Thai forecast extra int’l travellers

The Tourism Council of Thailand is expecting one million additional international tourists in 2012 than first predicted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The Tourism Council projects total foreign visitors to Thailand at 21.5 million this year, higher than the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s projection of 20.5 million, according to the Bangkok Post. Domestic tourism is expected to slow due to flooding concerns. Tourism Council of Thailand president Piyaman Techapaiboon said foreign tourists were not concerned with flooding, as their primary destination is Phuket and the surrounding islands. Bangkok remains a popular destination for travellers from Asean countries including China and Singapore. 150,000 to 160,000 passengers on chartered flights will travel from China to Thailand in October. Chinese tourists’ length of stay and spending in Thailand is predicted to increase, according to Thai-Chinese Tourism Alliance Association president Kasian Watanachaopisut. Mr Kasian expects Chinese tourists to generate at least 6 billion baht in revenue this month alone.