SARS Panic to Affect Thai Tourism only in Short Term: Official

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, April 08, 2003

SARS Panic to Affect Thai Tourism only in Short Term: Official

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), will affect the Thai tourism industry only in the short run, as the government is working out measures to address the problem, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said in Bangkok Tuesday.

Before attending the weekly cabinet meeting, Thaksin said that measures to ease tourists' panic and build up their confidence that Thailand is a SARS-free destination would be discussed at thecabinet meeting, according to a local televion report.

He conceded that the SARS panic had affected Thailand's tourismindustry, but said that the adverse effect of the killing flu on Thailand was believed to be short-life.

Thaksin said he believes the situation will not last long, as the government is working out measures to ensure international tourists and visitors that Thailand is a safe SARS-free haven.

Meanwhile, stricter inspections have been imposed at border checkpoints in the country's northern and northeastern regions to bar foreign tourists and traders suspected of being infected by the killing flu to enter the kingdom.

The move followed news reports that a SARS victim recently died in Ta Chilek of Myanmar, just opposite the Mae Sai checkpoint.

The stricter measures were also aimed to prevent visitors from Vietnam, one of five countries where SARS is spreading, from entering the kingdom through the northern and northeastern checkpoints.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Chinese Health Groups Update Efforts against SARS ( 6 Messages)

HK Star Leslie Cheung Commits Suicide ( 14 Messages)

Iraq Says It Launches 37 Missiles on Coalition Troops ( 3 Messages)

China Releases US Human Rights Record in 2002 ( 6 Messages)

Seek Hegemony under the Cloak of 'Democracy': Commentary ( 27 Messages)