ID :
116485
Tue, 04/13/2010 - 20:21
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http://m.oananews.org//node/116485
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Political crisis takes toll; Songkran tourist numbers drop sharply
BANGKOK, April 13 (TNA) – Thailand's political crisis is taking its toll on the traditional New Year Songkran celebration atmosphere which was becalmed Tuesday with the number of tourists dropping sharply at the capital's main tourist heaven.
Business operators and tourists on Khao San Road, a popular tourist area for backpackers and other budget-conscious travellers, offered alms to Buddhist monks aiming to make a merit for persons who died during last Saturday's chaos at Kok Wua intersection near Khao San Road.
Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Surapohon Svetasreni and Khaosan Road Business Association president Surat Vongchansilp also joined the event.
Although all the association's Songkran-related entertainment activities on Khao San Road from April 12-15 were cancelled for security reasons in the capital, local celebrations have revived nonetheless.
As tensions around Khao San have eased, guest house bookings have gradually resumed, increasing to 30 per cent, Mr Surat said ,however, the number of tourists has been dropped by 70 per cent compared to the original bookings.
Meanwhile, anti-government Red Shirt protesters at their main protest site in Phan Fa Bridge celebrated the traditional activities as well as pouring water on senior protesters to show respect and for wishing them well. Their fellow Reds camping at Bangkok's commercial and shopping area in Ratchaprasong for 11 consecutive days were given red washing bowls to celebrate the festival.
In the northern provinces of Chiang Mai, Lampang and Uttaradit, residents offered food and alms for local monks as well as free birds and fish for merit on this auspicious occasion.
They wished the country return peaceful and united soon and wanted Thais to love each other.
Meanwhile, Ayutthaya province residents enjoyed splashing water to each other and to elephants at an elephant camp.
Local residents in Songkhla, Surat Thani as well as Muslim-majority Pattani and Yala provinces held religious ceremonies and made merits for dead victims in April 10 clashes between security forces and red-shirted protesters in Bangkok’s Kok Wua.
Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year, beginning on April 13. The government declared four-day public holiday through April 13-16.
Meanwhile, official highway death toll on the first day of long Songkran holiday nationwide stands at 45, while the injured reached 607 with a total number of 557 road accidents registered. (TNA)
Business operators and tourists on Khao San Road, a popular tourist area for backpackers and other budget-conscious travellers, offered alms to Buddhist monks aiming to make a merit for persons who died during last Saturday's chaos at Kok Wua intersection near Khao San Road.
Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Surapohon Svetasreni and Khaosan Road Business Association president Surat Vongchansilp also joined the event.
Although all the association's Songkran-related entertainment activities on Khao San Road from April 12-15 were cancelled for security reasons in the capital, local celebrations have revived nonetheless.
As tensions around Khao San have eased, guest house bookings have gradually resumed, increasing to 30 per cent, Mr Surat said ,however, the number of tourists has been dropped by 70 per cent compared to the original bookings.
Meanwhile, anti-government Red Shirt protesters at their main protest site in Phan Fa Bridge celebrated the traditional activities as well as pouring water on senior protesters to show respect and for wishing them well. Their fellow Reds camping at Bangkok's commercial and shopping area in Ratchaprasong for 11 consecutive days were given red washing bowls to celebrate the festival.
In the northern provinces of Chiang Mai, Lampang and Uttaradit, residents offered food and alms for local monks as well as free birds and fish for merit on this auspicious occasion.
They wished the country return peaceful and united soon and wanted Thais to love each other.
Meanwhile, Ayutthaya province residents enjoyed splashing water to each other and to elephants at an elephant camp.
Local residents in Songkhla, Surat Thani as well as Muslim-majority Pattani and Yala provinces held religious ceremonies and made merits for dead victims in April 10 clashes between security forces and red-shirted protesters in Bangkok’s Kok Wua.
Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year, beginning on April 13. The government declared four-day public holiday through April 13-16.
Meanwhile, official highway death toll on the first day of long Songkran holiday nationwide stands at 45, while the injured reached 607 with a total number of 557 road accidents registered. (TNA)
