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The Tourism and Sports Ministry plans to attract more international tourists by allowing them to take short trips while in

transit.

The ministry proposed the measure to the Cabinet yesterday as part of a strategy to stimulate fourth-quarter arrivals.

Tourism has taken a beating over the past month, due to the internal political unrest and the financial crisis spilling throughout the world.

Minister Weerasak Kowsurat said Airports of Thailand - operator of Suvarnabhumi Airport - the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Immigration Bureau, Thai Airways International and travel associations agreed with the idea, because it was expected to draw more visitors.

Transit passengers with four to six hours to kill at the airport between flights will be allowed into the country without a visa, so that they can visit tourist attractions near the capitalThailand used to offer such quick tours at the old Don Mueang Airport, but they were stopped after operations were moved to the new aviation gateway three years ago.