PATA CEO Update on Thailand Flood Situation

Posted: Mon 31 Oct, 2011

New PATA CEO Martin J. Craigs released an update to PATA members and media on the Thailand flood crisis.

 

Dear PATA members, travel professionals and media,

Good day to you all. As ever, we live in interesting times.

As the new CEO of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), I’d like to update you on the flood situation which is impacting parts of Thailand and to a lesser extent neighbouring countries such as Cambodia and Vietnam.

The main impact has been in central Thailand and parts of Bangkok. PATA head office is in central Bangkok and is operating normally.

PATA sends its condolences and support to all people and organisations impacted. We will work with authorities in Thailand, Cambodia and nearby countries to speed the recovery.

Central Bangkok remains dry. The situation is variable, highly localised and can change quickly. Only parts of Bangkok and some provinces to the immediate north have been impacted. Transport, infrastructure and tourism outlets are operating as usual throughout the rest of the country, including Phuket, Hua Hin, Pattaya and Chiang Mai.

Central Bangkok, like the vast majority of upcountry Thailand, is open and ready to welcome visitors. Some attractions in suburban parts of Bangkok may not be open. Most still are. Tourists may experience minor inconveniences such as the absence of bottled water at convenience stores.

Visitors should read government travel advisories and adjust their itineraries on the ground in Thailand, if necessary. If you want to help Thailand bounce back quickly, your visit will help. Tourism is a vital employer throughout the country.

Please follow PATA’s more detailed daily updates on www.PATA.org, www.thailandtourismupdate.com and on other reliable news sources.

As I have observed during 30 years of visiting and now living in Thailand, the Thai people and its travel and  tourism industry are resilient. PATA pledges its support to a full tourism recovery in Thailand and nearby destinations.

 

 

Yours truly,

 

Martin J. Craigs

Chief Executive Officer

PATA