Australian interest in Thailand travel drops by 30 per cent after military coup

AUSTRALIAN interest in Thailand travel has dropped 30 per cent, despite assurances it remains “a welcoming tourist destination”.

AUSTRALIAN interest in Thailand travel has plummeted by 30 per cent since the May 22 military coup, despite assurances it remains “a welcoming tourist destination”.

While there are reports Bangkok has been more peaceful since the coup, there was a drop of 32 per cent in searches by Australians in the following week, according to accommodation booking site trivago.com.au.

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Many travellers are ditching their Thai holiday plans.

The trend away from Thailand has been reflected globally, with an average decline of 27 per cent worldwide, trivago.com.au said, with European and North American countries recording the largest drop in interest.

But Thailand’s trouble is a boost for its neighbours, with a countries surrounding Thailand experienced a 7 per cent hike in searches by Australians.

Vietnam appears to be the most popular alternative, recording a 29 per cent increase in searches, followed by Indonesia at 6 per cent.

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The Tourism Authority of Thailand has repeatedly sought to reassure travellers the country remains safe.

“We would like to inform that Thailand remains a welcoming tourist destination and that it’s business as usual throughout the country,” the latest update from the authority says.

It says the midnight to 4am curfew “has hardly stopped travellers from enjoying their days in the sun and taking in the sights of Thailand’s temples, mountains and beaches”.

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There are reports the four-hour curfew may be scrapped in major tourist areas this week.

The coup reportedly has had a calming effect on Bangkok’s streets.

“Before the coup there were nightly shootings and explosions in Bangkok and protesters were armed,” reported expat blogger Richard Barrow.

“Now it’s all quiet and protesters are peaceful.”

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The Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade continues to warn travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in Thailand.

On Saturday, Australia banned Thailand’s coup leaders from visiting and downgraded military ties with the South-East Asian country.

“The Australian government continues to have grave concerns about the actions of the military in Thailand,” Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Defense Minister David Johnston said in a joint statement.

Thailand: The advice to travellers

For the latest travel advice from DFAT visit the Smartraveller website.

For updates from the Tourism Authority of Thailand visit tatnews.org

- with AAP