The bad news from Bangkok has been emblazoned across newspaper headlines, television reports and websites across the globe the past few days and the situation does not show any signs of abating.
Foreign governments such as the US, the UK, Japan, China and Singapore have released official warnings to their citizens to not travel to Thailand.
But our government has been conspicuously mum on the issue.
Several months ago when demonstrators started invading Thailand’s state buildings, tourist companies in several countries in the region began diverting customers to Singapore, Malaysia, and Cambodia.
Yet, our Department of Tourism did not release any warnings nor did it consult local tourism businesses to change course.
This palpable silence either reflects nonchalant consideration on the part of our authorities or incredible irresponsibility.
Moreover, the number of international travelers to Thailand has dropped significantly in the wake of unfolding events. Several local tourist companies see a great opportunity to launch an official campaign to lure visitors to Vietnam based on its outstanding reputation as a safe destination.
But our national tourism administration has not taken any action, allowing a golden chance to boost our domestic hospitality industry to slip away.
In a similar case regarding neighboring Cambodia, Vietnamese products have long been the third most popular in the country behind those from China and Thailand.
However, Cambodians have recently shown a growing preference for our goods over those from Thailand, backed by the tremendous reception of a trade fair this September in Phnom Penh showcasing the best Vietnamese brands.
The event paved the way for an active push to introduce more Vietnamese products into the Cambodian market and capture consumers.
Unfortunately, the Ministry of Industry and Trade did not make any move to build on the momentum created.
It was another silence that didn’t make sense.
By Nguyen Van My |
E-mail to a friend 
Print version
To top
