Bangkok (Thailand) – August 26, 2015 (travelindex.com) – The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is confident that Thailand will remain an attractive travel destination. The Thai Minister of Tourism is pushing ahead with plans to boost tourism and is traveling to China to present measures for the peak travel season. Compensation funds will ensure that all victims are compensated.

Thai Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul reaffirmed that the Thai government is providing all possible support to the families of the victims of the Ratchaprasong bombing. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Department of Rights and Freedoms are making compensation payments to the injured and deceased. So far, twelve victims have been compensated with a total of 3.6 million baht.

The situation is currently under control. Security measures have been enhanced through an increased presence of uniformed and plainclothes security forces in various locations. Comprehensive measures have been implemented to ensure the best possible safety for Thais and foreigners traveling to Thailand for a variety of reasons – be it tourism, business, education, conferences, trade fairs, exhibitions, or other purposes.

Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul from the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports outlined plans to promote tourism through a roadshow in China on September 2nd and 3rd, 2015, in cooperation with the Chinese Tourism Administration in Chengdu Province. Over 200 companies and more than 30 media representatives will participate in the roadshow. The aim is to showcase popular tourist destinations in Thailand and boost confidence in the tourism sector.

Carlos Vogeler, Director and Executive Secretary for Member Relations at the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), stated that tourism in Thailand would certainly pick up again during the high season, as Thailand has some of the most beautiful attractions in the world that have captivated millions of tourists for many years.

According to David Scowsill, President and CEO of the World Tourism Council, other nations are showing understanding for the situation and share Thailand's sympathy. He also highlighted the impressive aid and relief efforts by the public and private sectors and continues to see Thailand as a world-class travel destination.

Areepong Bhoocha-oom, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports and Tourism, announced that tourist numbers declined by 7% last week compared to previous years and are expected to fluctuate in the coming weeks. However, tourist numbers for the period from August 1st to 23rd, 2015, totaled 2.1 million, representing a 31.68% increase over the same period last year. There is no doubt that the incident in Ratchaprasong will have an impact on the Thai tourism sector. In these uncertain and unstable times, many nations have expressed their sympathy and condolences. It is now the responsibility of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and relevant authorities to jointly implement concrete measures to ensure the safety of tourists and prevent future risks of such incidents. Possible measures include the deployment of innovative security technologies, the increased installation of surveillance cameras in various locations and areas with limited visibility, and the deployment of uniformed and plainclothes security personnel to monitor specific areas. The Thai population plays a crucial role in protecting peace and stability in the country. They are urgently requested to immediately report any suspicious or unusual incidents and observations to the authorities.

Ministry of Tourism and Sports, National Stadium, Rama 1 Road, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand, Tel.: +66 2356 0711, Fax: +66 2356 0712, Web: www.mots.go.th