Nut Intarapan of Thailand's Olympic Committee has been proposed as Suvit's deputy in charge of all sports-related policies.

"I have proposed Nut's appointment to the prime minister and it is in process," Suvit said.

Suvit said he was satisfied with the overall performance of the tourism industry during the first six months of this fiscal year.

However, he said the number of arrivals from Singapore, China, Japan and South Korea fell during the first three months of this year due to the bombings in Bangkok on New Year's Eve.

The number of tourists from Singapore fell 16 per cent year on year in the first quarter, while the number from China fell 24 per cent, and the number from Japan and South Korea fell 7.4 per cent and 2.8 per cent respectively.

Despite these declines, the total number of international tourists rose 4.5 per cent in the quarter over the same period last year, and income from tourism rose 11 per cent to Bt150 billion.

Suvit said new markets - Oceania, South Asia, the Middle East, and South Africa - were gradually growing in importance.

"Russia has shown the most outstanding growth, up 41 per cent, followed by Sweden, up 14 per cent, and Australia, 13 per cent," he said.

"As minister, I am happy with these quality tourists, not quantity," Suvit added.

The ministry will work with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the private sector to launch marketing strategies to bring Asian tourists back to Thailand.

Major events will be held during the fourth quarter, including the celebration of HM the King's birthday on December 5 and the Loy Krathong festival in November.

The TAT will promote 19 Royal tourist attractions nation-wide to draw both domestic and international visitors.

The ministry will focus on niche markets, such as long-stay visitors, honeymooners, golfers and youths.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation