Bangkok unrest battles tourism

The anti-government demonstrations and the ensuing violence have seriously affected Thailand's tourism industry. The sector has already suffered losses of more than 1 billion US dollars.

Tourism is a key contributor to Thailand's economy, with about 3 percent of the country's population working in the industry. But since the red-shirts began their demonstrations, the southeast Asian country has seen a 10 percent drop in tourists.

For those visitors still staying in Bangkok, personal security has become their top concern.

A British tourist said, "Obviously, looking at it, it has not been peaceful at all. There is been people killed. I mean it wouldn't deter me from coming back, but I am certainly more wary about staying here now, because it is quite bad."

A Canadian tourist said, "It's a little concerning walking down the street, seeing blood on the street, just seeing the harm that 's being done to people."

A western tourist makes his way past Bangkok's Democracy Monument  and past an anti-government demonstration staging area Tuesday, March 16, 2010, in Bangkok, Thailand. Business leaders say the constant political turmoil continues to hurt the tourism industry as well as other areas.(AP Photo/David Longstreath)