Thai PM backs sport industry development

NONTHABURI, THAILAND, October 22 (TNA) - Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra says her government supports the development of the Thai sport industry, as it benefits both public health and the national economy. Yingluck announced the policy on Thursday, while inaugurating the “Thailand International Sport Expo 2013”, held at the Impact Trade and Exhibition Convention Center in Muang Thong Thani on the ourskirts of Bangkok from October 24-27, 2013. Yingluck emphasized that the four-day event is a good opportunity to further open the Thai sport market and spur the Thai economy. According to the prime minister, sport innovations have raised public interest in sports, resulting in good health among people and reduced state budget on public health, while helping stimulate the Thai sport sector's growth with the adoption of modern technologies and an increase in professional Thai athletes. Thailand International Expo 2013 is divided into six zones, including an exhibition on His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the Royal Thai Family's contributions to sports and a section where 300 booths is housed for selling sport equipment at discount prices of 15-80 per cent, a display of latest sport innovations, a football kit design competition and sport fashion shows. (TNA)