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Coup in Thailand has SL tourists, travel agents in a quandary
View(s):The military coup in Thailand has translated into a drop in both business and leisure travel from Sri Lanka to Thailand. As confirmed by travel agents operating in the sector, many travellers who had previously planned for vacations or business travel to the country, which underwent a military coup two weeks ago, have either rerouted the trip or cancelled it altogether.
Bangkok’s international sports stadium
“We have seen close to a 60 per cent drop in the route. Thailand is a popular destination as a family package, and also as an incentive trip for employees in the corporate sector, said Travel Agents Association of Sri Lanka President and Aitken Spence General Manager Nishantha Seneviratne.
“Since the military takeover started, we have seen a number of incentive groups rerouted to other destinations, and there have been cancellations as well”
He also cautioned individuals about travelling to Thailand. As the country is a popular holiday destination known for its night life, the curfews currently imposed put severe restrictions on what holidaymakers can do in the country.
“It is only travellers who ‘have’ to go, who travel to Thailand these days,” Mr Senevirathne said.
A director of another leading travel agency, who declined to be named, also confirmed the drop in numbers. She said that the company received a number of cancellations after the coup and had seen a heightened concern over safety in travelling to the country.
“We refrain from advising the customer to travel or not, but tell them to visit that country’s tourist website for the most updated information, and go there if they are comfortable doing so in such a situation,” she said.
Floating market by night: One of Thailand’s famous tourist attractions. Pix by Ranjith Perera
However, some tour operators say that the drop has not been that significant. According to Jetwing Travels Out Bound Travel Manager Victoria Seneviratne, although there is a reduction in numbers, it is not significant.
The drop is less that 20 per cent, and they have not experienced large scale cancellations or rerouting of tours, she said.
“We have a few big groups travelling in the coming weeks and none of them have cancelled,” said Ms. Seneviratne.
According to her, travellers understand that the situation in the country is not a major security issue.
“Our people are used to this kind of situation in Thailand. So it is not a major issue for them to cancel their travel plans,” she said.
Attempts to contact the Thai Embassy in Sri Lanka for a travel advisory to potential travellers, were not successful.