Thai-Cambodian row blow to Thai tourism

BANGKOK, 18 November 2009 (NNT) – Thailand’s trade and tourism is being affected by the ongoing dispute with neighboring country Cambodia, according to the International Institute for Trade and Development Director, Weerasak Kowsurat.

Mr Weerasak said the tourism sector had not yet recovered although high season had already started. The situation is exacerbated by the Thai-Cambodian conflict after the sector was hard hit by the airport seizures by protesters last year.

The director said he believed tourism of the neighboring country was being affected more than Thailand since there were no direct flights to Cambodia at present. Most commercial airplanes stopped at Thailand before flying to the neighboring country, he said.

Mr Weerasak suggested that a third country was needed to help mediate the dispute and strengthen the relationships of the two countries.