Thailand protests Gambian minister’s sex destination comment
THAILAND has sent a letter of protest to Gambia after the West African country’s Tourism Minister recently came out and told Western tourists that his country is not a sex destination and those who are interested should go to Thailand, the Thai-language daily Matichon reported today (Feb. 27).
Culture Minister Veera Rotphotnarat said at 9 am in the Government House that the Foreign Ministry had sent a letter of protest because a country’s leaders should not come out and say such things.
The Foreign Ministry would handle the clarification to protect the country’s image, he added.
When asked since Gambia’s Tourism Minister had come out to say this does this indicate there is or there is not sex tourism here, Veera said Thailand had already adjusted this matter.
He added that this image did exist but the Culture Ministry has focused on ethics and morals and has vastly improved the image.
Veera also said when something unsuitable arises Thais voice their opinions, especially online, and today tourism here has increasingly changed to culture and quality varieties.
According to a report published Eturbonews.com on Feb. 24, Gambia’s Tourism Minister Hamat Bah warned Western tourists who are planning to travel to the impoverished West African nation during the winter season in search of sex tourism, to stay away from the country.
“We are not a sex destination. If you want a sex destination, you go to Thailand. The Gambia is not a sex destination. We are not, and please every Gambian must sing that song. We cannot afford to see this country to really be brought to that level. We must protect and preserve this country,” Hamat Bah told Kerr Fatou, a show aired every Thursday on state media GRTS.
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Top: Gambian Tourism Minister Hamat Bah. Photo: Gambia.smbcgo.com
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