They will be joined by aviation and tourism experts from around the world who are convening in Bangkok for the 10th anniversary of airline network Star Alliance. Thai Airways International, a founding member of Star Alliance, and Asia News Network are co-hosts of the forum.

Star Alliance CEO Jaan Albrecht will open the event at the Shangri-La Hotel with an address on the future of air travel. World Tourism Organisation secretary-general Francesco Frangialli will then speak on future opportunities and threats to global tourism.

Sasern will deliver a keynote address in the forum's aviation session.

Other speakers will include Zhang Hexiang of China's Aviation Industry Development Research Centre, Pradeep Panicker of India's GMR Group, Michael Kerkloh of Munich Airport and Andrew Herdman of the Association of Asia-Pacific Airlines. Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Phornsiri Manoharn will make a special luncheon presentation.

Prime Minister Surayud, who has just returned from an official trip to India, will then deliver a keynote address on "Thailand and Asia's Economic Dynamism".

The following session will be a look into the future, with speakers discussing aviation, aircraft and the engines of tomorrow.

The final session will deal with the future of tourism.