The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has released a video report including interviews with tourists visiting Bangkok in an attempt to encourage Middle East visitors to return to Thailand.

The video was made to change the belief of tourists regarding the recent flooding that now is not a good time to visit the popular holiday destination, a statement from the authority said.

The report encourages holiday makers planning to visit Thailand's major resort destinations not to cancel their plans, with most of Thailand's popular tourist destinations, including Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in the north, Hua-Hin, Ko Chang and Pattaya in the central region, and Krabi, Phuket and Koh Samui, not affected by the floods.

Additionally, the video highlights that major tourist attractions within Bangkok itself were also not affected by the floods. Bangkok's International Suvarnabhumi Airport has also not been affected, the statement said.

Most areas of central Bangkok where tourists from the Middle East normally visit, including the Nana (or 'Little Arabia') area, Silom, Rejaprasong and Siam Square have not been flooded.

Pramoth Supyen, Tourism Authority of Thailand, director for Middle East, said: 'The recent flooding in Bangkok was a natural tragedy that affected outer suburbs and the areas adjacent to the Chao Phraya River in the greater Bangkok Metropolitan Area. This has affected many residential and industrial zones within Bangkok which are areas not normally visited by tourists.”

“The livelihoods of many Thais were affected by the floods. Given the importance of the tourism industry as an employer for many Thais and significant contributor to the national economy, the best way for people to support Thailand is to visit us for a memorable holiday. In this regard I encourage as many people in the Middle East to view the video report to hear first-hand from tourists how Thailand remains a world-class destination for leisure, even during these trying times, and ask everyone to visit Thailand, where a wonderful experience awaits and all will be warmly welcomed,' he added.

The video report can be viewed on the Tourism Authority of Thailand website, the statement said. – TradeArabia News Service