THE WORSENING flood situation in Thailand may have cost its tourism industry about 10 billion baht (US$324 million) in damages so far, according to the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT).
TCT president Piyaman Techapaiboon told TTG Asia e-Daily the figure included a loss of about four billion baht from domestic travel, the main contributor to Central Plain tourism during the low international season of October.
Additional losses were calculated based on the ripple effects from the widespread flooding, which is expected to hinder inter-regional travel for company events and seminars scheduled this month.
Last year, Thailand generated about 400 billion baht from domestic tourism.
Piyaman said the tourism council would continue to assess the impact on a day-to-day basis, and was keeping a close eye on Bangkok in particular, amid news that the capital was bracing for floods this week (TTG Asia e-Daily, October 11).
As for international markets, Piyaman said: “Cancellations remain at a ‘normal’ rate. For instance, hotels on Sukhumvit Road have reported they are still running at a good occupancy, albeit seeing some impact on the local corporate market.”
In a bid to help affected tourism operators in flooded areas, TCT will be proposing that the government help shoulder staff wages and remove social security payouts in October.
The Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand also has a loan scheme in place for tourism operators affected by natural disasters.
By Sirima Eamtako
