VietNamNet Bridge – Thai tourism officials said yesterday they expected the number of Vietnamese visitors to remain high, despite the recent temporary closure of the country's airport.

Speaking at a press briefing in HCM City, Pichai Raktasinha, director of HCM City's Tourism Authority of Thailand, said he expected Viet Nam's Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday in late January would draw more tourists back to the country.

Pichai said Thailand expected to have a total of 250,000 Vietnamese tourists by year-end.

During the first seven months of the year, 212,000 Vietnamese travelled to Thailand, a growth of 68 per cent compared to the same period last year, according to the official.

"The recent incident in Bangkok Suvarnaphumi Airport did not cause any harm to tourists, but of course there was some impact. But the situation is back to normal and visitors are able to come to Thailand again," said Pichai.

"It may take weeks or months, but some tour operators tell us they are promoting Thailand for the Tet holiday," he added.

(Source: Viet Nam News)