Tourist safty measures to be stepped up

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Interior are joining hands in stepping up security measures to assure safety for foreign tourists in Thailand. In a meeting joined by Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit, and provincial governors from 10 provinces which are popular tourist destinations, the issue of tourist safety was brought up for discussion in the wake of a rising number of tourist-related crimes during the first half of this year. The meeting was also participated by tourist police, and officials from the Department of Provincial Administration and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The meeting concluded that to raise security for foreign travelers, more CCTV will be installed in various spots while a central tourist center will be established to be manned by staff who can speak 7 different languages and equipped with sufficient hotlines to communicate with tourists. Police patrols will be reinforced in areas most frequented by tourists such as beaches and city centers. The meeting also agreed that in the future, representatives from hospitals which are popular among Middle East visitors would be invited to a discussion following complaints from tourists that their medical charges are too high. The meeting will try to make medical service here available justifiable prices. These matters will be presented to the Prime Minister for consideration. From thainews