Thailand update

Bangkok hotels are now empty along with the shops and restaurants in the retail and commercial area of Rajaprasong. So too is the night market at Patpong, a place usually packed with tourists.

Yesterday’s grenade attack on the Dusit Thani Hotel is now the tip of the iceberg.

With the human toll now rising to 36 dead and over 250 injured, Bangkok has become a ‘no-go zone’ to foreign visitors.

As violent clashes between Thai troops and the anti-government protesters escalate in intensity and political unrest threatens to spread across the country, there are even wider fears about the impact the crisis will have on Thailand’s economic growth, let alone attracting foreign investment in an unstable political climate.

Tourism represents over six per cent of the total GDP, employing 15 per cent of the nation’s workforce. Bangkok generates a large portion of tourism revenue.

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Currently, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs has advised travellers to avoid all non-essential travel to Bangkok.

Yesterday, the Australian Embassy closed its doors, with only a few essential staff remaining for emergencies.

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Bangkok is bracing itself for a showdown between troops and protesters and the Thai authorities have delivered an ultimatum to the Redshirt protesters to disperse.

Troops are reportedly preparing to move in to end the standoff, with an aircraft dropping leaflets on the barricades warning the protesters that the last chance to leave safely has arrived.

Both sides say more violence seems inevitable. The Thai Government is not prepared to negotiate further with Redshirt leaders while the protests continue and barricades remain.

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