Tourism department’s shopping list

BANGKOK, 5 January 2012: Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ Tourism Department will use a Bt452 million budget to improve tourist attractions and build competitive edge.

Tourism Department director general, Supol Sripan, said it will require a Bt452,221,050 budget restore more than 20 projects across the country.

“We will strengthen tourism efficiency as part of the government’s Miracle Thailand Year programme that seeks to highlight celebrations linked to HM the King’s 84th’s birthday and other royal activities up until HM the Queen’s 80th birthday in August 2012.”

Mr Supol added: “Over Bt200 million will be used to improve roads to tourist attractions across the country.”

If the budget is approved this week, the department will support improvements at Thung Thale Luang in Sukhothai; Huai Kha Kaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani; Ban Ta Klang Elephant Village in Surin; King Rama II memorial park in Samut Songkram; and Kao Tao in Surat Thani.

In Mahasarakam province, the tourism department will develop attractions in Bueng Kui, Nong Kha Public Park, Wat Phra Yuen, Nakhon Jumpasri landscape.

Other attractions are Agricultural Occupation Promotion and Development Centre in Suphanburi; Chao Phraya River at Ayutthaya’ Jaofasang school and Somdet Phra Ratcha Pitucha Palace; beachfront of Wat Sawang Arom in Sing Buri; Royal Fruit Development Centre in Chanthaburi.

There are plans to support the Greater Mekong Sub-region specifically in Chiang Rai. Other improvements will focus on the following:

•Phu Tai in Kalasin;

•150 million years old shell fossil museum and dinosaur fossil in Nong Bua Lamphu;

•The old town hall in Phetchabun; historical sites in That Phanom district in Nakhon Phanom;

•Nam Pud Na Lao in Chaiyaphum;

•Hua Ro market in Ayutthaya; San Kamphaeng hot springs in Chiang Mai; attractions in Nong Khok On sub district in Buri Ram;

•Destinations in Prasat district, Si Sa Ket.