April to see more foreign tourists
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The number of inbound travellers to Thailand is anticipated to increase by 18.6 per cent this month to about 2 million and generate Bt83.7 billion in revenue, up 20 per cent over April 2012, according to Kasikorn Research Centre.
About 700,000 of those inbound visitors, or 35 per cent, intend to enjoy the Songkran Festival running from yesterday to Tuesday, an increase of 16.7 per cent, which will generate revenue of about 29.3 billion, up 18.1 per cent over Songkran last year.
The annual Songkran festival has been the magnet drawing foreign visitors to Thailand in April, with a number of events taking place nationwide. Khon Kaen Mayor Teerasak Teekayuphan expected 300,000 visitors at the province's "Khao Niew Road", with spending of at least Bt600 million during April 5-15.
Last year, Thailand welcomed over 22 million visitors and it targets a total of 24 million in 2013. The tourism sector has not yet reported severe repercussions from the strong baht. Thai baht has so far this year advanced over 5 per cent against US dollar and over 6 per cent against Japanese yen.
