She said 800,000 to 900,000 tourists came here each month on average. But arrivals jump during the peak season between October and March, then fall off.

The TAT will focus on emerging markets like India and China while attracting more visitors from Japan.

The TAT wants to draw niche tourists from neighbouring countries like Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia.

Thailand will be promoted as a weekend paradise, particularly in Asian countries, now that quick, inexpensive trips are more convenient.

Phornsiri said the TAT had delivered a letter to Australia to clarify the bombing incident in Bangkok on Monday night.

Australia issued a travel warning for Thailand after the latest explosion.

To build up domestic travel, the TAT is working with Krungthai Card, issuer of KTC credit cards, to sponsor the Bangkok Fest and Fun Campaign, which is aimed at enticing tourists to see the capital during the off season.

KTC and the TAT have prepared lucky prizes that include 1.2 kilograms of gold.

The TAT has set a target of 14.8 million international visitor arrivals and 82 million domestic trips this year, generating estimated revenues of Bt547 billion from international and Bt377 billion from domestic tourists.

The Thailand Travel Mart and Amazing Gateway to the Mekong Region - scheduled for June 7-10 in the Impact Muang Thong Thani Exhibition and Convention Centre - will help raise interest in the Kingdom.

This event is also designed to promote both Thailand and its neighbours in the Greater Mekong Subregion: Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and China's Yunnan province.

The Nation