Agents rip tourism office

Businesses are calling on the government to put the right man in the right job and embrace advice from the private sector.

They say this will prepare the tourism industry for Asean economic integration in 2015.

The three main private tourism organisations _ the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), the Association of Domestic Travel (ADT) and the Association of Thai Travel Agents _ yesterday said the main weakness of Thailand's tourism industry is a shortage of officials with sufficient knowledge and a devotion to the field.

"Ever since the Tourism and Sports Ministry was set up, only a few people in authority have ever had real knowledge about tourism, service provision and marketing," said TTAA president Suthipong Phuenphiphop.

The agencies urged the government to consult the private sector before making decisions and allow the sector to participate in monitoring the transparency of megaprojects.

Government corruption is another serious problem that may see Thailand lose out to other Asean countries once the Asean Economic Community (AEC) kicks off in 2015, they said.

"Take Suvarnabhumi airport. It should be a world-class facility, but its problems include structural cracks and poor performance," said ATD president Yutthachai Soonthronrattanavate.

"We have to admit that Thailand is no longer an Asean tourism hub. The industry has declined over the past five years, and now other countries are catching up. That means Thailand could ultimately miss out under the AEC."

Meanwhile, at a seminar entitled "The AEC and the Tourism Industry" held yesterday, Asean Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan advised the government and the private sector to join hands to create a new tourism growth model.

He said to benefit from the AEC, Thailand must increase spending on research and development, create more intellectual property and come up with new exotic travel destinations that can be linked to other Asean countries.

The government has drawn up several plans to prepare for the AEC, but their execution remains weak, said Dr Surin.

However, he urged small and medium-sized tourism enterprises to take proactive action in order to thrive under the AEC.

Former tourism and sports minister Weerasak Kowsurat told the seminar the private sector should study which products and services are in demand of Asean market.

Businesses should think about expanding into other Asean countries to benefit from their cheaper raw materials and beneficial laws and regulations.

Sourced: bangkokpost