US EditionMassive quake is latest blow to Thai tourism hit by safety woes
- On March 28, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake shook buildings in Bangkok and other Thai tourist hotspots, impacting a tourism industry already weakened by safety concerns and dwindling Chinese visitors.
- Thailand's tourism sector, a key driver of growth, had already been experiencing a decline in tourist arrivals due to safety concerns stemming from human trafficking to scam centers in Myanmar via Thailand, causing some Chinese travelers to avoid Thailand.
- In Bangkok, a high-rise building under construction collapsed due to the earthquake on Sunday, resulting in 10 worker fatalities and trapping dozens under debris.
- According to the Thai Hotels Association, led by president Mr. Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, an initial survey suggests that the earthquake has spooked prospective travelers, leading to expectations of a 10% to 15% or greater decrease in international tourist arrivals over the next two weeks, with about 10% of foreign tourists checking out early following the quake.
- The expected short-term impact on tourist arrivals, coupled with existing challenges like the upcoming low season and slow recovery of Chinese tourism, raises concerns for Thailand's economy, where the tourism industry employs one in five workers and contributes about 13% of the gross domestic product; Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong stated the country is safe for tourists and the government has ordered a safety audit of hotels and major tourist attractions.
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Total News Sources13
Leaning Left0Leaning Right2Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Center
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- 60% of the sources are Center
60% Center
C 60%
R 40%
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