Thailand launches tourist safety app for smartphones

A new smartphone app from Thailand’s tourist police aims to improve safety for visitors to the South East Asian nation.

Known as the Tourist Buddy, the smartphone app ffers safety tips as well as travel information and, with the app installed, tourists can get in touch with any emergency call centre and Police station within the country.

In the event of any emergency, authorities will also be able to trace where the call is originating from with the app helping find thelocation.

In a bid to improve their services and image, tourist police in Thailand have rolled-out a high profile campaign to promote the app.

Anticipating a rise in visitor numbers, Thailand’s Tourist Police Division aims to use the app to improve its services, also envisaging that it will also provide tourists with up-to-date information on traditions, events, festivals and culture in the country.

Tourism is the Thai Goverment’s leading source of revenue, with the Government aiming for it to be worth 2 Trillion Baht (US$30 billion) by the end of 2015.

For information go to www.mobile.tourismthailand.org

29th July 2014 - THAILAND MOVES TO RESTORE TOURISM CONFIDENCE