Thailand set to welcome more tourists from Oman

Muscat: Restrictions imposed on festive celebrations and entertainment venues will be lifted in Thailand, when the 30-day prohibition imposed on nightlife, TV shows and festivals, in wake of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej death ends on November 14.
Thailand is currently in a period of national mourning after the passing of the beloved monarch.
From Oman, Thailand welcomed more than 85,000 tourists in 2015, reflecting an increase of 13 per cent, compared with the previous year. And between January and August 2016, 72,920 tourists visited Thailand from Oman, a spokesperson of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Middle East said.
The announcement has been made to reassure visitors with plans to visit Thailand that all events and festivals will go ahead as planned. “It is also to let locals know that, while the mourning period is being respected, other areas of life will be returning to normal to avoid disruption and to enable people to make a living,” a statement from TAT said.
Travel agents in Oman believe demand will pick up after the restrictions are over. “Yes, certainly the demand will go up as it is one of the favourite places for citizens and expats living in Oman,” an official at Star Travels in Ruwi said.
Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of TAT said, “The first 30 days of the official mourning period has been a time for remembrance of the late King for the Thai people. Although there has been earlier minimal disruption in events, festivals and tourism activities; with entertainment restrictions being lifted from November 14, visitors can feel assured that they will spend their time here, experience a warm welcome and continue with their holiday plans.”
All entertainment venues, parties, festivals and radio and television broadcasts will resume on November 14. Arrangements for nationally celebrated events, including the Loi Krathong festival to be held on November 14, Christmas celebrations and New Year countdowns, as well as the Chinese New Year celebrations will also proceed as planned.
TAT Governor Supasorn further stated, “While this is a mourning period in Thailand, life is going on in the country and people are as welcoming as ever to tourists. All events and celebrations are going ahead and tourists will be seen as true friends of Thailand in these eventful times.”