Thailand and Malaysia are to join together to launch a massive tourism drive event in the former`s southernmost province of Narathiwat…
Thailand and Malaysia are to join together to launch a massive tourism drive event in the former`s southernmost province of Narathiwat next year in a bid to stimulate tourism in Thailand`s three southern border provinces, the Tourism Council of Thailand has revealed.
Council member Mr. Abdullayi Awaesuemae, who also chairs the Narathiwas Tourism Association, said that Thai plans to push Thailand`s southern border region as a tourist destination had recently been met with enthusiasm by Malaysian Tourism Minister Datuk Leo Michael Toyad.
His comments follow a recent trip to the southern region by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who proposed three projects to promote tourism in the country`s southern border region: a Thai-Malaysian longboat contest, a light and sound show on the bridge over the Sungai Kolok River, and a whitewater rafting contest on the Saiburi River.
Mr. Abdullayi attributed Malaysia`s cooperation to the close relationship between Mr. Thaksin and his Malaysian counterpart Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. The tourism promotion events are likely to begin next year, with the light and sound show kicking off the series of events in July.
The Bt9.5 million budget for the event will be requested from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
Mr. Abdullayi expressed confidence that the light and sound show would generate revenue of Bt700-800 million, while the longboat race would generate at least Bt1.5 billion.
Tourism representatives from both countries have submitted their proposals for the series of events to Tourism and Sports Minister Sontaya Kunplome.
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