By Suchat Sritama

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched its "Bustling Thai Tourism, Burgeoning Thai Economy" campaign, aimed at restoring domestic tourism in the fourth quarter.

The campaign will boost tourism and raise that industry's contribution to a hoped-for national economic revival in the remaining months of the year. This coincides with the authority's attempts to achieve 5-per-cent growth, or 87 million trips, in the domestic tourism market this year.

Juthaporn Rerngronasa, deputy governor for marketing communications, said tourism had been hurt by the global economic meltdown, so the campaign would encourage domestic travel among Thais.

To promote the campaign among the public, celebrities Ponglang Sa-on, Lydia, Amarin Nitipon, Nattharika Thamma-preedanan and a group of young actors from the movie "Dream Team" were present at yesterday's launch.

Moreover, Thai mega-superstar Thongchai McIntyre will be a hit with families and singles alike upcountry, while folk sensation Ponglang will be on hand to mingle with his fans. Various other celebrities will be invited to participate later.

The campaign acts as a unified channel to showcase hundreds of tourism activities and events.