Campaign up to win back tourists

Dubai : After a series of prolonged protests and political violence erupted in Bangkok in mid-May, Thai tourism officials are now anxious to get foreign visitors back to Thailand.

On Wednesday, The Tourism of Thailand launched a series of promotional campaigns to try to get more UAE visitors back to Bangkok under the slogan "We Love Thailand".

"The impact of the riots gas cost Thailand a very expensive lesson and the country needs to be restored back as soon as possible," said Pasak Teparak, Consul-General for Thailand in Dubai. Political violence by Red Shirts and the government's crackdown by its military left much of central Bangkok vandalised, buildings torched and some 90 people dead.

However, Teparak says that all is now quiet in Bangkok and he is urging UAE visitors to come back to Thailand.

"While the original target of 16 million visitors might not be achieved this year, we are confident that the 14 million visitors of last year could be equalled," he said.

Despite the negative events of the past few months, Teparak says the fundamentals of Thailand's economy remain strong. First quarter GDP growth was a robust 12 per cent which was achieved against the backdrop of the protests in April and May. The value of exports rose by 32 per cent in the same period, an increase however that reflects higher food and agricultural product prices rather than straight growth in shipped goods.

As part of the "We Love Thailand" initiative unveiled at the Dusit Thani Hotel, local Thai businesses and restaurants will be offering discounts on select services and foods in an effort to raise the nation's profile.

"When the going gets tough, the tough get things going," Teparak said.