Thailand is plotting its return from the tourism cold now that control and order has been restored in Bangkok.
Many fear that Thailand's image as the "Land of Smiles" has been shattered by the violence that left 88 dead and 1,900 injured since early April and saw 36 major buildings burned last week. The government estimates that the two months of political upheaval have cost the country's tourism industry an estimated US$1.5 billion.
The country is heavily dependent on travel and tourism, but has been gutted by last week's scenes, televised worldwide, of Bangkok reduced to a battle zone in an army crackdown on a "Red Shirt" encampment in the city's ritzy commercial district.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has issued a statement on Wednesday declaring that tourists can visit safely now that political unrest in the capital other provinces has returned. The ministry also says it attaches high importance to the safety and security of international tourists.
"Major tourism destinations in provinces across the country are still pristine, peaceful and safe. Various measures have been implemented to return normalcy to the country and to assure foreign visitors that Thailand remains a quality and value for money destination," it said.
http://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/thailand-plots-tourism-comeback/