By Sirima Eamtako, Bangkok (2010-03-10)

THAILAND'S annual tourism fair will take place as scheduled despite mass political rallies planned during the same period.

The 18th Discovery Thailand & Discovery World 2010 will run from tomorrow until March 14 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok, coinciding with planned protests in the Thai capital by the red-shirt protestors.

Rirksmai Sukhum, vice chairman executive committee of the centre's operator, NCC Management and Development, said a few other events were on the books for the coming weekend besides the fair.

He said the centre had intensified security and would be liaising closely with police stations within the immediate areas.

More than 1,200 exhibiting booths and hundreds of thousands visitors are expected to attend the Thai tourism fair.

Thai Hotels Association vice-president Surapong Techaruvichit was, however, in two minds over the fair's prospects.

While cautioning that the lack of a buying mood among consumers could limit trading, he did also note that this being the last tourism fair before the two-month school break beginning this month could encourage buyers to book special deals on the market.