National: VIP treatment for foreign rescuers

Rescuers, who have the time to stay in Thailand, are being given free tours and extra privileges in thanks for their dedication and persistence over the past two weeks in the Tham Luang cave search and rescue mission. For the ones that must return home now, they’ve been offered free tickets and five-year visa free travel.

The government is offering them a free-of-charge tourism treat.

For those who are still in Thailand, the Bureau of the Royal Household, the Foreign Ministry and the Tourism Authority of Thailand have jointly arranged a sight-seeing program in Bangkok and Chiang Rai for them before they leave Thailand for home.

And for those who have already left, the government will extend an invitation for them to visit Thailand once in five years with the following treats:  a business-class return ticket by courtesy of Thai Airways International; a Thailand Elite Card membership with five-year visa-free visits of Thailand and special services at the airport; one-week tour program with free accommodation.

At Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith joined Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat to see off two British cave diving experts, John Volanthen and Jason Mollison. PHOTO: The Nation

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