Monday’s deadly explosion in Bangkok could take a toll on Thailand’s tourism, a major pillar of the country’s weakening economy that is already suffering from political turmoil persistent for more than half a decade.
At least 20 people were killed, including seven Chinese nationals, and more than 100 others injured in the tragic incident.
The first half of year 2015 saw marked achievements in the tourism sector, which, however, will be badly affected by the explosion that rocked Erawan Shrine at the Ratchaprasong intersection, a popular tourist attraction in downtown Bangkok, on Monday night.
Analysts fear that the already-affected Thai economy, due to power struggle between the military junta and political rivals, may not recover from the negative impact of the explosion until early next year.
In the short term, it’s been predicted that fewer individual tourists will be visiting Thailand, and the situation will be further exacerbated if there are similar incidents to follow. The remainder of this year is expected to witness slower economic growth, which will rely heavily on government spending.
Some argue that the number of tourists to Thailand is unlikely to drop to any alarming extent following Monday’s blast, which may simply be attributed to the fact that most will not frequent such specific spots.
As many as 28 million tourists are expected to visit the country throughout this year.
Different news agency reports suggested that ruling Thai military junta already issued stern warning to Thai nationals and vising foreigners to exercise utmost caution at other tourist-frequented spots in the heart of the capital, besides the Ratchaprasong intersection area, including Patumwan intersection, Silom Road, Sukhumvit Road, Victory Monument and Khaosarn Road areas.
Bangkok police are currently investigating the bombing though no perpetrator has been arrested as of filing of the report on Friday evening.
