Thai authorities to assess impacts of maintained travel advisory by US

BANGKOK, January 20 (TNA) - Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silapa-archa said that his ministry would form a committee to study impacts if the United States maintained its travel advisory against Thailand over possible terror threats. Chumpol assured that authorities concerned have implemented strict security measures and can guarantee safety for international visitors to Thailand. Chumphol visited famous backpacker areas in Bangkok, Khao San and Sukhumvit 21 Roads, on Thursday evening to boost confidence among international tourists. The ministry's spokesman reported despite travel advisories against Thailand recently issued by the United States and 18 other countries, there have been no abnormal cancellations of hotel rooms and flights. The spokesman acknowledged some tourists has, however, changed their destinations in Thailand and others have postponed their arrivals. According to the ministry's figures, international tourist arrivals in Thailand last year rose by about 3 million and tourism-related revenues stood at over 700 billion baht, exceeding its earlier target, while the country's tourism-related revenues this year are expected to reach 2 trillion baht. (TNA)