Exclusive Feature: According to the international media, the global reaction to Thailand's most recent military coup is the cancellation of hundreds of tourist groups; some of the airlines frequently servicing BKK have reported a sharp drop in future bookings numbers.
Let me make myself absolutely clear: I am no politician. I don't understand Thai Politics nor do I wish to intervene in other countries' political debates.
I am evaluating the situation only as a global tourism person.
My question to you, my fellow hospitality professionals, is this: do you really believe that now with the army in control, things will get worse than before?
Before we answer this important question, I think we need to learn more about Thai modern history and the role of the King in all of this.
Since the beginning of 1970's, Thailand had five Military coup d'état.
The Thai army acts on the blessing of the King and is seen by many Thai people as a stabilizing force in Thailand.
Thailand is a great global tourism destination, as well as a gateway to south-east Asia. The political turmoil that engulfed the country for the past years was becoming unbearable.
Many Western countries - as well as important Asian countries - issued official travel warnings to its citizens.
The Thai economy is centered on tourism; once tourism was affected, the economy was crippled.
Bangkok is the beating heart of the Thai Kingdom. This "Heart" was suffering from almost daily riots, protests, and - in the more recent months - deadly fire clashes.
My own view is that the Thai Army did not want to take control of the state - they simply had to do it.
With the recent ruling of the Thai constitutional court ordering Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to step down, the writing was on the wall.
The country just couldn't go on in the same way: changing the name of the Prime Minister, but keeping the same cabinet and policies.
Ladies and gentlemen, tourism needs 3 main and basic ingredients in order for it to thrive and prosper:
- Peace
- Tranquility
- Strong, solid economy
Thailand is one of the world's most amazing tourism destinations. Nested in south-east Asia, Thailand's tourism potential is huge.
Let's hope and pray that the army's rule will be a brief one and will bring peace and tranquility to this beautiful country.
Joseph 'Yossi' Fischer
Owner at Vision Hospitality & Travel 
