PhotoCREDIT
: René Ehrhardt via WikiMedia
: René Ehrhardt via WikiMedia
2014 has been a difficult year for the tourism industry in Thailand. Continued political unrest, not to mention a military coup in May, have kept many travelers from visiting the once popular Southeast Asian country, and to make matters worse, in September a British couple was brutally murdered at a popular resort. In the wake of these challenges, the Thai government is exploring a variety of ways to improve security for visitors, including the possibility of issuing wristband trackers for tourists.
Recently, Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Thailand’s tourism minister, outlined a number of proposals that could have a dramatic impact on the way foreign visitors travel throughout the country. For instance, sheINDICATED that the government was considering pairing visitors with federally mandated guides who would stay with them at every step of their journey. These “minders” would ensure that tourists get to and from their hotels, beaches, and other attractions safely, at all hours of the night and day. The ministry is also considering limiting the hours and locations of some activities to ensure travelers aren’t caught out late at night, when they are more likely to encounter muggers or violent criminals. But perhaps the most likely change will be the issuing of bracelets that not only contain vital information about the wearer, but could eventually include the ability to track them electronically as well.
that the government was considering pairing visitors with federally mandated guides who would stay with them at every step of their journey. These “minders” would ensure that tourists get to and from their hotels, beaches, and other attractions safely, at all hours of the night and day. The ministry is also considering limiting the hours and locations of some activities to ensure travelers aren’t caught out late at night, when they are more likely to encounter muggers or violent criminals. But perhaps the most likely change will be the issuing of bracelets that not only contain vital information about the wearer, but could eventually include the ability to track them electronically as well.
According to the report, these wristband trackers would be issued to travelers upon arrival at their hotel. The bracelet would display a serial number that is linked to their ID, and contains the contact information for the resort where they are residing. In theory, they could simply show the bracelet to a taxi driver, police officer, or other official, who would then be able to assist in getting them safely back to where they are staying. The ability to track the wristbands electronically using GPS is being discussed as well, and could potentially be phased in over time.
PhotoCREDIT: Manfred Werner
: Manfred Werner
Whether or not the wristbands would actually make travelers safer is debatable. As Kobkarn has already admitted, convincing tourists to wear them could be a challenge. But even if they do choose to wear the tracker, it doesn’t ensure that they still won’t find themselves out late at night, and alone in the wrong part of town. While the bracelets would no doubt be of assistance to travelers who become lost, or simply need help getting back to their hotel, it is unclear how they could possibly improve overall safety.
Tourism is big business in Thailand,ACCOUNTING for more than 10 percent of the country’s gross domestic product. But as the political unrest in the country has dragged on, and foreign visitors have faced increasing levels of theft and violence, there has been a dramatic downturn in the number of visitors. Some reports indicate that arrivals to Thailand have dropped more than 12% over last year, leaving some resorts with a large number of vacancies, and putting a crimp on the Thai economy.
for more than 10 percent of the country’s gross domestic product. But as the political unrest in the country has dragged on, and foreign visitors have faced increasing levels of theft and violence, there has been a dramatic downturn in the number of visitors. Some reports indicate that arrivals to Thailand have dropped more than 12% over last year, leaving some resorts with a large number of vacancies, and putting a crimp on the Thai economy.
Winning back the trust of travelers won’t be easy, and is likely to take some time. But the Thai government hopes to start taking steps toward making the country safer and more accommodating to visitors once again.
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