Minister of Transport Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong today discussed new measures to promote tourism with Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanawarangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports.
Speaking after the meeting, the Transport Minister said three issues were discussed : publicizing the good image of Thai tourism among local and foreign tourists, tightening security measures for tourists on land, water and air transports, and promoting more tourism campaigns such as revival of tourism by train and biking tours.
According to the minister, the bicycle tour would be piloted in Bangkok before being expanded to areas along the Bangkok-Nakhon Nayok and Bangkok-Nakhon Pathom routes. Moreover, bicycle sub-lanes should be provided to connect main roads to inner communities.
The two ministers also discussed prevention of bodily assaults and all forms of intimidation on tourists, as well as money extortion at tourist spots. The two ministries are set to look into the insurance issue to ensure fair protection for tourists and at the same time promote effective communication tools and patrols by authorities in risky areas.
Touching on the problem of illegal cars and motorcycles rented to tourists by unscrupulous shops, Air Chief Marshal Prajin confirmed that strict inspection must be done on those shops. And by the end of this year, the government would announce an action plan in line with its tourism master plan.
