Business as usual in Bangkok

 Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports is extending its support to the capital’s battered tourism industry by offering free travel insurance for foreign visitors and waiving tourist visa fees until March 31, 2011.

It is hoped that the measures will encourage visitors to come back to Bangkok and the rest of the country, which was largely unaffected by the recent protests.

“The Royal Thai Government has launched an urgent recovery plan with measures that enable the tourism industry, especially small and medium enterprises, to recover their businesses as soon as possible,” said the Ministry in a statement.

“Major tourist destinations, facilities and services are still regularly accessed by both domestic and foreign tourists. Public utility and mass transportation services are fully operational. Suvarnabhumi International Airport [pictured above] and other international airports have remained operational without any disruption.”

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), properties including the Amari Watergate, Dusit Thani Bangkok, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, Holiday Inn, InterContinental Bangkok and the Asia Hotel Bangkok have all resumed normal operations.

Ratchaprasong Hotel and the Renaissance Bangkok are expected to open tomorrow (May 28 and Centara Grand, Bangkok Convention Centre and the Indra Hotel are expected to open on June 1.

But the tourism organisation acknowledges that much work needs to be done in order to restore confidence in potential visitors.

“With a strong commitment to the travel and tourism sector, the TAT will do our utmost to restore Thailand’s position as one of world’s favourite destinations,” said TAT governor Suraphon Svetasreni.

“We are already implementing plans to regain visitor confidence. The TAT will let the world know that we warmly welcome everybody to Amazing Thailand.”

The curfew in Bangkok and the provinces covered by the Emergency Decree will remain in place from midnight-4.00am until tomorrow (May 28).