Thailand plans new tourist security measures for ‘party islands’
Stung by criticism and a fall in visitors in the wake of a double murder on the island of Koh Tao, Thailand’s tourism minister is proposing a raft of new security measures for the tourism industry.
Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul is considering issuing wristbands to visitors in some areas to help identify tourists that get lost or into trouble.
When tourists check-in to a hotel they will be given a wristband with a serial number that matches their I.D. and shows the contact details of the resort they are staying in so that if they’re out partying late and, for example, get drunk or lost, they can be easily assisted," Kobkarn.
"The next step would be some sort of electronic tracking device but this has not yet been discussed in detail."
Kobkarn admitted that after discussions with hotels, the program may only be effective if it was mandatory.
"Most people welcome the idea but some hotels are concerned that tourists may not want to wear the wristbands," she said.
Other initiatives being discussed include a buddy system – pairing tourists with a local, designating specific ‘party zones’ on Thai islands and limiting the opening hours of late night bars.
No arrests have yet been made in connection with the murders of UK tourists Hannah Witheridge, 23, and David Miller, 24.
Tourism officials are concerned over its impact on the tourism industry, which has already suffered falling visitor numbers after civil disturbances and the onset of martial law.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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