The backbone of the Thai economy, tourism, is taking a hit after severe floods inundate the capital city and parts north.
As officials scramble to pump water out of Bangkok and sandbag businesses, backpackers say they're thinking twice about staying in Thailand
(SOUNDBITE)(English) TOURIST FROM CHILE SEBASTIAN SOLIS, SAYING:
"But because of the problem with the floods, we take leave to... the same trip, but to Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos and leave Thailand."
(SOUNDBITE) (English) 22-YEAR-OLD TOURIST FROM UNITED KINGDOM CLAIRE TAILOR, SAYING:
"We're going to leave early because of the floods, we're a bit scared. So I'm going tomorrow morning, to leave."
Some areas, like Khao San Road, the heart of the backpacker district, are still dry...
But some business owners say the damage has already been done.
(SOUNDBITE) (Thai) 38-YEAR-OLD WELCOME TRAVEL AGENCY OWNER SUTHEERA SIKAWAT, SAYING:
"There were many tourists booked the tours this year, but now that more than half of the country is flooded, almost all my customers have canceled the tour and only a few are left here. And some countries even warned their people not to come to Thailand."
As of now, the city's primary airport has not been affected because it's on higher ground, still, Thai Airways International said it may reduce flights because of staff shortages.
Thailand counts on 19 million tourists per year... officials say this year that number could drop by as much as 1 million people.
Julie Noce, Reuters
