When life gives lemons to those solemnly tasked with selling Thai tourism, they can always be counted on to make lemonade. Or even repaint them another color to resell as mangos.
The people who brought us cosmetic surgery for ugly visitors, love day and no less than the Tour de France will promote the benefits of martial law to the world under a new campaign.
Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Thawatchai Arunyik announced the grammatically suspect “24 Hours Enjoy Thailand” campaign will soon entice hesitant visitors to the kingdom, where the suspension of civil liberties and democratic rule will assure their personal safety.
“We want the tourists to be confident that they can travel in Thailand both day and night with safety at all times,” Thawatchai said in Khaosod English.
He added that the campaign would try to create a “buzz” on social media.
The announcement didn’t mention tourism officials have been pleading with the junta to lift martial law in some tourist-heavy areas. And to bolster the claim military rule is a guarantee of personal security, they may need to move up the date of the junta’s coup from May 22 to Sept. 16, given the recent spate of ultraviolence against guests. Maybe Sept. 30, considering the last horrific assault on a tourist.
And lest we forget: Safety Wristbands.
ABOVE: Soldiers frame the Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Road after the 2006 coup. Photo: Pittaya Sroilong
Correction: An earlier version of this story mistakenly said martial law had been lifted in some tourist areas. In fact it has not despite a number of requests.
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