Chiang Mai, November 26, 2008 – The mob actions of Thailand’s PAD party that resulted in the temporary closure of the Bangkok International Airport is certain to harm an already struggling tourism industry – and surely very little can be gained politically.

I am a Canadian living in Thailand and operating an online marketing and travel services business.  The latest PAD (People’s Alliance for Democracy) actions that have forced the closure of the Bangkok International Airport are deeply disturbing to me and undoubtedly any travel and tourism operator, Thai and foreigner alike, trying to survive despite this type of seemingly thoughtless, politically motivated action.  The actions that resulted in disruption of service and the temporary closure of Thailand’s International Airport (for safety reasons) serves only to harm Thailand’s reputation, indirectly harm Thailand’s people, and is not an accurate reflection of all the things that make this country such an inviting destination for foreign visitors.

The Suvarnabhumi (pronounced Suwanaphoom) International Airport is the gateway into (and out of) the Kingdom of Thailand for the entire world; with approximately 85% of 14.5 million International visitors arriving into Thailand by air in 2007.  Closing the airport to International travel cannot possibly further any ill-conceived political agenda.  Not when media coverage reaches a world stage.  Not in a country that is just entering the tourist season, relies deeply on tourism as an economic mainstay, and is 9 days away from the most important event of the entire year with the December 5 birthday celebrations for Thailand’s revered King Bhumibol.

I have talked with Thai friends of mine, average Thais who are not particularly politically motivated, and to them the actions of PAD to block the International Airport roadway and to stream en-mass into the airport to force the closure leaves them bewildered.  Every single one of these people also fully understands the far reaching and devastating effect the actions are bound to have on the tourism industry.

The tourism industry, already rocked by the global financial crisis, is the main industry in many parts of this country and creates an economy that sustains millions of Thai people (most of them of voting age) who have no other means of support and already exist on very limited incomes.  To do anything that can hurt this essential industry is just not logical by any definition and is certain to seriously harm the already dwindling support of the Peoples Alliance Party and diminish their efforts to topple a government accused of being run by power mongers.

To take a stance against a government by hurting the people and harming the reputation of this great country is something that I will try to understand but I seriously doubt I will see any sense of purpose.  I am angry and confused… and the sense of confusion permeates everyday Thai life.

For people reading this and balancing a decision to travel to Thailand, I will say this about this latest reckless media stunt…  The knee-jerk actions of a group of political activists should not be considered a representation of what this country and it’s people have to offer.  The people of Thailand are kind and welcoming by their very nature and I trust that this event will quickly fade and the true nature of the Thai people will prevail and continue to win the hearts of millions of annual vacationers.

Marlon McMartin
Managing Editor – ThailandTravelOnline.com