Krabi in Thai South not affected by tsunami warning

BANGKOK, April 12 (TNA) - Powerful earthquakes in Indonesia on Wednesday and tsunami warnings subsequenly have not affected local tourism and people's normal ways of life in Thailand's southern resort Krabi province. Local tourism in Krabi has apparently remained normal along Ao Nang and Nopparat Thara beaches, two most popular destinations in the province, as international tourists were seen walking on the beaches and catching boats to tourist islands Thursday morning as usual. Staff of a local tourism association said that Thai and foreign tourists have not cancelled their visits or room reservations in Krabi, with the average hotel occupancy rate there maintaining over 80 per cent during this year's Songkran Festival, and local authorities are trying to attract more visitors. Krabi Airport's director, Ampawan Wannako, confirmed that the Krabi Airport has operated as usual despite Wednesday's tsunami warnings and it was ready to even take over traffic from the Phuket Airport if the Phuket Airport was temporarily closed. However, coastal fishermen in four districts of nearby Trang Province have remained on shore, as a tsunami watch will continue over the next few days. Almost all hotel room reservations in Trang have also been cancelled, prompting local authorities and tour operators to meet to find ways to attract international visitors during this year's Songkran Festival, namely discounts offered by local restaurants, hotels and boat services in Kantang District from April 12-17. (TNA)