Travel news - destinations in south Thailand

Duty-free outlets await local tourists

It's not unusual for foreign tourists to shop at duty-free shops in Thailand, while Thais can only do that when travelling abroad.

But beginning now until the end of the year, Thais visiting the Andaman provinces of Phuket, Phangnga and Krabi can shop at any of the seven duty-free available in the region.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has launched a scheme to encourage Thai tourists to shop at duty-free outlets and get tax privileges, the same it accords foreign tourists. The other objective is to revive tourism in the region.

To qualify they have to register by filling a form available at the offices of airlines, travel agents and at airports, after which they will be issued a card which they have to produce at the point and time of purchasing duty-free items, including their boarding pass and air ticket.

They can self-drive there or travel in packaged tours, but they must at least spend a night in a hotel that's participating in the scheme. Each card is valid for use only once a month.

The seven duty-free outlets are: King Power duty-free shops at Phuket airport and Patong; Wang Thalang Jewellery and Gift Shop, Phuket; Sawasdee Duty Free Plaza, Phuket; King Power duty-free shop at Khao Lak Merlin Resort in Phangnga; and King Power duty-free shop at Ao Nang Villa Resort in Krabi.

For more information, call the Customs Department's call centre at 1164 or the Tourism Authority of Thailand's call centre at 1672.
Bangkok Post September 2005 www.bangkokpost.com