bookings because of tourist confidence in their safety and
security. The National Disaster Warning Center also installed
tsunami warning towers along the Gulf of Thailand, but the
ones for Hua Hin and Cha-Am beaches are not located at
tourist attractions. which may lead to the perception that the
warning system is not available.”
This is consistent with the speech of Mr. Dharmasaroja’s views,
(who predicted in 1998 about the probability of a tsunami occurrence
but was severely criticized) as Phuket and Krabi hoteliers
realized the necessity of having a tsunami warning system after the
tragedy. Unfortunately, before the disaster, these hoteliers felt that
such a tsunami warning system would frighten and deter tourists.
In addition, the director of the NDWC said,
“The center regularly inspects and maintains the tsunami
evacuation systems along the Andaman coast and the Gulf of
Thailand. Regarding the evacuation system, the center built
evacuation signs and marked evacuation distances to inform
residents and tourists both along the Gulf of Thailand and the
Andaman coast. However, the center’s control at the local
community level is a challenge.”