PM satisfies with crack down of ‘zero dollar’ tours

BANGKOK, Oct 8 (TNA) -- Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has expressed satisfaction on ongoing suppression of ‘zero-dollar tourism’ by concerned authorities, said a government spokesman. Spokesman Lieutenant General Sansern Kaewkamnerd said on Saturday that the prime minister had been informed of the suppression which is a key policy of the government and was satisfied on legal actions taken against 29 firms which were allegedly involved in the malpractice. The prime minister has ordered authorities to take legal action against those companies in accordance with evidence and to also uphold the country’s benefit with an aim to eliminate monopoly and preserve the country’s image, said Lt Gen Sansern. Authorities are probing whether these firms are involved in tax evasion, he said, adding that Gen Prayut is confident that authorities are performing their work without prejudice. Besides the current suppression, the government is trying to improve service standards given to tourists, complaints lodged by foreign tourists, especially Chinese, said Lt Gen Sansern. He said the Thailand-based China National Tourist Office (CNTO) has raised the Thai government action against those sub-standard tour agencies for other countries to study. The CNTO is also cooperating with Thai officials in investigating Chinese tour companies which offer poor services to tourists, he added. (TNA)