Red-shirt protests give Bangkok leisure the blues

The ongoing anti-government protests throughout Bangkok, Thailand, by the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, commonly known as the red shirts, are having a significant negative impact on the city's venues and attractions.
Living and Leisure Australia Group, whose aquarium business, Siam Ocean World, is situated within the Siam Paragon shopping complex in central Bangkok, has advised in a recent statement that âdue to the current political demonstrations, transport and access to the Siam Paragon shopping complex has been compromised, and the complex has been closed at various times throughout April which has affected visitation.
âIt is unclear at this time as to when the demonstrations will end allowing the complex to return to normal operations.
âThe safety of our staff, patrons, and animals remains paramount in the determination of opening and operating the facility. Staff are on premises constantly and continue to provide appropriate care for the animals.�?
Data from STR Global, the leading provider of market data to the world's hotel industry, is also showing the immediate impact of the demonstrations on hotel occupancy in the Thai capital.
April daily data performance of occupancy and average daily rate in Bangkok Has shown a dramatic decline in hotel occupancy in the city following several disturbance-related fatalities during early April. After a slight rebound, occupancy plummeted again as the foreign offices of several key Thai feeder markets, such as Australia, Germany and the United Kingdom, advised against all but essential travel to the market. With the safety of both guests and staff in mind, some international hotels near areas of intense violence closed and have yet to reopen.

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