Thai tourist arrivals down by a third following protracted bloody protests

Bangkok, May 18 (ANI): The ongoing Red-Shirt uprising in Thailand has dealt a severe blow to the country's tourism industry, slashing arrivals to the country by almost one-third of the usual numbers.

Nineteen countries including the US have already issued tourist advisories to avoid the troubled state.

"The number of tourists has dropped considerably. The government was hoping that tourism in the South would see a boost but it is now more difficult as foreigners think that the unrest is occurring nationwide," the Bangkok Post quoted Thai Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silpa-archa as saying.

Foreigners are concerned about the security situation in the country and believe the tense situation is prevalent across Thai.

The government will be hoping to make up for the losses in the third and fourth quarter, "The government hopes this year's tourist arrivals will reach the target with the time remaining," Chumphol said.

The number of incoming passengers at Suvarnabhumi airport had dwindled from an average 30,000 to 20,000 passengers a day he added. (ANI)