Thai Hotel-Rate Projections Clouded by Global Tension.

Byline: Natalie Suwanprakorn

Nov. 5--Hoteliers in Bangkok are being very cautious in projecting room rates for next year, saying volatile global conditions prevent them from making accurate demand and occupancy predictions.

Industry executives say that rate increases for the first half of next year would be slim, if any, but most are reluctant to give exact figures.

"I could tell you percentages, but the whole thing may fall in the water," said Frank Clovyn, general manager of the Landmark Bangkok, "Predictions are useless."

Mr Clovyn is not alone in his prudence. The sentiment among most of Bangkok's luxury hotel operators is wary as they gauge coming business against skittish markets and troubling world events.

Rate increase figures that were provided fell between 7 percent and 12 percent for the corporate and leisure sectors, but most executives admitted they had to bear occupancy levels in mind when accounting for rates.

"Like my colleagues in the industry, we are looking at a systematic approach to room rates," said The Regent Bangkok's general manager, Guy Rigby.