Call for major upgrades to Thai tourism sector

Council submits list of demands to PM

- MOLPASORN SHOOWONG

The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) will this week submit a letter to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, requesting improvements to the tourism industry in order to compete at the global level.

"Thailand must be upgraded to become a sustainable and high-quality tourism destination," said Chai Arunanondchai, president of the TCT.

The industry creates over 4.4 million direct and indirect jobs, but it is now facing global uncertainty such as geopolitical conflicts, along with concerns over tourism safety in Thailand.

Mr Chai said the government should urgently solve fraud and scams faced by tourists — a persistent, long-term problem in the industry, and prevent other related crimes and incidents.

To restore tourism confidence with regard to safety, the government needs to ensure collaboration between different authorities, with effective case monitoring and evaluation systems.