Dec 23 2008
Thailand Travel Bargain of 2009?
I am starting to see lots of good news for those who want to get a travel bargain in 2009.
The recent political trouble in Thailand, which led to the peaceful occupation of the Bangkok airport seems to be having a terrible effect on the Thai tourist industry.
Air Asia has been offering free seats to Thailand from its other Asian destinations.
This should be peak season for Thailand but luxury hotels are reporting occupancy rates of less than 20%! Locals say its worse than Christmas season the year after the Tsunami - probably because the airport sit-in happened so recently. Its crazy that foreigners are staying away though - I mean only in Thailand could protesters occupy an airport for weeks and when they left even the government admitted there was no damage done! Can you imagine that happening at Heathrow or JFK airports!
Grab a deal or upgrade yourself anywhere in Thailand: my favourite are the islands but Bangkok is a fun city too. With so few tourists I would probably just grab some tickets and get accommodation once you arrive - be prepared to bargain - hard! After all getting something for a room is better than getting nothing!
