Thai Government to develop resort islands in South

MALÉ (The MALDIVES), June 2 (TNA) - The government plans to develop several resort islands in the South in order to persuade more tourists visiting them, said Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul on Sunday. Surapong told journalists while accompanying Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in visiting the Maldives that there is a need to develop resort islands in the South, but it needs cooperation from native people and the people must understand that the plan, if successful, would help boost their income. Proper management including eradicating wastes and tap water running must be offered to tourists in order to meet demands of tourists visiting the area, he said. Mr. Surapong said he plans to conduct a roadshow and take concerned provincial officials to visit the Maldives so that they could have ideas in developing resort islands in the South. On discussions with senior officials of the Maldives, Mr. Surapong said the current visit is successful as both sides have agreed to cooperate more on tourism. The island country is interested in One Tambon One Product, manufactured by the kingdom, and wants Thailand to offer more security cooperation, he said. Surapong added that Thailand will support the Maldives in piracy suppression as Thai sailors are now stationing and participating in anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia. (TNA)