New tourism chief outlines plans and priorities

What are your priorities?

One of my first jobs is to restore tourism affected by the political crisis and airport closure recently. I will be working more closely with the private sector and some ministries.

Now, political conflicts are relieved but the overall economy is still in trouble and will directly affect the tourism business. Moreover, the unemployment issue is becoming a key factor threatening the tourism industry next year.

But I can't do all this by myself. I need opinions from all parties in rebuilding tourism. Former tourism minister Weerasak Kowsurat will also join my team to ensure the continuation of projects.

What is your tourism recovery plan?

The ministry and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) are working on an urgent marketing strategy, aiming to clean up the overall tourism image. I will not start any new tourism projects next year, but will push all existing projects into action.

How will you work with the private sector to restore tourist confidence?

I will allocate more time to the private sector to listen to their needs and requirements. Many operators are waiting for assistance.

The ministry also plans to launch a roadshow and join tourism trade shows overseas.

For the domestic market, the ministry and TAT will talk with other government agencies to focus more on the local market. An additional budget of Bt700 million is set aside to boost the local market.

I will also ask the Finance Ministry and private banks to offer soft loans to operators. This is urgent.

What are the tourism projects in the pipeline?

We'll proceed with all planned mega projects. Khun Weerasak will re-propose all the projects to the National Tourism Policy Committee for approval.

One of them is the Royal Coast project, which would entail billions of baht to develop new tourism facilities and infrastructure along the Andaman Coast. The project's cost should be finalised next year and construction started in 2010.

In the plan, we'll open public bidding for two piers in Prachaup Khiri Khan and Phetchaburi.

Another is for a yacht harbour in Satun to connect with major attractions including Tarutao Island and Singapore. The last involves the construction of the Phuket Convention Centre.

What is the long-term development plan for tourism?

The ministry has finalised the four-year tourism development plan, which will focus on the renovation and rebuilding of tourist attractions. The plan is expected to require more than Bt10 billion.