Ministry sets up assistance centres

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports deputy permanent secretary, Thanittha Maneechote, said the Ministry would set up a National Tourist Assistance Centre operating from 12 to 23 March to facilitate foreign tourists around the clock.

Ms Thanittha revealed she had meetings with representatives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tourist Police, General Insurance Association, Tourism Council of Thailand, Thai Hotels Association and Association of Thai Travel Agents to start the project rolling.

Also the Ministry will send staff to tourist areas in Bangkok — Sanam Luang and the Royal Palace area; Khaosan Road; Paragon Department Store and Silom Road. A call centre will be set up at 1672 and 1155 to assist visitors in need.

Meanwhile, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration deputy governor, Tya Teepasuwan, said the BMA planned to set up 31 tourist assistance booths  in Bangkok. It will offer information to tourists to avoid protest sites. The emergency number is 1555.

Tour operators and travellers share a single concern. Will the protestors close the airports following the example of yellow shirt protestors in late 2008.

However, a red shirt leader, Jatuporn Prompan, announced yesterday the red shirts would not seize the PM’s Office, Suvarnabhumi Airport, government and private sector’s buildings claiming they would not follow the yellow shirt’s actions in 2008.

Airport security has been beefed up and more checkpoints installed on the highways leading to the city’s two airports.

Also, the red shirts announced yesterday they had cancelled two protest meeting points – Tung Song Hong police station and Bangna.

(See related story: TAT situation briefing on other sites)

The red shirts announced that the 14 March rally will stretch from Sanam Laung to Equestrian Statue of King Rama V (Amporn Gardens) with the main stage at Phan Fa Leelad Bridge on Ratchadamnoen Klang road (Near the Democracy Monument).