Goodwill Games Encourage Malaysia-Thailand Tourism Activity

From Mohd Fakri Awang Lah NARATHIWAT, Sept 8 (Bernama) -- Besides enhancing people-to-people ties between Malaysia and Thailand, the Goodwill Games involving the two countries are also a tourism booster, especially at the border areas. Tourism and Culture Ministry deputy secretary-general (tourism) Rashidi Hasbullah said the sporting event was in line with the ministry's intention to enhance tourism activities along the Malaysian-Thai border regions. "We have a number of entry points along the border areas and a sporting event like this will encourage cross-border tourism activity, contributing to economic growth," he told reporters after the opening ceremony of the Malaysia-Thailand Goodwill Games 2014 here Saturday. It was officially opened by Narathiwat Governor Nattapong Sirichana. Nearly 200 Malaysian participants comprising largely from the country's east coast and northern states are taking part in the three-day event which ends Sunday. Among the sports featuring at the event are football, futsal, tennis, badminton and sepak takraw, as well as fun activities like tug-of-war, among others. Meanwhile, Nattapong told reporters that the Thai Government would continue with efforts to bring about peace in Thailand's troubled southern provinces. -- BERNAMA