泰国的旅游业在动荡中挣扎

Thailand is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Last year, more than 26 million people visited the country. But months of unrest and a military takeover may finally be taking a toll on the country’s tourism industry.

Bangkok’s Khao San Road is a backpacker’s paradise; cheap hotels, cheap shopping, cheap food. And for tuktuk drivers like Khanton Ngamboonreung, it’s a thriving source of livelihood. But lately, he says business has been slow.

"Normally, I make about a hundred dollars a day, now I can’t even make 30," he said.

That’s because months of unrest and a military takeover just less than a week ago has kept potential tourists from coming to Thailand. Several countries, including the United States and Australia, have issued travel warnings.

For the first four months of the year, tourist arrivals dropped to 8.6 million from 9.1 million in the same period last year, according to the country’s Ministry of Tourism.

Some of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, like the Grand Palace, are almost empty at certain times of the day.

And past 10 in the evening, this is what most of Bangkok looks like: it’s quiet and empty where there used to be shops, restaurants, bars and clubs open till very late at night. The curfew, which lasts till 5 in the morning, has kept tourists from experiencing Bangkok’s famous nightlife.

Still, Thailand’s business leaders believe a more peaceful and stable environment which they say the new military government can provide will bring tourists back.

"From a tourist’s point of view, it’s not about who is running the country. It’s about if it’s peaceful, calm and safe, and that’s the key," said Chai Srivikorn from Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association.

Many here don’t share the optimism, as anti-coup protesters continue to pour out into the streets.