Thai seniors will host tourists

A region of northern Thailand is harnessing silver power as it tries to attract more international tourists. Tourism officials in Chiang Mai province have enlisted more than 150 senior citizens to act as hosts in Chiang Rai, Phayao, Phrae and Nan, the Bangkok Post reported. The “Amazing Thai Host” scheme is intended to provide jobs for the region’s elderly, and to provide tourists an insight into local culture, a spokesman for the tourist ministry said. Visitors, especially older travellers, will be exposed to hill tribe products, handicrafts and traditional spa and massage services during the one-month pilot project, which could be extended countrywide. It’s part of a push to have Chiang Mai, Thailand’s ancient northern capital, included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside Penang in Malaysia and other historic cities.