The backbone of the Thai economy, tourism, is taking a hit after severe floods inundate the capital city and parts north.<br/> As officials scramble to pump water out of Bangkok and sandbag businesses, backpackers say they're thinking twice about staying in Thailand<br/> (SOUNDBITE)(English) TOURIST FROM CHILE SEBASTIAN SOLIS, SAYING:<br/> "But because of the problem with the floods, we take leave to... the same trip, but to Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos and leave Thailand."<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (English) 22-YEAR-OLD TOURIST FROM UNITED KINGDOM CLAIRE TAILOR, SAYING:<br/> "We're going to leave early because of the floods, we're a bit scared. So I'm going tomorrow morning, to leave."<br/> Some areas, like Khao San Road, the heart of the backpacker district, are still dry...<br/> But some business owners say the damage has already been done.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (Thai) 38-YEAR-OLD WELCOME TRAVEL AGENCY OWNER SUTHEERA SIKAWAT, SAYING:<br/> "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."<br/> 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.<br/> Thailand counts on 19 million tourists per year... officials say this year that number could drop by as much as 1 million people.<br/> Julie Noce, Reuters
