After weeks of demonstrations, there seems to be no end in sight to the Red Shirts’ rioting in Bangkok. The continuing violence has had a marked effect on tourism in Thailand.

The central shopping and tourist areas have been crippled by the riots. Hotels and shops have been forced to close for fear of getting caught up in the violence.

If the political unrest continues for a further three months, the country will be faced with a colossal loss of over £2 billion.

Bangkok is angered by the callous attack on their tourist industry.

Tour operators aim to focus their marketing efforts on other areas of the country that haven’t been affected by the political unrest.

Thai tourist destinations such as Koh Samui, Phuket and Chiang Mai will receive maximum promotion. And there’s no doubt that they are beautiful holiday destinations.

The stunning island of Koh Samui is an idyllic retreat, perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving or just relaxing on one of its white sand beaches.

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and has long been popular with tourists. The island has numerous beaches, some deserted, while others are popular with water sports. There are also mangrove forests and waterfalls to explore.

Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand, is home to over 300 temples, and the city is surrounded by a wealth of museums, ancient ruins and national parks. The area is mountainous, offering a series of winding, scenic mountain trails.

If you are planning a trip to Thailand, make sure you buy travel insurance to cover you if you lose your belongings or you need unexpected medical assistance.