Business

Thailand's tourism-dependent economy hit hard by COVID-19 epidemic

Bangkok, Feb 18 (EFE/EPA).- On a normal day, the Thai capital’s iconic Grand Palace is flooded with Chinese tourists taking photos under statues of mythical giants and Buddhist icons. But now, they are rarely seen.Thailand is the top destination for Chinese travelers, but the outbreak of the novel coronavirus has devastated the Thai tourism sector and the normally bustling entrance to the dazzling palace complex is hauntingly quiet.Towards the end of January, the Chinese government banned organized tourist trips in a bid to contain the COVID-19 epidemic.The move has delivered a massive blow to Thailand where tourism accounts for up to 20 percent of its GDP. (Camera: DIEGO AZUBEL/GASPAR RUIZ-CANELA). SHOT LIST: THE ROYAL GRAND PALACE THE ERAWAN SHRINE IN BANGKOK, THAILAND.SOUND BITES: NUANPHAN SUKHO, OWNER OF A CLOTHING AND BEVERAGE STORE NEAR THE PALACE, AND SUKIJ YODSRIMUENG WHO RUNS A TEAM OF 21 STREET VENDORS NEAR ERAWAN SHRINE (IN THAI). TRANSLATION: NUANPHAN SUKHO - 1.) Chinese customers buy a lot, a lot more. We also sell to Western (tourists) too, but they buy less than the Chinese. (00:57 - 01:15)2.) Normally, I would make up to 4000-5000 baht a day, but now I make only 1000-2000 baht daily. (01:23 - 01:32)SUKIJ YODSRIMUENG - 1.) Most of the revenue comes from Chinese buyers. Chinese groups came a lot and sometimes the street overflowed. (03:00 - 03:13)