Vietnam tour operators told to halt Bangkok trips

The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism on Monday ordered local tourism operators to halt tours to Bangkok until the situation in Thailand’s capital city becomes stable.
Local companies were also warned about taking Vietnamese travelers to other dangerous sites in Thailand. The order came after 21 people were killed and 800 injured in weekend protests that turned violent.
VNAT also requested authorities in cities and provinces nationwide to tighten control over companies that provide tours to Thailand.
Tourism, which accounts for six percent of the Thai economy, is suffering badly following the protests, Reuters reported Monday.
The number of Vietnamese tourists to Thailand has fallen sharply in recent days, with many trips cancelled on safety concerns.
Ho Chi Minh City-based Saigontourist said it plans to restart trips to Thailand on April 29.
Lai Minh Duy, director of TST Tourist, said his company will offer tours to Thailand again after April 20.
Other tourism companies, including Vietravel and Lua Viet, said they would cancel all trips until the situation becomes stable in Thailand. Vietravel takes around 350 Vietnamese tourists to Thailand every week.
Lai Huu Phuong, director of Ben Thanh Tourist Travel Sevice Center, told Thanh Nien travel firms are taking risks in organizing trips to Thailand now as they have to book hotel rooms and air tickets in advance.
Many firms have had to suffer losses when cancelling planned trips, Phuong said.