Thailand is considering issuing tourist IDs and wristbands to help minimize losses to its tourism industry after
two British travelers were murdered earlier this month.
The killings came just months after a bloody military coup that already had led to a 12 percent drop in Thailand tourism.
On Sept. 15, Hannah Witheridge and David Miller were found dead on a beach on the southern island of Koh Tao, also known as Turtle Island. Autopsies showed that Miller died from drowning and that head trauma killed Witheridge. The examination showed both had sustained blows to the head. Thailand authorities have not made an arrest in the murders.
Under the plan revealed by Tourism Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul,
Reuters said, Thailand hotels would issue the tourist IDs and wristbands, which would contain serial numbers that match. The bands would display the hotel’s address and contact information in the event the guest became lost, intoxicated, or incapacitated and was in need of assistance.
The tourist ID is among several proposals to stave off losses to Thailand’s tourism industry, which comprises about 10 percent of the country's GDP. Other ideas on the table include an electronic tracking system, stricter guidelines and rules for beach parties, and a buddy system pairing tourists with local helpers.
Since the May 22 coup, Thailand has been under martial law. The government takeover by the military capped off six months of political turmoil that led to 32 deaths and 700 injuries.
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