Thais launch elite tourist club

THAILAND, long a haven for cash-strapped backpackers, is going after fatter tourist pickings with the launch of a world first - a membership card for a country.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra this week handed out the first 80 cards to well-heeled businessmen, former diplomats and a smattering of the world's wealthy.

Each has paid $25,000 (£14,700) for membership or twice that for a corporate card. In return, they get VIP treatment at the airport, the right to own land in the kingdom, and as much discounted golf and spa treatment as they want.

'Membership benefits are plentiful - from free offers and discounts at hotels, restaurants and other programme partners, to land ownership, free golf privileges and many, many more,' Thaksin said.

The Prime Minister claims the project, dubbed the 'Thailand Elite Programme', as his own brainchild. His Cabinet has endorsed plans to sell 200,000 cards by the end of next year.

Officials said early interest in the venture was encouraging - and that they might raise the fee to $30,000.