Phuket Tourism and Sport office chief, Santi Pawai, was shadowed by local media as he greeted tourists on Bangla Rd, passing out maps and flyers containing information about safety protocol and grievances and complaint outlets for tourists in need.
The campaign is in line with the government’s policy to position Thailand as the “Tourism Capital of Asia” and target to raise B2.2 trillion in revenue from tourism this year.
Prior to the street campaign, the chief had earlier spoken at a booth at Jungceylon Shopping Centre, in which the chief promoted the Tourism Assistance Centre.
Though the TAC has an office at the Phuket Airport, tourists in need across the kingdom are advised to call the Bangkok office on 02-134-3077.
Similar government-sponsored publicity events were held in 11 other key tourist centres across Thailand yesterday, including, Bangkok, Pattaya, Samui, and Chiang Mai, among them.
Thailand’s tourism safety record has been the subject of frequent negative press in recent times, with persisting incidents, including scams, robberies, boat and bus accidents, rapes and other physical assaults on tourists.
Meanwhile, many local tourist businesses are facing reduced bookings and income this low season. Story here.