(Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)Tourism-related operators are encouraging the government to ease Covid-19 restrictions further to drive the economy as well as lift the state of emergency. The event was organised by the Public Health, Transport and Tourism and Sports ministries, with representatives from nine business associations. Nantida Atiset, vice-president of international marketing at Phuket Tourist Association, said the industry is at a crossroads in terms of welcoming back tourists, with success dependent on the removal of the Thailand Pass system. India has replaced China as a major tourism source market as the population size is similar, said Somsong Sachaphimukh, vice-president of the Tourism Council of Thailand. Representatives from the Airlines Association of Thailand said airlines should not be responsible for collecting the 300-baht tourism tax as local and overseas airlines have different booking systems.

Source: Bangkok Post June 17, 2022 14:43 UTC