Over Bt300m expected to be changed hands during Christmas-New Year holidays in Thai Far South

SONGKHLA, THAILAND, December 26 (TNA) - Thailand's far southern Songkhla Province is welcoming international visitors, especially those from Malaysia, with more than 300 million baht expected to be changed hands during the ongoing Christmas and New Year festivity. International tourists crowded areas near Sadao Checkpoint bordering Malaysia to celebrate Christmas on December 25 and a number of them are expected to stay longer to celebrate the upcoming New Year Festival. Hat Yai business hub has particularly become very active, as local hotels and shopping malls have been decorated and beautified to attract international tourists. Chief of Songkhla's tourism business confedration Surapol Kampalanontawat assessed that at least 300 million baht should be changed hands during this year's ongoing festivity. Meanwhile, security measures have been beefed up to ensure confidence among local people and international visitors, including increased patrols and inspections of suspicious items and persons, while people have also been asked to provide tip-offs to local police. (TNA)