and lifted the law in five provinces - Kalasin, Si Saket, Nan, Nakhon Pathom and Nakhon Sawan.
Chiang Mai Tourism Business Association president Sarawut Saeteo strongly opposed the extension.
"From a businessman's point of view, without information on security intelligence, this decision will affect the tourism industry. Tourists in many countries are sensitive to this law. I believe that the government knows the consequence. Actually, the government is not the only culprit. We also need to blame those who cause chaos. If they don't stop, the entire country will be affected," he said.
He noted that tourism in Chiang Mai in the second quarter was at its worst, with few local and foreign visitors. He added that while campaigns are launched to draw local travellers, there may be no time to draw foreigners back to Chiang Mai within this year.