Fallout from bomb blast to dent Thailand's tourism and economy

Singapore

THAILAND's tourism industry and, by extension, the country's economy, are expected to take a hit from the bomb blast which rocked central Bangkok on Monday night, killing at least 22 people, including a Singaporean, and injured more than 120.

The horrific attack represents a major setback for the ailing Thai economy, which has been struggling to get back on its feet, as well as its tourism sector, which was finally picking up the pieces in the wake of the political turmoil that ended in a military coup last year.

With tourist arrivals rebounding nearly 30 per cent to 14.9 million in the first half of this year, expectations were for a solid performance this year; a slowdown now will undoubtedly hinder economic growth. Thailand's gross domestic pr…