Thailand proposes wristbands and party curfews to keep tourists safe

[DefJam]

Thailand proposes wristbands and party curfews to keep tourists safe

PUBLISHED : Tuesday, 30 September, 2014, 5:15pm
UPDATED : Wednesday, 01 October, 2014, 2:22am

Reuters in Bangkok

Tourists watch the sun sets on the island of Koh Tao, where two British backpackers were murdered earlier this month. Photo: Reuters

Thailand's tourism minister said yesterday that identification wristbands would be distributed to tourists following the murder of two British backpackers last month, which raised fresh concerns over tourist safety.

Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said she had approached hotels over the idea of handing out wristbands to help identify tourists that get lost or into trouble.

"When tourists check into a hotel they will be given a wristband with a serial number that matches their ID and shows the contact details of the resort they are staying in so that if they're out partying late and, for example, get drunk or lost, they can be easily assisted," Kobkarn said.

"The next step would be some sort of electronic tracking device but this has not yet been discussed in detail."

She added that a "buddy system", pairing tourists with a local minder at tourist destinations, was also being discussed.

The bodies of Hannah Witheridge, 23, and David Miller, 24, were found on a beach on the southern island of Koh Tao, or Turtle Island, on September 15.

Post-mortem examinations by Thailand's forensics department showed Witheridge died from severe head wounds and Miller died from drowning and blows to the head.

Almost three weeks after the murder police are no closer to an arrest as frustration mounts over the lack of a breakthrough.

Kobkarn admitted the wristband idea had met with some resistance. "Most people welcome the idea but some hotels are concerned that tourists may not want to wear the wristbands."

Limiting party hours on some of Thailand's islands and imposing restrictions over where beach parties can be held were also being considered, said Kobkarn. The idea is unlikely to go down well with young backbackers who travel to Thailand in search of sun, sea and a good time.

Authorities have expressed concern over the murders' impact on tourism, which accounts for nearly 10 per cent of GDP.

Thailand is still under martial law after a May 22 coup, something that has made many tourists think twice about visiting.

The industry has yet to recover from a slump due to months of violent street protests that left nearly 30 people dead. Tourist arrivals fell 11.9 per cent in August from a year earlier after a 10.9 per cent drop in July.