Thailand pledges security, assistance for tourists

Manama

The Royal Thai Government has reaffirmed security and assistance measures for all tourists in the country as Thailand is united in mobilizing the support from all concerned parties to assist and facilitate tourists affected by August 17 Bangkok explosion.

The Royal Thai Government is doing everything possible to bring the perpetrators to justice, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Dubai & Middle East Office informed. 

On August 18, Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports held a major meeting of leaders of the entire Thai tourism industry to communicate the actions being taken to accommodate the families of the deceased, provide the best possible care for the injured, take care of tourists who are currently holidaying in the country as well as maintain the confidence of those who have plans to travel to the kingdom in the days and weeks ahead.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports will also extend assistance to tourists for a broad range of unforeseen events, ranging from natural disasters, terrorism and riots, and other unfortunate incidents. 

The measures are in effect from the date the tourists arrive in Thailand and till they leave the country. The assistance measures cover the loss of life, dismemberment (hand, foot), loss of sight or total permanent disability during the trip in Thailand, medical expenses, trip curtailment and trauma rehabilitation.

A special “War Room” has been set up to assess the situation and communicate with relatives of tourists.  A service point at the hospitals, where the wounded have been admitted, has been staffed by the officers from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Tourist Police Division and multilingual volunteer interpreters, especially those who speak Mandarin.

Security has been tightened across the country to ensure the public safety, particularly at destinations and venues popular with tourists or densely populated as well as at all international airports and all public transport, including the mass transit systems – BTS Skytrain and MRT services, and bus and rail services. 

The number of officers on foot patrol has also been increased at tourist locations and important venues. Extra security, including more road checkpoints and strict checks, has also been in place. Thai Police Chief Police-General Somyos Poompanmuang led a team of high-ranking police officers patrolling Yaowarat or Bangkok’s Chinatown to reassure locals and tourists that security is under control.

Meanwhile, overall life in the city and across the country has come back to normal. All public services and banks are open and available to the general public. As for tourist businesses, tourist sites, hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and shopping malls remain open and transportation links, major roads and airports continue to operate. The Erawan Shrine at Bangkok’s Ratchaprasong intersection reopened yesterday. 

TAT with 27 overseas offices and 35 domestic offices, is closely monitoring and assessing the situation as well. They will also soon launch the plan to recall tourists’ confidence.