Cabinet Approves Bt3.8 Billion For Andaman Revival

Cabinet approves Bt3.8 billion for Andaman revival

BANGKOK: -- The cabinet today endorsed a Bt3.8 billion budget for the revival of Thailand's six southern Andaman provinces affected by the 26 December tsunamis, expressing hope that the injection of cash would help restore the region’s tourist numbers to pre-disaster levels within the next six months.

The Bt3.8 billion, which will be directed expressly at restoring the tourism sector, forms part of an original Bt5.85 billion proposal which also included the construction of a tsunami museum and international conference venue, on which the government has yet to reach a conclusion.

Deputy Prime Minister Suwat Liptapanlop said that the money would be spent on schemes to encourage foreign tourists, including the establishment of duty-free or low-duty shops.

It is likely that domestic tourists will also be eligible to purchase goods in the shops, up to a ceiling of Bt20,000, although further details of the scheme will need to be thrashed out between the Ministry of Finance and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

An addition Bt500 million will go on the reconstruction of tsunami-damaged tourist resorts, including Koh Phi Phi, Khao Lak, Patong and Kamala.

The TAT, meanwhile, will be given Bt790 to engage in marketing campaigns aimed at boosting tourist confidence, while other projects will look at promoting cultural events and traditions in the Andaman region.

Other funding will go towards the establishment of beachside security and warning systems, which will fall under the responsibility of the Royal Thai Navy.

Mr. Suwat expressed confidence that the measures would see the return of the region’s tourism industry to its pre-tsunami situation by the beginning of October.

--TNa 2005-02-22