Thailand offers ‘Martial Law’ Tourism

Thailand remained under martial law for more than five months now but that doesn't prevent its tourism officials to find new ways to market the country. Officials in Thailand say they are preparing to add martial law to a list of tourist attractions.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is preparing a campaign called 24 Hours Enjoy Thailand to attract foreigners to visit the country under martial law, says TAT governor Thawatchai Arunyik. According to the official, martial law actually benefits tourism because it ensures that foreigners are safe round-the-clock.

"We want the tourists to be confident that they can travel in Thailand both day and night with safety at all times," Thawatchai Arunyik said, adding that he hopes to promote this concept by creating a "buzz" on social media.

The initiative comes amid calls by Thai tourism groups for martial law to be lifted altogether. Tourist arrivals dropped 7 per cent in September from the previous year, following a drop of 11.9 per cent in August.