The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is preparing the Royal Trail Tour: places visited by overseas royal family members who this month joined the 60th Anniversary Celebration of HM the King's accession to the throne.

Santichai Euachongprasit, deputy governor for tourism products, said the TAT would promote 10 Royal Trail Tour routes, including Ayutthaya and Bangkok's canals, to both foreign and domestic tourists.

Meanwhile, Apichart Patcharapinyophong, president of the Thai Boat Operators Association, said he expected canal-cruise business to grow 20-30 per cent.

"Business is coming back. To date, [the number of authorised] boat cruises along the Chao Phya River and Bangkok's canals has increased to 18, from 11-12 last year," said Apichart.

Earlier this month, the TAT invested more than Bt50 million to install lights at historical sites and private properties along the river, in the hope of increasing the number of tourists in Bangkok and adjoining provinces.