Thailand’s Political Instability Concerns Tourists

The Nation reports that political instability is the main concern for tourists planning to visit Thailand, according to a study by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce’s Center for Economic and Business Forecasting.

Assistant Professor Thanavath Phonvichai, director of the center, said that while the tourism outlook remains bright, politics will be a key risk factor to the industry.

The center’s survey found that, “29 percent of tourism-sector participants were worried most about politics, followed by an economic crisis at 24 percent, natural disaster at 23 percent and an outbreak of epidemic and new diseases at 22 percent.”

Despite the concerned foreign sentiment, tourism will be a main driver boosting Thailand’s economy as exports slow, according to the Bangkok Post. Phonvichai said that tourism will account for 1% to 1.5% of economic growth this year.

Flickr photo courtesy of Toby Simkin