India-Thailand free trade pact can boost tourism: Envoy

Bhubaneswar, Nov 23 : The free trade agreement between India and Thailand could boost the tourism sector in both countries, Thai Consul General in Kolkata Manop Mekprayoonthong said here Monday.

"Thailand is one of the world's favourite tourist destinations, and India is among the top 10 nations that contribute to its tourism sector," said Mekprayoonthong at a roundtable conference organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

"Each year about 600,000 Indians visit Thailand," he said, adding: "India also appeals to Thais because of its Buddhist circuits."

States such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Orissa have Buddhist pilgrim spots.

"Together we need to delve deeper into finding common ground for mutual cooperation in order to benefit both our nations and the Asian region in totality," Mekprayoonthong said.