THAI urged to increase flights to provincial tourist destinations

BANGKOK, December 4 (TNA) - Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has called on Thai Airways International (THAI), the national flag carrier, to increase flights from Bangkok to tourist destinations in provincial areas. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul told journalists on Wednesday that Premier Yingluck made the call at a meeting of Economic Ministers and other concerned parties, held in Bangkok earlier in the day, after she was reported on updates regarding domestic political protests, including 36 overseas governments have issued warnings for their people to avoid protest areas in Thailand. Surapong said that the Office of National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) also suggested that promotional activities be organized, namely shopping campaigns, to draw international tourists into areas not affected by anti-government protests. The deputy prime minister revealed that the prime minister asked relevant agencies, particularly, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to work together to inform the international community of Thailand's relieving political situation to ensure their proper understanding. According to the deputy prime minister, the enforcement of the Internal Security Act (ISA) across Bangkok and neighboring Nonthaburi Province, as well as specific areas in other peripheral provinces will be maintained for a certain period of time, as political protests are expected to be continued after nationwide celebrations of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on December 5. Meanwhile, THAI President Sorajak Kasemsuvan acknowledged that the number of international passengers has dropped due to domestic political protests, including those from Hong Kong, China, Europe and Australia.(TNA)