Thai government mulls B6.6bn tourism rehab investment

To lure investors and tourists back in Thailand, the national government of the said country is seriously considering investing about 6.6 billion baht in tourism projects over the next three years.

According to the report, the package, which excludes 10.23 billion baht in tourism-related infrastructure spending, is intended to rebuild the battered economy of the Southeast Asian nation due to political tension.

Dr. Sasithara Pichaicharnnarong, the Tourism and Sports Ministry permanent secretary said the cabinet has already approved the investment framework.

Its details will be confirmed later and re-submitted for the cabinet’s approval, probably in May or June this year.
The multi billion investment, which starts in October 2010 include:

- 75 million baht to restore foreign-visitor confidence and upgrade warnings and safety measures in tourism spots.
- 325 million baht to convince foreign visitors to travel to Thailand both for business and leisure.
- 2 billion baht to build new tourism products, including developments such as the Royal Coast plan, the Chiang Mai convention hall, and tourism routes linking South China to Malaysia and Burma via Laos and Vietnam.
- 3.55 billion baht for rehabilitating the environment at tourism spots, such as the national parks and the royal projects.
- 593 million baht for upgrading tourism standards and developing human resources in the industry.
Sasithara revealed the infrastructure investment package would include 4.12 billion baht for improving and upgrading tap water systems in 11 tourism spots; 1.95 billion for installing and improving power supplies at  tourism spots; and 4.16 billion for upgrading 58 bus and railway stations.

Sasithara added part of the project also includes the Royal Coast project. Formerly called Thailand Riviera, this tourism megaproject requires 10 billion baht in public funds as well as private investment totalling 21 billion for infrastructure development.

Started in 2005, the Royal Coast project aims to make the upper region of the south an internationally renowned destination.

The project will develop facilities in four provinces – Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon and Ranong – which currently have great-untapped tourism potential.

The 400-kilometre coastal area already has good basic facilities and infrastructure, especially roads, railways and air links.

The four provinces have many diverse and famous attractions, such as historical and cultural sites, national parks, beaches and hot springs.
They will also be linked to eastern coastal tourist sites such as Pattaya, Sattahip and Rayong.

The original development timeframe, between 2007 and 2011, envisions Phetchaburi becoming a centre for historical and cultural tourism, with Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon developed  as natural attractions, while Ranong would be positioned as a centre for health tourism.

Furthermore, Sasithara said the ministry plans to invest in tourism routes linking destinations in each province, with new piers and ports to support marine tourism, and diving centres in Chumphon.

She said details of these projects would go before the cabinet in June.