Closer ties with Thailand

BANGKOK: Malaysia and Thailand’s tourism ministries have announced greater bilateral cooperation to enhance the potential travel between the two countries, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen. She added that Thailand was one of the key growth markets for Malaysia. “Being the top fifth contributor to the nation’s economy and second largest for foreign exchange, tourism has become a more important sector for the country. “The collaboration will further increase tourism opportunities in both countries,” she said after a 30-minute meeting with Thai Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silapa-archa at his office yesterday.

Dr Ng and a delegation from the ministry and Tourism Malaysia were on a six-day official visit to Thailand to seek closer ties with the Thai government and industry players. A total of 1.4 million Thais visited Malaysia last year bringing in revenue of RM1.46bil, she said, adding that they also recorded the third highest tourist arrivals in Malaysia after Singapore and Indonesia. However, Dr Ng said statistics showed a drop of 3% Thais visiting last year compared to 2008 and it was a similar situation in the first six months of this year and last year due to the political situation there and the global economic slow down.

She said Malaysia planned to have joint tourism packages between the two countries by holding joint tourism events and increasing more than the 179 direct flights that is offered now weekly.
Chumpol said Thailand welcomed Malaysia’s initiative and that Dr Ng’s visit showed Malaysia’s strong commitment for bilateral cooperation. He suggested that there be a one-currency and one-passport for easy travelling within Asean countries. Dr Ng had earlier launched a holiday package brochure and website for the Thailand market, providing information on Malaysia in English and Thai.
-thestar online.