Hat Yai likely to earn at least Bt50m during Hari Raya celebrations

SONGKHLA, THAILAND, July 23 (TNA) - Local tourism-related businesses in Hat Yai, Thailand's southern business hub in Songkhla Province, are expected to earn a total of at least 50 million baht during upcoming Hari Raya celebrations of Muslims. More lively tourism atmosphere is now seen in Hat Yai, where at least 80 per cent of local hotel rooms have already been booked, as Muslim tourists, both Thais and those from neighbouring countries, are preparing for their Hari Raya celebrations, after the annual Ramadan fasting month. It is expected that hotel rooms in Hat Yai should be fully booked before the Hari Raya holiday, which falls on July 28. Meanwhile, more security forces, including soldiers and defence volunteers, have been deployed in Hat Yai, especially in local business areas and tourist sites, in preparation for the growing visitors to boost public confidence. (TNA)