Thailand 'most dangerous tourist destination' says new book
Thailand has become one of the most dangerous tourist destinations on earth, according to a new book.
Thailand: Deadly Destination highlights how the tourism industry in the once popular destination has gone downhill since the unsolved murders of two British backpackers in September and a military coup.
The industry saw a slump in visitors due to months of violent street protest that left nearly 30 people dead and the country is still under martial law after the May 22 military coup.
A million fewer tourists are predicted to visit the beach-rich nation this year, reports Asia One.
According to the book, which is soon to be released, Thailand scores very poorly in terms of safety, reports the Telegraph.
"In 2014, just as in the years preceding it, there were train, bus, ferry, speedboat, motorbike and car accidents, murders, knifings, unexplained deaths, numerous suicides, diving accidents, robberies gone wrong, anonymous bodies washing up on the shores and a string of alcohol- and drug-related incidents."
The book does not predict a positive future for the country saying: "Thailand has a dying king and serious succession problems, weak democratic institutions, an economy slipping into recession, faces issues of corruption across many of its key services and is host to international crime syndicates, awash with despised foreigners and drifting perilously towards civil war."
The murders of two British tourists in Koh Tao earlier this year exposed the dark side of the country loved by many Western tourist.
According to John Stapleton, the author of the book, news of these shocking murders would not have come as a surprise to those who know the country well.
"The international coverage of the recent brutal killing of two British backpackers on the island of Koh Tao has highlighted what many long-time observers of Thailand already knew, that its tourist industry is poorly managed and the Land of Smiles has come to justifiably be regarded as one of the most dangerous tourist destinations on Earth," he said.
Over 800,000 British nationals visit Thailand every year and the country's tourist industry accounts for nearly 10 per cent of GDP.
Recent negative publicity and the slump in visitors is sure to damage the country's economy.
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