ATTA: Big C explosion could dampen tourist confidence

BANGKOK, 26 July 2010 (NNT) – The bomb blast in front of Big C Department Store’s Rajdamri branch on Sunday could affect the tourist confidence in Thailand, according the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA).

ATTA Advisor Apichart Sankary stated that the recent explosion in front of Big C Rajdamri in the heart of Bangkok on Sunday was a reflection of the unimproved situation in Thailand and that the retention of the Emergency Decree could affect foreign tourists’ confidence in the country.

Following the bombing incident, which incurred one fatality and nine injuries, the situation in Thailand is being questioned whether it has returned to normalcy as many perceived. Mr Apichart estimated that Thailand’s overall tourist number this year might stand at around 10-11 million, instead of the targeted 14.5 million.

NNT