Thailand's northernmost province of Chiang Rai will promote over 10 hot springs in an attempt to attract local travelers after a 70-percent drop in tourist number since the COVID-19 outbreak, said the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) on Monday.

The Tourism of Thailand office in Chiang Rai and several related offices have surveyed more than 10 hot springs in the province which have been fully developed and are suitable to all tourists, especially health-conscious tourists, said the TAT in a press release.

After the survey, tour agencies, hoteliers, restaurateurs and souvenir shops will arrange tour programs for tourists, it said.

Under the Lanna Spa City Programme, hot springs which would be promoted include Thaweesin, Pong Pu Fuang, Pha Sert, Pong Phra Bat in Muang district and Pa Tueng in Mae Chan district.

In an attempt to stimulate the Thai economy, the government has recently launched a campaign called "Thais Help Thais," to encourage Thais to travel and spend in Thailand.

"Concern about the spread of COVID-19 has impacted Thai business sectors, particularly following the substantial decline in the number of Chinese tourists. As a result, the Thai economic and social sectors have been seriously affected. Therefore, to prevent further aggravation of the Thai economy, we would like to encourage Thais to help Thais, by traveling and spending in Thailand," the press release said.