The government of Thailand has granted a budget of over US$6 million to assist tourism-related business operators with their financial obligations in 2009 and 2010.

The provision of the budget would reduce the interest obligations of the tourism-related businesses which have debts with commercial banks and financial institutions.

Accordingly, the Small Business Credit Guarantee Corporation is expected to guarantee credit risks for four tourism-related business sectors such as four-star hoteliers, restaurants, and transport and tour companies which were affected by the closure of Bangkok's two airports in late 2008.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) had earlier forecast that around 14.5 million international visitors would visit Thailand in 2009; however, the Bank of Thailand has estimated foreign visitor arrivals to decline by 8.8% in 2009, from the 12.8 million arrivals in 2008.

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