Thai police confident about tourist safety after series of blasts

Thai tourist police said on Saturday that they are ready to protect tourists after series of blasts hit southern Thailand earlier.

"Since there is 3-day public holiday since 12th August, we have made preparations before, which make us ready to protect our tourists now after the blasts." Surachet Hakpal, Thailand's tourist police commander, said to Xinhua after a news conference.

He said that Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and related officials had agreed to arrange more police to join in tourism to double the number from 900 to 1700 in a week.

Surachet also said in the news conference that they are now collaborating with police and officers in many popular places, such as China town Yaowarat and Khaosan road in Bangkok to keep the country safe for tourists.

The news conference was held by the Ministry Of Tourism and Sports during which Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, said the Thai government will do its best to help people injured in the blasts, adding that the ministry has its funds to help them.

According to her, 10 foreign tourists got injured in the blasts, with seven of them still being treated at two hospitals.

She confirmed that there will be no postponement or cancellation of international tourism events to be hosted by the kingdom, such as the World Tourism Day celebrations on Sept. 27.

Series of blasts and blazes hit many southern provinces from Thursday to Friday, killing four and wounding dozens. Some of the affected places, such as Krabi, Surat Thani, and Hua Hin, are popular among tourists around the world.

Royal Thai police chief Chakthip Chaijinda said Friday that the incidents might have links to opponents to last Sunday's referendum on draft constitution.

Thailand's economy depends strongly on the travel and tourism industry, generating 2.8 trillion Baht (81.6 billion U.S. dollars) in 2015, 21 percent of GDP. It supported 5.9 million jobs, over 15 percent of the country's employment.

Source : XINHUA