Don't change your plans: Thai Tourism Authority

1 Dec 2008, 4:04 pm   -   Source: SBS Lisa Zilberpriver
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The Thai Tourism Authority in Sydney has said violent clashes in Bangkok should not prevent Australian tourists from travelling to Thailand over the holiday period.

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The Thai Tourism Authority in Sydney says violent clashes in Bangkok should not prevent Australian tourists from travelling to Thailand over the traditional Christmas holiday period.

Spokesman Pongsak Kanittanon told SBS the latest update from Thailand is that the situation was 'OK' and tourists should not cancel their plans.

He advised travellers to take Thai Airways flights to military air base U-Tapao, some 160 kilometres from danger-zone Bangkok, where anti- and pro-government protestors are bracing for a clash.

The TTA's advice contradicts warnings from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which earlier announced Australians should rethink their need to visit Thailand at this time.

The Authority's marketing manager Peter Power says he doesn't expect the flow of Australian tourists into Thailand to be disrupted by the tension, as most tend to travel to Phuket rather than the capital.

According to the Authority, Singapore's Silk Airways had even increased its flights to the holiday town since the unrest began.

Tensions in Bangkok have been rising for several days, as thousands of demonstrators face off over calls for Thai premier Somchai Wongsawat to resign.

The People's Alliance for Democracy has accused Premier Somchai of being a puppet for his cousin, ousted leader Thaksin Shinawatra. The group has occupied both of Bangkok's international airports, and the government - despite having military support - has not managed to regain control of them.

Scuffles between government supporters and the PAD have included hand grenade attacks, and have left two dead and dozens injured.

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Your Comments

Dont believe all you hear

Chris Pyatt - from Sunshine Coast Queensland, 4 years ago

Please, I urge everyone to take into account the fact that the news is only showing the centre of the trouble in Thailand at the moment. It is a big country, I was there just one week ago and flew out 40 minutes before the airport was closed. We visited the palace the same day they had some trouble there. I never felt in any danger, not once. If I was still there I would not be worried. The thai people are so beautiful, we must always remember that when deciding to travel to Thailand.

whats he on

snoop - from cbd, 4 years ago

most travel to phuket thats rubbish and as for news coverage from sbs tonite 9.30 last......... after every other country when thousands of aussies and thais are stuck????

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