Thailand is safe for travelers, according to the nation`s highest ranking tourism official. Mrs. Juthamas Siriwan, Governor of the…
Thailand is safe for travelers, according to the nation`s highest ranking tourism official. Mrs. Juthamas Siriwan, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said: We were gratified to hear earlier this week that Lee Jong Wook, Director General of the World Health Organisation, took the effort to speak out publicly to say that there is no need for people to cancel trips to Thailand because of concerns about bird flu.
Wook made his comments last week in Brussels, saying that steering clear of chicken farms and open poultry markets in affected countries would be enough to avoid any danger to tourists. Governor Siriwan also reported that a tourist who had returned to Germany with a suspicious fever on January 31 is now in good condition and recovering. The Governor said: The head of the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine in Germany has monitored the case and concluded that the stricken tourist is `most likely not suffering from the bird flu` — despite some media speculation to the contrary.
The Governor also noted that Thailand is maintaining its busy schedule of international events: Thailand is safe for travelers and tourists. The nation`s international cultural and world class sports events have not been interrupted. The Bangkok International Film Festival concluded last week with visits from major international stars and directors — including Oliver Stone and members of the cast of Alexander who have been shooting in Thailand. The Johnny Walker Classic Golf Tournament wrapped up on February 1 with the stunning victory of Miguel Angel Jimenez and drew players and audiences from around the world. We are now getting ready for the arrival in March of over 80 musical groups and 200 international musicians and artists for the Pattaya Music Festival.
Governor Siriwan added: We are continuing to take avian flu very seriously in Thailand — but we are dealing with it. The Prime Minister has deployed doctors and soldiers throughout the country and they are taking very tough and very effective measures to contain the spread of the virus, in accordance with the strict guidelines recommended by the World Health Organisation. Resort and hotel owners throughout Thailand are also on high alert and have taken extra steps to meet World Health Organisation cooking standards designed to protect visitors from any exposure to undercooked poultry products.
The Governor concluded: The quick response of Thailand`s hotel and restaurant industry over the past several weeks is just one more measure of our unfailing commitment in Thailand to the safety of the millions of tourists who come to our country each year to enjoy our vibrant culture, our unparalleled historical sites, and the unmatchable natural beauty of our beaches, mountains, and great rivers.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
