PHUKET has a marriage with Mumbai that's made in heaven with 400 Indian couples reported to be planning to wed on Phuket, bringing to the island one billion baht in revenue.

That's the estimate by the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Phuket office, where a spokesperson told the Thai News Agency about the honeymoon bliss that is coming Phuket's way.

Wanprapa Suksomboon, TAT Phuket deputy director, told TNA that if the wedding event is held as planned, it will help boost Phuket tourism and promote its tourist attractions.

Khun Wanprapa disclosed at a seminar to promote Phuket tourism that India's TAT Mumbai - formerly known as Bombay - together with an Indian wedding company are cooperating with TAT Phuket to bring in and host a big event for 400 Indian couples to marry on the island.

She said TAT is now dealing with local hotels as potential venues for the ceremony.

It may be just coincidence, or perhaps Phuket and the Indian brides had a matchmaker: former Phuket regional director Sethaphan Buddhani heads the Mumbai branch of the TAT, which was opened earlier this year to supplement the New Delhi office and cater for increased demand for tourism to Thailand.

Moves are underway to restore confidence in the industry after the Bangkok protest and crackdown. Tax deductions are being sought for companies that pay for seminars or meetings in Thailand.

Thais who use hotel accommodation may also soon be able to offset bills not in excess of 15,000 baht against personal taxable income.

Five countries were still maintaining high-level travel advisories for Thailand, the Bangkok Post reported today: the United Arab Emirates, China, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Vietnam.