Bangkok bombs cast shadow over Thai tourism

BANGKOK - The unprecedented New Year’s Eve bombs in central Bangkok shattered the festive mood of revelers and the high hopes for 2007 of Thailand’s key tourism industry, tour operators and economists said on Tuesday.

“This is a big shock, hitting us at the peak of our high season when tourists, especially Europeans, are pouring in,” said Suparuak Surangkura, president of NS Travel and Tours, a Bangkok-based operator for European and Asian tourists.

No one has claimed responsibility for the eight bombs that killed three Thais and wounded nine foreign holidaymakers when they exploded in central Bangkok on New Year’s Eve.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, appointed after a Sept. 19 coup against Thaksin Shinawatra, has pointed the finger at politicians “who had lost power,” but said that did not mean exclusively Thaksin’s ousted administration.

Australia, the United States and Britain quickly issued travel advisories, urging their citizens to avoid all public gatherings and to remain extra vigilant in the sprawling capital of nine million.
On the Khao San Road, Bangkok’s famed backpacker travel hub, most tourists were taking events in their stride.

“We’ve had bombs in London and you’ve just got to carry on as usual,” said 32-year-old Kate Perry from Brighton in southern England.

However, some complained that the extra security imposed after the bombs forced the cancellation of New Year’s Eve street parties was putting a dampener on the perennial party spirit and causing bars to close early.

“There are lots of police now and it feels kind of uncomfortable,” said Kevin Ostrowski, 23, from Vancouver. “But hopefully it will all die down and Bangkok will become fun again.”