Changes at the Ministry of Tourism

Ministry of Tourism and Sports introduced Suwat Sidthilaw as its sixth permanent secretary at a handover ceremony, Thursday.

He takes over from the former permanent secretary, Sombat Kuruphan, who retired last month.

Mr Suwat, who should remain in the post until 2015, said tourism is a key factor to drive Thailand’s economy, but it was imperative to tighten tourism standards and product quality to attract more tourist arrivals.

“Safety and security are essential factors for tourism to ensure Thailand remains a good value destination,” he said.

Mr Suwat added: “ Our priority is to step up tourism standards, raise the country’s competitiveness in ASEAN in the lead-up to free trade in 2015. We have to pace with alongside Singapore and Malaysia.”

In addition, he said the country had to tackle disasters such as the annual flooding to prevent further damage to priceless heritage and assets.

“Tourist attractions at historical sites in Ayutthaya, Sing Buri, Lop Buri and Uthai Thani will be damaged if floods continue,” Mr Suwat warned.

Before his appointment, Mr Suwat was the ministry’s Department of Tourism general deputy director until earlier this year when he was named the ministry’s Department of Physical Education general deputy director. The royal endorsement for the changes was made 30 September.

The former permanent secretary, Sombat Kuruphan,  has since been appointed an assistance director in the office of Minister Chumpol Silapa-archa acting as a consultant on tourism affairs.

Source - ttrweekly