BANGKOK (Bernama): Thailand has assisted more than 4,500 foreign tourists affected by the unrest in West Asia, as authorities step up coordination efforts to ensure their safety and maintain confidence in the country’s tourism sector.
Permanent Secretary of the Tourism and Sports Ministry, Natreeya Taweewong, said the ministry has been working closely with relevant agencies and embassies to facilitate and support tourists impacted by the escalating conflict.
She said that between Feb 28 and March 10, a total of 4,525 foreign tourists had received assistance through various coordination channels established by the ministry.
"Thailand is prepared to ensure the safety of all tourists and to provide support throughout their journey and stay in the country,” she said in a statement published on the Royal Thai Government website on Thursday.
Natreeya said most of the tourist are stranded due to airport or airspace closures in West Asia.
She explained that the Tourist Assistance Centre (TAC), located at five major airports -Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Krabi - assisted 2,833 tourists, while 918 others sought help through the Tourism Situation Monitoring Centre in Crisis (TSMC) via the 1672 hotline.
Provincial offices of tourism and sports in 32 provinces provided assistance to 774 tourists, she said.
Natreeya said among the assistance provided including coordinating with accommodation operators to provided special rates rooms, provide accurate travel information, and facilitating in their visa.
Natreeya emphasised that Thailand remains ready and capable of safeguarding tourists while strengthening crisis management measures to sustain confidence in the country’s tourism industry. -- Bernama
