Bangkok: Thai tourism officials have suggested a novel way to attract foreigners to the country's beaches, temples and mountains – promote life under a century-old martial law that was imposed as the army seized power in a bloodless coup in May.

They say that reminding tourists of military rule will make them feel safe 24 hours a day, and that will help reverse a 19 per cent drop in tourist arrivals between January and September, compared with the previous year.

Military rule: Thailand's Prime Minister, General Prayuth Chan-ocha ,on a recent official visit to Myanmar. Credit:AP

"We want the tourists to be confident that they can travel in Thailand both day and night and with safety at all times," Thawatchi Arunyik, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, was quoted telling the Thai Rath newspaper.

He suggested the concept may create a "buzz" in social media.