Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) EXPLOSION INCIDENT IN BANGKOK: THAILAND SITUATION UPDATE ON 30 AUGUST 2015 at 14.00 hrs.

Following the explosion incident in Bangkok on 17 August, global and national tourism authorities have stepped up to support Thailand’s continuing appeal as one of the world’s premier tourist and business event destinations.

At a press conference held by Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports on 26 August at the Erawan Hotel, Bangkok, representatives from the UN World Tourism Association, World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) and Thailand’s Tourist Police Division expressed their confidence that the impact of the tragedy on tourism will be short-term. The tourism industry is expected to bounce back strongly and quickly in the coming months.

For The NCPO Situation Monitoring Centre part, we would like to update the general public on the work undertaken by relevant agencies.

The investigation has made constant progress. Following the arrest of a suspect as has been reported yesterday, the investigation is still ongoing. The relevant officials are to conduct further investigation and examine the evidence gathered which will take some time.

To ensure the safety and security of residents, tourists and MICE Travellers alike, security measures in key public areas and destinations have already been strengthened. Strict security measures have also been implemented at major event venues.

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB as the Royal Thai Government’s flagship body established to support business events here in Thailand has prepared six immediate measures with the emphasis on providing assistance and maintaining confidence among MICE organisers and travellers attending TCEB-supported events in Thailand, especially during the period of August – October 2015

For more information, please click here.

As normality returned to Bangkok, TCEB would like to once again assure all MICE organisers and travellers that business events and activities are continuing as normal in Bangkok and throughout the country. During August – October 2015, there are a total of 72 confirmed MICE events with 76,608 delegates.

Operation of the MICE Industry

International stakeholders are advised that Thailand’s MICE industry continues to operate as normal, and all public and private sector stakeholders are working together to monitor the situation. All hotels, venues and attractions are open and ready to welcome travellers. Transportation links, major roads and airports continue to operate, including Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain and MRT services and both Don Muang and Suvannabhumi International Airports.

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) announced to waive the flight change surcharge for tickets issued by THAI sales offices in Thailand as well as overseas, as well as tickets issued online through www.thaiairways.com prior to or on 17 August 2015 during 18 August to 18 September 2015 for the convenience of customers who may not be able to travel. The waiver for flight changes will be allowed one time only for all routes specified on the passenger ticket, with the same ticket validity as specified in the original ticket and/or by 18 September 2015.

As the government’s flagship body for the MICE sector, TCEB will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates. Should travellers require any further information, please call TCEB office: +66 (0) 2694 6000, TCEB call centre at 1105 (within Thailand only), visit www.tceb.or.th or contact info@tceb.or.th, or contact these relevant authorities:

•    Tourism Authority of Thailand Call Centre 1672

•    Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hotline +66 (0) 2644 7245 / 2643 5522 / 85 065 9927

•    Tourist Police Hotline 1155

•    Suvannabhumi International Airport +66 (0) 2132 4000

•    Don Muang International Airport +66 (0) 2535 1616

•    THAI Contact Center at Tel. 02-356-1111

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For more information please contact:

Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organisation)

Ms Arisara Thanuplang    Tel +66 2 694 6095    Email: arisara_t@tceb.or.th

Ms Kanokwan Kadeedang    Tel +66 2 694 6006 Email: kanokwan_k@tceb.or.th

Ms Kwanchanok Otton    Tel +66 2 694 6096 Email: kwanchanok_o@tceb.or.th