Protests damage Thailand tourism

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-07-2009 19:55

ASEAN leaders are set to converge in Thailand, and the country is hoping the meetings will help improve the regional economy and bring tourists back. But rallies by anti-government protesters are casting shadows over the prospects.

Policemen stand guard ahead of a protest march by supporters of Thailand's ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra in Bangkok.  Anti-government protesters have trapped Thai premier Abhisit  Vejjajiva inside a beach hotel and attacked his motorcade as the kingdom's political turmoil boiled over into violence. (AFP/Pornchai Kittiwongsakul)

The beaches are quiet and the crowds at Bangkok's temples are smaller than usual.

Months have passed since yellow-shirted protestors opposing the government and former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra shut the capital's airport, leaving thousands stranded.

In recent weeks, their red-shirted opponents have been resorting to similar tactics, rallying for days in front of Government House and demanding that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejajjiva resign.

Tourists are looking for other destinations.

French traveller Eric Goetz said, "I was thinking about maybe something can happen from one day to another and I will be blocked here and I cannot go back and work."