February 14, 2005

THE SOUTH

Tourism body calls for urgent help in Satun

 MONRUEDI POONSIN

 Satun _ The tourism industry in Satun has been dealt a double blow by the

unrest in the South and December's tsunami, so urgent help is needed from

the provincial authorities and the government, a tourism executive said.

 Sawasdi Chokevisetmayura, president of the Satun Tourism Association, said

a combination of the violence in the southernmost provinces and the tsunami

had put an end to tourism in Satun.

 Although the province's beaches were largely spared from damage by the

waves, the province's location meant it felt the negative post-tsunami

effects on its tourism industry.

 Mr Sawasdi said the private sector had tried to respond by cutting hotel,

boat and other charges.

 It had also organised various events linked to Chinese New Year and other

festivities, and had developed other promotions to attract tourists, but

these have had little effect so far, he said.

 Yesterday, the association organised a relay run from Songkhla to Satun to

promote a two-day, one-night tour package based on an island off Satun.

 Unfortunately, only three people made reservations, even though the package

only cost 990 baht, including food and accommodation. While this meant

running at a loss, organisers felt they had to go ahead in hope of firing

the public's imagination, Mr Sawasdi said.

 ``The association has also gathered complaints from the industry to try to

get them resolved through coordination with the state sector, but we have

had little response from the province or central government,'' he said.

 Tourism was a major earner for Satun and the Tourism Authority of Thailand

must extend help to the province urgently.