Evaluation on Ratchaprasong closure scheduled next week

BANGKOK, 16 April 2010 (NNT) – The Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA) next week will evaluate effects from the demonstration of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) after the UDD resolved to gather only at Ratchaprasong Intersection.

TTAA President, Charoen Wangananont, stated that the association next week would convene a meeting with its members to evaluate the situation. He said a declaration might be made to call for all sides to end the conflict via negotiation means after the meeting.

Mr Charoen admitted that Thailand has lost more than ten billion THB of income from tourism and service businesses operating around Ratchaprasong Intersection where the UDD is gathering. He added that the national image has also been tarnished from the political unrest.

The president continued to say that businesses in Ratchaprasong usually flourish during Songkran festival, but this year the area is quiet due to political problems.

Some shopping malls around Ratchaprasong have been closed due to the political demonstration of the UDD for safety purposes.