Beauty beats the flu

Aiming to lure back tourists scared off by the global flu outbreak, Thailand will be sending Kuntida "Lukpla" Tada to set things straight during the Miss Leisure World 2009 contest, to be held in China next month.

"I'm going to explain that the swineflu outbreak is well under control in Thailand. I also want to tell tourists that there is no more risk of infection in the Kingdom than anywhere else in the world," the 25yearold, who holds the Thai Miss Leisure title, said at a press conference in Bangkok's Pan Pacific Hotel yesterday.

Organised by Thailand Beauty.com, Kuntida is one of the beauty queens from 85 countries, including China, Russia, Mexico and the United States, all of which have been adversely affected by the virus. Already fluent in Japanese, English, French and Italian, the Thai beauty is now learning Chinese.

The organisers are using the international beauty contest to promote Thai culture and traditions as well as clear up confusion about the swineflu situation.

"Our country has great history and traditions, and people with good hearts. So why not visit Thailand?" Kuntida asked with a smile.