Minister Suvit Yodmani yesterday said the first three new attractions would be Huay Kee Lek village in Chiang Rai, Maenam Pong village in Chiang Mai and Nong Mae Na village in Phetchabun.

He said the three village destinations would commence their first phase in the next quarter.

"This project will add more alternative tourism spots to the North and show the rural Thai way of life apart from just providing natural or cultural destinations," said Suvit.

Suvit said the government wanted to promote the North by using cultural activities to differentiate that region from other parts of the country.

He also urged both local governments and the private sector to work more closely in enhancing standard services, security and training.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand will promote the villages through its information channels, both print and online media.

"When these projects are complete, they will be like villages in European countries that attract many foreign tourists with their unique highlights," said Suvit.

He also confirmed that the planned development of a convention centre in Chiang Mai as part of the country's tourism strategy for next year would continue.

"The centre is expected to be built in the first quarter of next year and be finished later in the year," he said.

However, he is considering the cost of the investment, which is reportedly over budget.

When asked whether he would shelve the project, he said he would reduce the budget rather than minimise the project's size or cancel it.

The convention centre project was conceived during former PM Thaksin Shinawatra's administration and is aimed at boosting attendance at both domestic and international conferences. The government will spend Bt1.4 billion on the convention centre, but its management will be transferred to a private company.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation

Chiang Mai