Bangkok hotels heave a sigh of relief

By Nelson Alcantara

Hotels on Bangkok's famous Rachadaphisek Road, which were hit hard by the turndown in tourists during the recent political struggles, are waiting to get back in business following Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's announcement he would resign in an effort to end months of demonstrations that have shaken Thailand.

"A number of properties, particular those with a strong Singaporean links and marketing bases, had seen occupancies drop by 30 percent in recent weeks due to the political situation," Andrew Wood, general manager of the Chaophya Park Hotel, said.

According to him, hotels around Siam Square have also suffered badly with mass demonstrations leading to an exodus of guests in the area. "They will be particularly relieved that the demonstrations are all but over."

The Bangkok hotel manager added:  "The cooling of the political temperature will certainly help tourism and the recovery of business to normal levels.  Our expectation for 2006 was in the region of 85-90 percent year round occupancy."

Rachadaphisek has become increasingly popular, with the opening of the MRT underground network.

"Prior to Tuesday's announcement we were re-evaluating and re-visiting budgets, both on room sales and banquets, with a  view to revising forecast downwards," Wood added.  "After Khun Thaksin Shinawatra's sudden announcement, we are adopting a wait and see attitude, but we are very optimistic of a quick return to normality".

Offering an optimistic outlook for Thailand despite the recent unrest, Wood said, "We have a lot to do, 2006 is Thailand's Grand Year, with the PATA conference due to start in a few days; the Royal Barge ceremonies and arrival of monarchs from across the globe; to the Skal World Congress and ITCMA in October in Pattaya, we have a lot of marketing and preparation work to catch up.

"I am confident that whatever has happened or is about to happen politically, Thailand will be ready to welcome over 14 million visitors to Thailand this year," he closed.