TAT governor visits Samui to build confidence among tourists

SURAT THANI, Jan 15 (TNA) - The governor of Tourism Authority of Thailand paid a visit to Koh Samui, one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations in the Gulf of Thailand, in a bid to boost tourist confidence after severe floods drove away visitors. TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn collaborated with both public and private organizations to hold an activity, titled “Welcome to Koh Samui 2016”, at Phru Chaweng on Samui Island in Surat Thani province. The event’s objective is to attract Thai and foreign tourists back to the resort island after the recent floods caused adverse effects. During the event, volunteers helped clean up Chaweng Beach in order to bring the beauty back to the island. Yuthasak said TAT has cooperated with Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand to provide financial help for local tourism businesses suffering from the floods. SME Bank offers a six-month loan repayment grace period and provides an emergency fund of 500,000 baht for each business owner in the flood-stricken area. (TNA)