TOURISM
Historic sites to provide information via smartphones for tourists
Visarut Sankham
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- YOU can now swipe your smart phones to read quick-response codes on tourist banners to find out essential information about key attractions.

"We have already created banners for 12 famous attractions," Culture Minister Veera Rojpojanarat revealed.

They include four World Heritage sites- the historic town of Sukhothai and associated sites - Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park and the historic city of Ayutthaya.

Veera said the initiative was being implemented through a collaboration with the Tourism Ministry.

He said Deputy Prime Minister Gen Tanasak Patimapragorn instructed both ministries to deliver an integrated plan for cultural tourist attraction development.

In addition to the QR code creation, the government has been working on automatic request query codes for museums that allow visitors to enjoy 3D graphics of historic objects and relevant information.

It is being used in one museum to date and aims to stimulate people's interest in learning and a desire to get quality time in museums.

A senior official at the Tourism Authority said: "It is easy to access these features. Tourists need only a smart phone with camera on it.

"Then aim the camera to scan the QR or ARQ codes on banners. Several pictures and interesting information about that place will suddenly show on your screen."

It is believed QR and ARQ codes for tourist attractions are well matched to the lifestyle of modern travellers, who love to use their mobile devices to record and share their journey on social-networking websites.

The QR and ARQ codes offer content in Thai and English.

In addition to these cool initiatives, the government plans to promote "creative tourism".

For example, tourists are encouraged to observe and learn about the history of interesting places by joining local community activities.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Historic-sites-to-provide-information-via-smartpho-30268193.html

-- The Nation 2015-09-05

Good idea.

This should be implemented at museums and other tourist attractions.

I have been to so many places where the English commentary just doesn't work.

If you are living in Thailand , maybe learning thai should be a great idea ?