THE Ministry of Tourism and Sports is getting ready to approve relief measures for this key industry which has been badly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and may distribute 5,000 baht a month for three months to those affected, INN News reported today (10.5.2020).
Sarawut Sae Tiew, a member of this ministry’s tourism working group and an expert director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said even though tourism is a key revenue generator for the country, under the current situation with the world engulfed by the Covid-19 pandemic it is not yet appropriate to again open the country and let tourists in.
People should also not be allowed to travel freely as yet because the most important issue is public health safety.
Regarding helping people involved in tourism, Mr Sarawut said this would be the same as the relief for the general public with those in need given 5,000 baht a month for three months. Steps to help tourist business operators are also being considered and a conclusion should be reached soon.
This ministry has also prepared rehabilitation measures that will be implemented after the pandemic ends to handle every situation that could arise.
He added that talks are also being held with the Public Health Ministry and other concerned units to get accurate information and be certain that everything proceeds well.
Mr Saraut urged everyone to strictly abide by the emergency decree so that all aspects of the lockdown are lifted soon.
CAPTION:
Phuket’s Patong beach at sunset in the days before the world was hit by the coronavirus pandemic. MSC cruise ship is sailing quite close by. Photo: Phuket@photographer.net (CC-BY-2.0)
