From The Sunday Times
December 21, 2008
Bargains for the brave – Thailand slashes prices
Prices of holidays in Thailand are to be cut in a bid to restore confidence following recent political unrest. The number of visitors has fallen by an estimated 50% since the week-long protests that closed Bangkok’s airports, and Thailand’s tourism authority says the episode will cost the country 3m visitors this season. To entice travellers to return, hotels are offering rooms for as little as half the published price.
It remains to be seen, though, how many will be brave enough to take advantage of the offers. Hoteliers have expressed fears that supporters of the ousted prime minister, Somchai Wongsawat, will cause yet more disruption, and the Thai ambassador, Kitti Wasinondh, was unable to rule out a repeat of the airport occupation. “Nobody can guarantee there will be no political tension,” he said. “But... it is my conviction the Thailand government will not let the Bangkok airports close again.”
Those who are willing to travel to Thailand should have no problem finding a bargain, said Chris Lee, of the long-haul specialist Travelmood. “The offers are flying in, no doubt about it,” he said. “Within the next week, both Thai Airways and EVA Air will be offering significant fare reductions to complement the great hotel deals coming up.”
Deals from Travelmood (0800 011 1945, www.travelmood.com ) include 10 nights for the price of five at the Regent Chalets, Cha-am, making a total of £699pp, including flights; and eight nights for the price of four at the four-star Cape Panwa hotel, in Phuket, now £799pp, including flights. The Four Seasons in Bangkok is offering every third night free, and the Centara Grand Beach Resort, in Ko Samui, has cut room rates from £205 to £1
Flight Centre (0870 499 0040, Cheap flights, holiday packages, hotels, car hire, touring and travel insurance | Flight Centre ) has 10 nights for the price of five at the Chedi Phuket: £1,355pp, including premium-economy flights. Trailfinders (0845 050 5871, Trailfinders - The Travel Experts ) has eight nights for the price of four at the Evason Phuket: £889pp, including flights. And at the luxury end of the market, Carrier (0161 491 7630, Carrier - Home ) has eight nights at the Six Senses Hideaway Yao Noi for £1,985pp, including flights, a saving of £1,590.
Bargains for the brave – Thailand slashes prices -Times Online