THAI GOVERNMENT TO REBUILD TOURISTS' CONFIDENCE

KOTA BAHARU (Malaysia), Nov 10 (Bernama) -- The Thai government is trying
to boost foreign tourist influx as its tourism industry has been hit by the
series of anti-government demonstrations in Bangkok which at times turned
violent as well as the ongoing conflict in the southern provinces.

Thailand's Consul-General Surapon Petchvra said it was part of his mission
to rectify tourists' perception that Thailand could be a dangerous place to
visit when in reality it was still a stable country and security was
improving.

"As Malaysia is Thailand's neighbouring country, many Kelantanese and
people from the other states come to Sungai Golok, Tak Bai and Narathiwat in the
southern part of our country.

"We must convince people that everything is still in order in Thailand,
security is being taken care of and the situation has improved tremendously," he
told reporters here Sunday.

Kota Baharu is the capital state of east coast Kelantan, Malaysia.

He said foreign media reports on Thailand's internal issues had created a
negative impression and could drive tourists away.

"I have arranged for several delegates from other countries, including
Malaysia, to see the real situation in Thailand which is actually far from what
has been reported in the media. It is generally still peaceful in Thailand with
people going on with their lives as usual," he said.

-- BERNAMA