Tourism Officials Prepared for Upcoming Festivals

After the tragedy that occurred in Itaewon, South Korea, during a Halloween event, Thai tourism operators are concerned about the safety of large events and festivals. They encouraged relevant authorities to be stay alert for any accidents.

Vice-president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, Suthiphong Phuenphiphop, remained convinced that travelers’ confidence in Thailand will be unaffected by the accident that happened in Itaewon, South Korea.

Mr. Suthiphong believes that Thai authorities will be able to regulate and avoid any potential chaos during big celebrations, such as Loy Krathong this month and the Songkran festival next year – two traditional gatherings that often draw large crowds.

Mr. Suthiphong expects that the Loy Krathong festival will attract 100,000 people.

According to him, the majority of deadly accidents in Thailand occur in closed settings, such as the 2009 fire at the Santika Pub and the fire at the Mountain B nightclub accident that happened 3 months ago.

As seen in the Itaewon area in Seoul, there are no open spaces.

Saturday night’s Itaewon stampede took the lives of at least 154 people.

According to social media conversations in Thailand, this incident sparked anxieties and concerns about the upcoming festivals.

Knowing that the Itaewon tragedy occurred on a tiny, sloping street, Mr. Suthiphong said it was unlikely to occur in Bangkok’s famed nightlife districts like Patpong and Khao San Road where the streets are wider and with junctions, creating a better flow of people.

However, for ticket-required events, exits should not be restricted by barriers.

As excursions to South Korea have grown after the Covid-19 restrictions were relaxed, Mr. Suthiphong advised outbound travel operators that similar events may occur anytime.

Head of the Thai Hotels Association, Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi said “we should carefully prepare all safety precautions for festive gatherings.”

SOURCE: Bangkok Post

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