Business as usual for most Bangkok-based Singapore companies


Posted : September 20, 2006

SINGAPORE: Concerns over the military coup in Thailand are not hurting businesses for Singapore companies based in Bangkok.

Only the travel industry could be slightly affected due to tourists cancelling their trips to the country.

This, according to the Singapore-Thai Chamber of Commerce, which works closely with some 500 Singapore companies and over 2000 Singaporeans there.

Novotel Hotel, in the heart of town (Sukhumbit area), has seen a drop in reservations and cancellation of nearly 150 bookings, so far, but it's better business than usual for Gold Orchid Bangkok, which is a 20 minute drive away from Bangkok International Airport.

The Singapore-owned hotel is now seeing up to 65 percent occupancy.

"In the event of an emergency, Singaporeans who're here want to return back to Singapore. Our hotel location is very close to the airport. We have staff here on full-strength and they are here to work. Also the sector of business is coming in, we still do have enquiries coming," said Peter Teo, Director of Sales and Marketing, Gold Orchid Bangkok Hotel.

Local authorities and travel agents have also been giving advice to tourists.

"Last night, the level of uncertainty was pretty high, but this morning, after meeting with customers, they seem to have a higher level of confidence. Based on the feedback from the locals, I think there is not a need to cut short business plans here," said Kelvin Seah, Vice-President, Asia, InterTouch.

"Everything at the airport now is actually normal. People are leading lives as usual, and things are not as bad as I thought it would be. But there are some who're still skeptical about the situation whether it's going to be worse or better," said Nazlie Johari, a tourist from Singapore.

The Singapore business community in Thailand is monitoring the situation closely.

"The situation in Bangkok is quite quiet at the moment. There was less traffic as I drove around the streets this morning. Train stations are guarded by some soldiers and in front of some buildings there are some tanks," said Winston Doong, Honorary Chairman, Singapore-Thai Chamber of Commerce.

The Singapore-Thai Chamber of Commerce, together with the Singapore Embassy in Thailand, is keeping Singaporeans updated on new developments.

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