Thailand's south plays host to more travellers

The south of Thailand is becoming an increasingly popular destination, according to new figures.

New data from the Bank of Thailand has revealed that border checks in southern areas jumped by 58.5 per cent over the first quarter of this year, with 706,939 people passing through controls located there, reports the Nation.

It also found that the south was particularly popular with European travellers.

In addition to the general increase in the number of visiting the south of the country, the west side of this region saw the most focussed rise.

This area, which was hit by the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, saw tourist numbers jump by 217.4 per cent when compared to the same period in 2005.

The Bank of Thailand also revealed that rather than being confined to a few areas of the country, visitors had journeyed to all parts of Thailand.

Thailand is made up from 76 separate provinces and is the "natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China", according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

• New tour route opened in Australia
• Dominican Republic named top Caribbean golf spot
• Melbourne Airport sees record month
• New Zealand wins another travel award
• Currency expected to influence holiday decisions
• Govt criticised for APD increase
• CAA: Social trips boosting European travel
• Observation wheel to open in Melbourne
• Travellers invited to Australia's cinematic destinations
• Tunarama Festival to attract visitors to Australia