The nationwide nighttime curfew in place since 22 May 2014 is to be lifted as of Friday (13 June 2014). The announcement from the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), currently overseeing Thailand’s administration, has been welcomed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), as it marks a return to normality for the country’s tourism industry.The nighttime curfew had already gradually been revoked in provinces and destinations popular with tourists, such as Pattaya, Phuket, Ko Samui, Krabi, Hua Hin, Cha-am and Phang-nga, ensuring that visitors to the kingdom would not be inconvenienced and would be free to sample Thailand’s many attractions.
The lifting of the nighttime curfew (midnight to 4 a.m.) has been expected for some time as the situation in the country is calm and everyday life is going on as normal for tourists as well as local residents.
It is not expected that any further curfews will be imposed so visitors can continue to enjoy their days in the sun and taking in the sights of the temples, mountains and beaches, as well as treating themselves to the many fine-dining, nightlife, spa treatment and shopping for which Thailand is famous.
This nationwide lifting of the curfew is also good news for restaurants, entertainment venues and other tourism-related businesses, as well as Thailand’s tourism industry as a whole.
Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik, TAT Governor said, “The nationwide lifting of the curfew shows the world that things are moving forward here in Thailand and that tourism has not been disrupted.
“This latest announcement by the NCPO should help reassure everyone coming for a holiday in Thailand or to enjoy the country’s shopping, dining and nightlife attractions that it’s business as usual and that the famous Siamese smile has not dimmed.”
Sethaphan Buddhani, director, TAT Mumbai added, “We are expecting an immediate upswing in inquiries and bookings for Thailand. We have an ambitious target for this year and while there were negligible cancellations during this time, we will need additional numbers to achieve 1,070,000 Indians during 2014. We are looking at a good response to the Thailand Grand Sale, which will has begun on Sunday June 15 and will carry on until the end of September this year. Special packages have been floated for our Phi Ta Khon festival at the month-end and many tour operators are also promoting monsoon packages for Thailand. I am optimistic that travellers will make the most of these deals and discounts.”