TAT to restore Chinese confidence after Phuket boat tragedy

PHUKET, July 18 (TNA) -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is to restore confidence among Chinese tourists following the Phoenix boat tragedy here. TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn and his deputy Tanes Petsuwan visited Phuket to examine the impacts of the boat capsize tragedy. They discussed a plan to restore confidence with Phuket governor Noraphat Plodthong and other local authorities. Mr Noraphat said safety measures were stepped up for tourists visiting local islands. Besides, a rescue center was set up at the Ao Chalong pier. Three boats were deployed at the center which was equipped with radio to respond swiftly to emergency cases in the sea. Surveillance cameras would be installed at all piers in Phuket. The installation at 39 locations would be finished as soon as possible. Local authorities would monitor the tourists visiting local piers with the cameras. In addition, tourists would wear special wristbands before boarding their boats. The wristbands would help authorities to identify and locate them, the Phuket governor said. Mr Tanes who supervises TAT’s marketing and communication affairs, said he would visit China to restore confidence among Chinese authorities and people. He would go to four Chinese provinces that are the native locations of Chinese tourists killed in the Phoenix boat incident. There would be events to promote tourism in Phuket. The beauty and improved marine safety of Phuket would convince Chinese tourists to return to Phuket in the near future, he said. The Phoenix boat which carries Chinese tourists capsized in rough seas off Phuket on July 5. Forty-seven people were killed. (TNA)