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A leading think tank has predicted that Thailand will benefit from a major tourism boost in the second half of 2006.

Kasikorn Research Centre says tourism will benefit from the increased stability in the country since the interim government clarified the current situation.

The military coup that took place in September could have had a negative effect on the industry, however the think tank predicts that things will improve now that the future is more certain.

It has released a report in which it predicts that the country will see 3.4m more tourists visiting in the final months of 2006.

That would signal an increase of 2% compared to the same period in 2005 and would bring the total number for the entire year up to 13.4m.

These figures are particularly impressive considering the negative factors that have affected Thailand this year.

Continued violence in the south of the country and devastating floods had left some tourism officials concerned for the year's figures.

However, Kasikorn believes that these obstacles will be overcome and it is calling upon the government to take action to ensure travellers continue to visit.

It says security must be increased to make sure tourists feel safe, while a number of airports need improvements.

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