Duty-free Scheme In Tsunami-hit Areas

[george]

Duty-Free scheme in tsunami-hit areas to attract Thai tourists

BANGKOK: -- The Thai government is set to consider a duty-free shopping scheme to help revive the tourist industry along the country's tsunami-hit southern Andaman coast, Deputy Prime Minister Suwat Liptapanlop told TNA on Monday.

The committee on tourism has agreed to recommend to the cabinet at its meeting on Tuesday a duty free scheme to attract tourists back to the region, Mr. Suwat told reporters after the meeting.

Under the plan, Thai tourists who stay more than two nights in the tsunami-hit Andaman region will be allowed to spend up to 20,000 baht on duty-free goods, the same privilege as foreign tourists.

If the cabinet approves the scheme, it will come into effect immediately.

Concern had been previously been about the legality of a duty-free scheme for domestic tourists.

But the Customs Department has said the privilege could be extended to cover local tourists after an intense review of country’s existing laws and regulations.

Ten private companies have indicated their interest in bidding to operate the duty-free shops.

The private sector has urged the government to make the duty-free shopping scheme for Thai tourists permanent.

The minister said he believed the scheme should be temporary.

In six months' time there would be other for Thais to visit the region, other than duty-free shopping, said Mr. Suwat.

The government was considering other incentives to encourage local tourism to the area, apart from duty-free shopping, Mr. Suwat said.

Among other schemes being proposed, include lowering the landing fees charged by the airport authority to help make air travel cheaper.

The government may also encourage more official seminars and meetings in these provinces.

--TNA 2005-02-14

[toastwars]

Will we be able to buy the "duty free" beer during the day?

[exp9696]

YES ,If you have the ELITE CARD