Chinese tourists stay away in fear of protests

AS many as 30 per cent of Chinese tourists planning to holiday in Phuket this month have cancelled their bookings due to fears about instability in Thailand and possible red shirt action.

Phuket’s Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) director Bangornrat Chinaprayoon said the province’s vital tourism industry had started to be affected by travellers from China although European visitors had not yet been put off.

Red shirt demonstrators are planning a large rally on March 14 in protest at the Supreme Court’s decision to seize 46 billion baht from ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

It is believed Chinese tourists have been monitoring the unfolding political turmoil and are fearful of action by the United Front Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD).

Tourism from China is amongst the most crucial sectors for Phuket with the Chinese currently ranking fourth out of all visitors to the resort island.

Last month there were more than 70 direct charter flights carrying around 70,000 visitors to Phuket, and industry chiefs are anxious not to lose out on this revenue for a prolonged period.