Hotels operators unnerved by upcoming rallies

BANGKOK, 1 March 2010 (NNT) – Despite an average of 70% in room reservations, hotels operators are still unnerved by the upcoming rallies of the anti-government demonstrators in mid March.

President of the Thai Hotels Association, Prakit Chinamornphong, said the hotel business sector was relieved after the verdict on the ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra’s asset seizure case was delivered without interruption. Several bombing incidents in the capital on Saturday have not affected bookings that much. So far there have been no cancellations or postponements due to the upcoming rallies.

The reservation rate has dropped slightly to 70% at present, from 95-100% during the Chinese New Year festival in the middle of February. However, the figure is considered satisfactory.

Referring to the forthcoming gathering of the anti-government protesters, Mr Prakit admitted that the situation is worrisome but if it passed peacefully it would have no impact on tourism.