THE bomb blasts that took
place across Thailand on
August 11 and 12 have
done little to deter costconscious
South Africans.
Destination Asia md
for Thailand, Pornthip
Hirunkate, says while there
will be some initial fallout
from markets across the
world, the South African
market has been largely
unaffected by the recent
incidents.
Flora Fubbs, senior
manager contracts and
marketing of The Holiday
Factory, says the operator
received calls from a couple
of concerned clients who
were scheduled to travel
to Thailand immediately.
However, even these
travellers decided not to
cancel their travel plans.
“It’s business as normal,”
says Flora, adding that
incidents such as these are
the “new norm” and, given
Thailand’s history of small
incidents occurring often,
travel to the destination will
quickly return to normal.
Daleen Pretorius, owner
of Dream Kist Tours, says
there is a general sense
that this kind of incident
can occur anywhere.
“Money also still plays a
significant role,” she says,
explaining that, because
of Thailand’s status as a
cheap destination, travellers
are not easily put off.
The Tourism Authority of
Thailand says while it is not
yet known who was behind
the blasts, or if the attacks
were linked, an investigation
is in process. In terms of
travel advice, spokesperson
for TAT, Lesley Simpson,
says the situation is normal
in Bangkok and the rest
of Thailand. “There is an
increased security presence
at all major attractions
and shopping areas as
well as in airports and
train stations to ensure
the safety of tourists and
locals.”
Pornthip says Destination
Asia recommends that
clients departing Thailand
on international flights
should reach the airport
approximately three hours
prior to their flight departure
time.
