The tourism industry in Phuket has urged the government to expedite assistance measures to help recover the tourism industries in provinces outside of the capital.

Phuket Senator Ms Tanairak Atchariyachye, who also chairs the Senate Commission of Tourism has expressed concerns about the impact of the anti-government demonstrations which has dampened the tourism sector. Currently, other provinces hard-hit by the political protests lack government assistance, as the relief measures are pooled to areas in Bangkok, especially in the Ratchaprasong intersection, said Ms Tanairak.

The tourism commission has already made a proposal to the government to provide soft loans for short-term relief through financial institutions where business operators seek funds. This will help reduce the loan interest and speed results if loaning through the SME Bank, Ms Tanairak said.

The Phuket senator also advised the government to reduce the collection of insurance fee from business operators, reduce corporate taxes and electricity fees, as well as help unemployed workers by organizing career training that addresses their skills. The government should also organize seminars at local hotels in various tourist destinations, in support of domestic tourism, the Phuket senator said.

Ms Tanairak also said that the government should expedite pushing forward the reconciliation road map, as this will help boost the foreign confidence in the Kingdom.