Thai tourism to grow 12 pct during first half of 2015: industry insider

Thailand's tourism sector is estimated to grow by an average of 12 percent during this year's first half, said a leading tourism businessperson on Thursday.

Tourism Council of Thailand chairman Itthirit Kinglek said Thai tourist industry will likely grow by 12.2 percent with some 8.8 million foreign tourists during this year's first quarter and by 11.5 percent with about 7.8 million foreigners visiting during the second quarter.

More than 33 million foreign tourists, mostly being Chinese, are expected throughout this year, accounting for a 13.2 percent increase from last year, he said.

They will generate some 4.8 billion U.S. dollars in earnings to the tourism sector throughout this year, according to the council chairman.

However, the number of Thai holidaymakers who will travel to varied spots within the country during Songkran festival next month is expected to considerably drop due to sustained economic slumps and droughts.

The authorities are calling on tourist industry operators and Songkran revelers to use water sparingly during the water-splashing holiday due to severe droughts in the provinces.

Foreigners usually join in the nationwide Songkran festival at major Thai tourist spots including Khaosarn Road and Silom Road in Bangkok and others in Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Phuket. Endit