Hotel occupancy near rally site less than 10%; Dusit Thani Hotel hit by grenade

BANGKOK, May 17 (TNA) -- Occupancy at standard hotels within one kilometre of Ratchaprasong intersection, Bangkok’s prime business district, is now less than 10 per cent due to political unrest in Thailand, and some hotels have terminated staff to keep their businesses afloat, according to Prakit Chin-amornpong, chairman of the Thai Hotels Association.

Anti-government protesters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) have occupied Ratchaprasong intersection since April 3, and their presence has already forced posh shopping malls, cinemas and shops in the area to temporarily close their businesses due to safety concerns.

Persisting political turbulence and daily street fighting have prevented foreign tourists from visiting the country, said Mr Prakit.

He said it would take “at least six months” for the tourism industry to pick up after the unrest stopped.

“Hoteliers (in the area) are expected to seek interest and tax holidays from the government once peace is restored,” said Mr Prakit.

Meanwhile, the Dusit Thani Hotel which is situated at Sala Daeng intersection, across the street from the second largest UDD protest encampment, asked its guests to leave the hotel before noon Monday.

The request was made after unidentified persons fired M79 grenades at the hotel at slightly before 1am Monday morning.

Police said the grenades landed on the 22nd and 14th storeys, and in front of the hotel, although the last failed to explode.

No casualties were reported, but the sound of explosions sent hotel staff and journalists taking shelter inside the hotel to flee to the lowest floor.

Eyewitnesses said that at the time no one ventured out of the hotel due to the blackout and concerns for safety. (TNA)