Thailand's first halal hotel hopes to help boost Muslim arrivals

Predominately Buddhist Thailand has opened its first halal hotel as hopes to attract more Muslim visitors and boost one of the few bright spots in its economy. Nearly 30 million foreign tourists came to Thailand last year but only about 658,000 were from the Middle East, according to industry data. "Just one percent of that market is enough for us to thrive." The Al Meroz, which boasts mosque-like architecture, has two prayer rooms and three halal dining halls.