BANGKOK: -- The Tourism and Sports Ministry and private bodies are preparing security measures and emergency plans for tourists' peace of mind during the Songkran period.

The ministry is working with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Tourist Police, television and radio operators, hospitals, the Land Transport Department and private volunteers to initiate security measures during the annual festival, scheduled for April 13-15.

Minister Weerasak Kowsurat said the group had set up tourist assistance centres in Bangkok and all major provinces to deal with emergencies and calls for assistance. The centres will operate around the clock.

Yesterday the agencies started delivering travel guidebooks and tourist information to travellers at major transport access areas, including airports and bus terminals.

"This year, we will be providing 50,000 tourism information kits to visitors," said Weerasak.

He said 75 tourist attractions nationwide had been recommended for local people to visit, while 13 provinces are highlighted as good places to travel to.

The TAT will spend Bt40 million on supporting events across the country and predicts that local people will spend Bt4.1 billion during this year's festival.

Asked if more Thai people are planning to go overseas, Weerasak said the trend was not a concern as it could be good for tourism generally as people tended to exchange ideas and learn about other cultures.

Bang Saen and Pattaya will have Songkran festivals later than the rest of the country.

The Bang Saen festival is set for April 16-17 at Bang Saen beach in Chon Buri province. A competition to determine the most artistic sand pagoda will take centre stage with more than 100 miniature pagodas sculptured from sand.

The Pattaya festival is set for April 17-20.

-- The Nation 2008-04-10