Asians are scared of ghosts

The existence of ghosts may be debated. But the impact of traditional Asian beliefs on Thailand's tourism trade since the December 26, 2004, tsunami appears indisputable.

Tourism from Europe, Australia, and the United States has rebounded since the disaster. But tourist arrivals from elsewhere in Asia have plummeted since the tsunami and have yet to bounce back.

Industry observers cite Asian tourists' fears of ghosts in tsunami-stricken areas as the main reason for the decline.