Thai tourism chiefs set up 'war room' in wake of Bangkok bomb

ASIA – A Bangkok hotel, adjacent to the site of the bomb blast which killed 20 people, has reported only a few MICE event cancellations, as Thailand’s tourism officials set up a ‘war room’ to help event organisers in the wake of the attack. A spokesperson from the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, adjacent to the Erawan Shrine, told CMW‘s sister publication EW the hotel had received a “few MICE group cancellations” for events in August. However, the spokesperson said there had been no cancellations for events scheduled in September onwards. The hotel, which sustained minor damage in the blast, has boosted security and is offering free limousine airport transfers to MICE delegates. “This is to ensure that our guests feel safe,” the spokesperson said. Grand Hyatt area vice president Gordon Fuller said: “We are devastated by the tragedy that occurred near the Erawan Shrine in central Bangkok on the evening of August 17.” “We extend our heartfelt sympathies to those who were injured and to the families who lost loved ones as a result of the incident. “Bangkok is a beautiful and dynamic city and we are doing what we can to support our guests, colleagues, neighbours and the community during this difficult time.” Meanwhile, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) officials have set up a ‘war room’ to support MICE organisers and visitors, as well as an information centre at Suvannabhumi Airport. The centre will remain open until October. The bureau’s president, Nopparat Maythaveekulchai, said the war room would build confidence and show the bureau’s support for organisers. “There is no cancellation or postponement of events scheduled to be held in Thailand during this time,” Maythaveekulchai said. The city is expecting more than 76,000 delegates at 72 confirmed MICE events during August to October. Events include the FDI Annual World Dental Congress (9,300 delegates), World Congress of Surgery (2,000 delegates) and TBEX Asia 2015 (900 delegates). Earlier today (August 21) representatives of Bangkok’s Buddhist, Islamic, Christian, Hindu and Sikh communities held a ceremony at CentralWorld Square to honour Monday’s bombing victims. Thai police are continuing their investigations into the attack.