Government to restore tourism in crude-spilled Thai East

BANGKOK, July 31 (TNA) - The Thai government is mapping out measures to boost tourism, a key national income source, and to assist business operators who have been affected by last Saturday’s crude oil leak in the sea, off the eastern coastal province of Rayong. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Kittirat Na-Ranong told reporters of the move on Wednesday, acknowledging that the crude spillover crux, which has led to cancellation of hotel booking by foreign tourists, coupled with planned political rallies against the government by civic groups on a House debate on the controversial Amnesty Bill next week, has prompted the government to prepare more measures to assist the domestic tourism industry. Kittirat said that the assistance measures include tax incentives to encourage hotel entrepreneurs to further develop hotel rooms and scenery, a cut in duty fees on certain products which are popular among international tourists, exemption of tourist visa for visitors from several countries and the green lignt for international tourists' longer stay in Thailand. The Thai Cabinet resolved at its weekly meeting on Tuesday to reduce a fee imposed on hotel room by half for three years, started from July 1, 2013 until June 30, 2016, aimed at assisting hotel operators affected by the oil spill problem, which is currently polluting Phrao Bay and nearby beaches in Rayong. Under the Cabinet's resolution, the fee is reduced by half, from 80 baht per room per annum. Meanwhile, Tourism and Sports Minister Somsak Pureesrisak is visiting the Phrao Bay on Samet Island on Wednesday to inspect progress of the clean-up operation and to look into ways to urgently restore the area's image as a tourist destination in the wake of last Saturday's crude spill in the Gulf of Thailand. According to the minister, the crude-spilled Phrao Bay is only one of 18 tourist bays on Samet Island and he will discuss with agencies concerned on measures to restore confidence in the affected area among the international visitors. (TNA)