[LivinLOS]

Duty-free proposal for 3 tsunami-hit provinces approved

BANGKOK: -- The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a proposal to allow both local and foreign tourists to buy duty-free goods in three tsunami-hit provinces.

Deputy Government Spokesman Chalermchai Mahakijsiri said the measure proposed by the Finance Ministry was aimed to revive the dying tourism industry in the provinces of Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi.

The spokesman said both Thai and foreign tourists would be allowed to buy goods from duty-shop in the three provinces and all crystal and perfume goods in the three provinces would be exempted from excise.

He said alcoholic drinks and cigarettes sold to tourists would also be exempted form duty and excise.

The duty-free period for tourists would last from September 1 to December 31, the spokesman said.

Thais, who could buy duty-free goods in the three provinces, would have to be non-residents of the provinces and could not be hired there.

They would have to travel there by plane and check in to a registered hotel for at least one night.

A tourist could be duty-free goods no more than Bt20,000 worth of goods per night of stay but no more than Bt50,000 if he or she stays several nights.

--The Nation 2005-08-16