Local tourists boost Thai duty-free sales

Gavin Lipsith

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The government has reported a strong response to its "domestic duty-free" programme aimed at encouraging tourism to the tsunami-stricken Andaman region

The Thai finance ministry is to consider extending its programme of allowing domestic tourists travelling to the Andaman region to purchase duty-free goods. The move follows strong sales in the four months since the project was introduced.

According to local reports the campaign, which was launched on September 1 2005 to support the local tourism industry in the wake of the Indian Ocean tsunami, has resulted in sales of Bht47m ($1.15m) to Thai tourists staying in Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi.

Phuket tourism and sports office director Promchot Trivat said that trading was brisk during the new year holiday period, with jewellery and fragrances particularly popular. Phuket International airport accounted for the bulk of sales, at Bht43m ($1.05m).

The ministry of tourism and sports has issued a proposal to the finance ministry to extend the programme and authorities are also considering establishing a permanent duty-free zone in Phuket.