Phuket tourism: China lifts travel warning

PHUKET: Good news for the Phuket tourism industry came yesterday when China removed its travel advisory for Thailand.

Thai Foreign Affairs Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul immediately expressed his appreciation for the move.

Mr Surapong attributed China’s decision to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s recent participation in a New Year celebration at the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok, during which the issue was discussed with Ambassador Guan Mu, who promised to talk to Beijing about it.

The Foreign Minister is hopeful that tourism will be lively during the Chinese New Year holidays, when a large number of Chinese travelers are expected to land in Thailand.

He also hopes that 19 other governments, including the US, will follow in China’s footsteps soon, he said.

— NNT