Thailand heightens security measures at tourist sites

BANGKOK, June 28 (TNA) - The Thai government, through the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, has ordered relevant agencies to intensify security measures at tourist sites nationwide in an integrated manner during this ongoing rainy season. While speaking to journalists of the policy, Pongpanu Svetarundra, Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Sports also suggested that international tourists follow up and heed updated weather reports, particularly in areas where they plan to visit. Pongpanu's remarks coincide with an ongoing incident in which 12 young soccer trainees, aged 11-16 years old, and their 25-year-old coach have been missing in the Tham Luang Cave in the compound of the Khun Nam Nang Non Forest Park in Mae Sai District of Chiang Rai Province in the Thai North since last Saturday afternoon amid continuing downpours so far. "I've closely followed up updates of the incident and an ongoing rescue mission from all parties with sincere concerns amid continuing downpours and hopes the rescuers will soon find the young soccer team in their safe condition. The Thai government has given priority to the safety of international tourists, especially during this rainy season", Pongpanu stressed. The senior official said that he has instructed relevant agencies nationwide to work together in an integrated manner in specially- heightening security measures at tourist destinations during this ongoing rainy season. The senior official noted that the integrated task covers campaigns aimed to create proper awareness and understanding among locals, international tourists, tourism business operators and all other relevant parties on strictly following up and enforcing rules and regulations, along with monitoring and heeding updated weather reports to prevent any undesirable incidents and to protect national image. According to the senior official, international tourists and the general public can seek support or report incidents either to the Tourist Police Headquarters at its call center 1155 or to the Thailand Tourist Assistance Center (TAC) at Tel. No. 662-134-4077, in which there are staff members on duty around the clock who can speak several languages, including the Thai, English, Chinese, Japanese, South Korean, French and Russian languages. (TNA)