THAILAND
The Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) shared a “Message of Confidence” from the Royal Thai Government to the Thai public and global community, alongside six new assistance measures.
The security update, which follows the August 17 bombing that killed 20 people near the popular Erawan Shrine, encourages those who plan to visit Thailand for tourism or business to continue to do so, and notes that the government is working to provide maximum security to the general public.
The Royal Thai Government’s message was relayed by Maj. Gen. Sansern Kaewkamnerd, an official government spokesperson, and it reads as follows:
Fellow Thai citizens and the international community,
With regard to the incident that occurred in the Rajprasong area last Monday, Aug. 17, 2015, the details of which have been regularly announced by the government pertaining to assistance provided to the injured, as well as the investigation and relevant action taken to bring the perpetrators to justice;
The Royal Thai Government wishes to reassure the public that the situation is under complete control of the security officials. Additional security personnel both in uniform and plainclothes have been deployed to patrol every area so as to accord maximum security to the general public.
In addition, the Royal Thai Government would like to convey to all foreigners who are planning on traveling to Thailand, be they for tourism, trade, educational or business purposes, or MICE, that the Government shall be doing its utmost to provide a safe and secure environment for the duration of your stay in Thailand and that you will experience Thai friendliness and hospitality as always.
With resoluteness and determination,
The Royal Thai Government
In addition, the TCEB issued its own set of six immediate security measures to better assist those who are visiting the country for meetings and other business purposes.
Measure 1: The measure to provide support on the MICE Lane service to facilitate MICE Travelers from the plane to Immigration checkpoint at Suvannabhumi Airport. Organizers of MICE events in Thailand who wish to receive this support can make a request for events that are officially supported by TCEB only.
Measure 2: The measure to provide information and assistance services at TCEB Counter at Suvannabhumi Airport. TCEB Counter, located at the Conveyer Belt 18, Arrival Hall, provides information as well as address questions from MICE travelers 24 hours, covering from updates on the industry or others, such as, contacting the Tourist Police, associations or related government agencies.
Measure 3: The measure to provide regular communication on the current situation to keep the market up to date and to maintain confidence among MICE organizers. TCEB will issue statements and provide up-to-date information on the current situation on request by MICE organizers of TCEB-supported events.
Measure 4: The measure to provide special police escort support for MICE travelers in large groups and for VIPs with the emphasis on providing safety and smooth experience for transferring between the airport and hotel. MICE organizers can make a request for expenses support for events with minimum 200 delegates per group or attended by VIPs. The support is at maximum 5,000 baht per time and for events that TCEB supports only.
Measure 5: The measure to provide security support for high-level executives or VIPs. MICE Organizers can make a request for expense support on hiring security personnel per the number of MICE travelers at a ratio of 2 security persons per 100 business travelers. The support package for security personnel is at maximum 1,500 baht per person per day and for events that TCEB supports only.
Measure 6: The measure to provide extra security support. Organizers can make a request for additional security as necessary by submitting their demand to TCEB for approval and for events that TCEB supports only.
The TCEB also said it wanted to assure all MICE organizers and travelers that business events and activities are continuing as normal in Bangkok and throughout the country. During August to October 2015, there are a total of 72 confirmed MICE events with 76,608 expected delegates.
