Deputy PM Gen Tanasak and Deputy PM Adm Narong on social, cultural and tourism progress

BANGKOK, 23 December 2015 (NNT) –Deputy Prime Minister General Tanasak Patimapragorn, has provided an update on the government’s cultural, tourism, and sports initiatives during the government’s 1 year progress report press conference.

The deputy prime minister said tourism in 2015 has generated 2 trillion baht. The number of foreign tourists this year has exceeded the expected target, with 29 million foreigners visiting the kingdom this year. Foreigners continue to regard Thailand as one of the world's top tourist destinations, as the country has many unique cultural characteristics and leisure destinations. Tourism in the country continues to generate increasing revenue compared to previous years.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Adm Narong Pipatanasai, who is in charge of social affairs, said the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security is playing a role in cracking down on human trafficking. The government is also focusing its efforts on developing low income communities. Authorities have been working on finding new homes for 4 million homeless families and for 2 million families with inadequate housing. Another project launched by the government is the 400 baht per month financial aid for families with newborns.

-- NNT 2015-12-24

The numbers are compliant, with policy and projections due to the squishy nature of domestic tourism revenue estimates. What is domestic tourism? Is it a shopping visit from Korat to Bangkok? If we need it to be.

Authorities have been working on finding new homes for 4 million homeless families and for 2 million families with inadequate housing.

We all know what 'have been working on' means here. That's close to 10% of the population. Very impressive. Is this considered as a part of "Thainess" too?