Ittirit Kinglake, president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, said the blasts in Phuket, Hua Hin and other major tourist destinations would definitely have a negative impact on tourism because they frightened tourists and caused worries about safety and security.

He said tourism was likely to experience a sharp drop for a short period, especially in Phuket, Hat Yai, Hua Hin, and other beach resorts south of Bangkok as tourists would go to other countries instead.

Last year, more than 12 million foreign tourists travelled to the Southern region and generated income of Bt300 billion. Each year, Phuket and Krabi receive more than 5 million each.

“Some tourists will avoid travelling into the region. This is the immediate impact. If the situation cannot be solved, it will hit tourism in the coming high season,” Ittirit said.

If so, the country may miss its tourism target of 30 million this year, he added.

Charoen Wangananont, |president of the Association |of Thai Travel Agents, said it |was too early to make any conclusions on the impact of |the blasts for this year’s high |season because tourists had |not yet cancelled their book-|ings.

“ATTA is confident that the country can achieve its tourism projection despite the explosions,” he said.

After the blasts, the Tourism Authority of Thailand asked its domestic offices to make sure injured tourists were cared for and to facilitate support services for all foreign and Thai visitors in their areas. The offices will provide assistance and coordinate with local authorities as needed.

“These incidents are currently under police investigation. And while it is not yet known who is behind the blasts, or if the attacks are linked, an investigation is in process,” TAT said in a statement.

All airports, as well as other modes of transport nationwide, are operating normally, but people are advised to prepare adequate travelling time to avoid getting caught in traffic because of large movements of people during this long weekend.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha instructed local authorities to step up security at key locations throughout Thailand as a preventive measure and to ensure safety and security for tourists and local residents.