"Bangkok shutdown" not seriously affect int'l tourists

BANGKOK, January 14 (TNA) - The Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports reports that "Bangkok shutdown", through spreading rallies by anti-government protesters since January 13, has not seriously affected international visitors to the capital. Deputy Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Sports Seksan Nakwong told journalists on Tuesday that only seven foreign tourists had sought travel information from his ministry, after anti-government People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) protesters kicked off their "Bangkok shutdown" on January 13. Seksan said his ministry has, however, set up the Tourists' Friend Centre at Hua Mak Sports Complex in the capital to provide assistance to international tourists who are, probably, affected by "Bangkok shutdown". According to the senior official, his ministry has also opened joint operation centres at Thailand's main Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Mueang Airport and set up Help Desks at five key skytrain terminals in the heart of Bangkok to facilitate and assist international travelers. (TNA)