Thailand to spend ?105m in a bid to attract tourists back after recent troubles

Property investors with fly to let accommodation in Thailand will be relieved to hear the country is taking new steps to woo back tourists after the recent troubles in Bangkok.

The Thai government is ploughing five billion baht (?105 million) into the country?s tourism industry in the form of low interest loans with two year grace periods, reports the Tourism of Cambodia website.

The governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Suraphon Svetasreni, said: ?Recently, events in Thailand have caused concern among potential visitors worldwide.

?The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) advises travellers that the situation here is returning to normal.

?The events of the past few weeks only took place in a few areas of the country. Major tourist destinations outside of Bangkok, and most of the city itself, were not affected.?

There have also been reports that the Thai government intends to waive visa fees for some countries and lower the landing fees for airlines.

Svetasreni continued: ?The things that make Thailand so appealing to visitors - our unique culture, natural attractions from mountains and beaches, incomparable value and the welcoming hospitality of Thai people - have not changed. The country?s transportation infrastructure is fully operational.

?Tourism operators throughout Thailand are ready and waiting to offer visitors exceptional holiday experiences.?

The travel industry in Thailand has seen its fair share of ups and downs in recent years.

These include an outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003, the 2004 tsunami and a protest in 2008 that shut Thailand's main international airport for days.

During the recent demonstrations the UK government advised against travel to the major tourist centres of Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

But when the Thai Government lifted the curfew in Bangkok, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office amended its advice.

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