UNWTO welcomes the return to stability in Thailand, as reflected in a recent Statement of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand announcing that “political unrest has been brought under control and order in the capital of Bangkok and the provinces of Thailand has been restored”. UNWTO is supporting and working closely with the Thai Government in the process of recovering the country’s tourism industry and will join the integrated efforts of national agencies and the private sector to continue making Thailand one of the major tourism destinations worldwide.

Statement from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports
The Royal Thai Government

Pursuant to the Declaration of a Severe Emergency Situation in the areas of Bangkok and some provinces in Thailand implemented by the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) under the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situation of B.E. 2548 (2005), the Ministry of Tourism and Sports wishes to announce that political unrest in Thailand has been brought completely under control and order in the capital of Bangkok and the provinces of Thailand has been restored.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva  has strongly reaffirmed the government’s intention to continue on the  National Reconciliation Roadmap to resolve the political situation nationwide. Peace and normalcy have been restored in Thailand, making it once again a safe and pleasant destination in the region for foreign tourists.  Major tourism destinations in provinces across the country are still pristine, peaceful and safe. Various measures have been implemented to bring normalcy back to the country, and to reassure foreign visitors that Thailand still remains a high quality, value-for-money destination.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports places the safety and security of international tourists above all else. Free travel insurance for foreign tourists and a waiver of tourist visa fees have been extended to 31 March 2011. The Royal Thai Government has issued insurance measures to protect foreigners visiting Thailand who are injured or unable to travel out of Thailand due to rioting. This programme is intended to boost the confidence of foreigners visiting Thailand.

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. The Bangkok Metropolitan Authority, related government agencies and local residents have made a concerted effort to return normalcy to the Bangkok business environment.

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 and other international airports have remained operational without any disruption. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is working closely with other ministries and agencies to ensure the safety and convenience of all visitors traveling in Thailand.

With the integrated efforts of all government agencies and the full engagement of the private sectors and other related stakeholders, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports affirms that public safety and security, including peace and normalcy, flourish once more in Thailand.

26 May 2010
Ministry of Tourism and Sports