TAT:Indonesia’s quake won’t affect Phuket tourism

BANGKOK, April 12 (TNA) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) says international tourists appear to understand that a massive 8.6 magnitude earthquake off the Indonesian coast Wednesday afternoon, triggering tsunami warnings in six southern Thai Andaman provinces subsequently, was just a natural disaster and tourism in Phuket province will not be affected. TAT’s Deputy Governor for Domestic Marketing Thawatchai Ayunyik made the comments today, saying that tourists remain confidence in Phuket because it has sound warning and related safety systems. Thawatchai said that TAT officials have been sent to closely assist the international travellers on the southern Thai resort island, following the April 11 massive quake. He acknowledged that the officials have provided all kind of assistance to the tourists, including transferring hotels, shifting accommodations and arranging meals and rooms for passengers stranded at the Phuket Airport, temporarily shut down for a precaution for hours following the earthquake. (TNA)