Five TAT deputies likely to run for governor

They are Juthaporn Rerngronasa, deputy governor for marketing communications; Vunsadej Thavarasukha, deputy governor for domestic marketing; Auggaphol Brickshawana, deputy governor for tourism products; Santichai Euachonprasit, deputy governor for international marketing; and Suraphon Svetasreni, deputy governor for policy and planning.

Only Pensuda Priaram - deputy governor for administration - is reported not to be joining the competition.

Current TAT governor Phornsiri Manoharn is scheduled to end her time at the agency's helm this month, after which she will become president of the Pacific Asia Travel Association.

Sasithara Pichaichannarong, permanent secretary of the Tourism and Sports Ministry, said the ministry would establish a governor selection committee by next Wednesday. The committee will take at least three months to select the next leader.

Weerasak Kowsurat, chairman of the TAT board, said he had already handed the names of all deputy governors to Tourism Minister Chumpol Silapa-archa, so that one can be selected as acting governor.

Kanchana Silapa-archa, deputy leader of the Chart Thai Pattana Party and a consultant to the TAT board, has also been mentioned as a possible contender for the governorship. However, Chumpol said Kanchana would not take part in the race. Kanchana is yet to comment.

The tourism sector continues to face a tough time due to the economic crisis and political problems. The number of international tourist arrivals is expected to be close to last year's level, at 14 million.

Hotels in major destinations such as Phuket, Samui and Krabi cut room rates by 20 per cent at the recent ITB tourism expo in Germany.

Moreover, the Thai Hotels Association in Chiang Mai reported that advance bookings for the Songkran Festival had dropped by 40 per cent, as people are avoiding the haze problem in the city and surrounding areas.

Meanwhile, the TAT announced a cooperative venture with the European Commission yesterday to develop sustainable tourism and promote green tourism in Thailand.

The agency is expected to improve 50 tourism locations in the Kingdom to meet the European Union's requirements.