International arrivals declined by 21% in the first six months of 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008.

During this time, it was reported that Bangkok's five-star hotels recorded occupancy of approximately 47% while four-star hotels recorded approximately 51% during the same period.

Bangkok hotels have not witnessed such levels of occupancy since the 1997 Asian financial crisis.

It was forecast that occupancy is likely to remain in the 50% to 60% region as approximately 7,150 rooms are expected to enter the market in the next three years.

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