Diving lures more Russians

PHUKET: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is set to open an office in Moscow as Phuket attracts more visitors from Russia – especially for diving vacations. Napasorn Kakai, the Deputy Director of the local TAT office, told the Gazette yesterday, “Phuket is appealing to more and more Russian tourists. We now have 5,000 coming each year, especially between November and January. The number grew by about 45% this year.” The Russians arrive on chartered aircraft because there are no direct flights to Thailand yet, K. Napasorn said. “They have to transit somewhere in Europe,” she added. “Regular flights will be possible soon between the two countries because the [tourism] situation is much better these days.” But she said more Thai dive masters were needed to make the most of the industry. “European tourists are all concerned about safety underwater,” she said. “That’s why we have been giving permission to foreigners to work as dive masters.”