Thailand sets up information centre for visitors
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www.travelwirenews.com Six Thai provinces have been affected by the 'tsunami' wave on December 26,
2004 -- Phuket, Krabi, Phang-nga, Trang, Satun and Ranong. All other parts
of Thailand are functioning as usual.
On December 27, Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Suwat Liptapallop chaired a
meeting of government officials and private sector representatives to assess
the situation and mobilise the resources needed to help the international
and domestic visitors affected by the catastrophe.
The first step discussed was to arrange for the smooth transfer of as many
visitors within the area as possible back to Bangkok by airlines which are
providing a free service - THAI Airways International, Bangkok Airways, Air
Asia, Orient Air, Phuket Air and Nok Air. The government will provide those
affected with free accommodation, food and medical care at six selected
public and private hospitals.
Information centres are to be set up to help visitors establish contact with
their friends and relatives. The Centres will be set up in Phuket, Krabi and
Don Muang Airports. Representatives of TAT, the Tourist Police and Thai
Hotels Association (THA) will work together to provide the necessary
information.
The Royal Thai Embassy in different countries around the world will also
serve as an information centre for the local media. Among the private
sector, THA is coordinating with its members to provide accommodation for
tourists in Bangkok and surrounding areas.
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said that all international visitors who
have lost their passports would be issued a Certificate of Identification as
a temporary substitute to facilitate their departure from Thailand.
Representatives of embassies of 30 countries are heading for Phuket to
provide aid and the necessary identification papers to citizens of their
countries. Phuket Airport is operating normally. Germany, Canada, Italy and
the Netherlands have already sent aircraft to pick up their respective
citizens.
The Tourist Police of Phuket and Krabi are being assisted by the regular
police force to set up a tourist police call centre that can be reached at
1155.
TAT Governor Mrs Juthamas Siriwan expressed her deepest condolences to the
families, relatives and friends of all those affected by the tragedy and
said that TAT is doing everything in its power to be of assistance to the
victims.
The coast bordering the Gulf of Thailand has not been impacted. Popular
destinations like Koh Samui, Pattaya, Rayong, Hua Hin and Cha-am are safe
and still open to visitors. Similarly, north and northeastern Thailand is
also safe and ready to receive the usual festive season traffic.e
Useful contact details:
TAT websites: www.tourismthailand.org or www.tatnews.org |
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Thailand sets up information centre for visitors
Six Thai provinces have been affected by the 'tsunami' wave on December 26,
2004 -- Phuket, Krabi, Phang-nga, Trang, Satun and Ranong. All other parts
of Thailand are functioning as usual.
(30/12/2004)
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