Kriengsak Chareonwongsak A government plan to unify co-ordination

Based on different strategies of economic stimulation, a tourism drive is a possible means to sustain the economy this year. Income from foreign currencies can be raised, as seen in a double rise (from 5.48% to 10.03%) of GDP in 1991 and 2001 respectively.

Tourism can naturally and sufficiently distribute income to rural regions if more tourist attractions are opened in every province. A swift outcome can be achieved if the quality of tourist attractions is upgraded by encouraging private participation.
Thailand’s tourism industry is capable of bringing in foreign currency because of the country’s beauty, nature, tourist attractions, diversity of cuisine, and tropical fruits. Thailand incorporates a unique culture where the national demeanor is one of hospitality and friendship towards foreigners. Furthermore, Thailand is situated in a safe location, free from domestic turmoil and away from foreign wars. There is simple, effective transportation and adequate accommodation. Thus, tourism is a potentially good component for the country’s economic development.

If a goal is set to welcome 15 million foreign tourists this year (2002), it can bring a 15.71% increase in the inflow of foreign currencies for GDP. This will provide encouragement not only for the intermediate future but also for the economy’s recovery and growth.

A government plan to unify co-ordination between agencies to support the growth of tourism is essential. Both public and private sectors as well as educational institutes need to cooperate and be supportive of a tourism drive. These cover both direct tourism policies, such as policies to improve and open new tourist attractions, to enhance tourist’s safety, and indirect policies, such as commercial aviation policies, and staff training in management skills.

If we look at the relationship between commercial aviation and tourism, we can see that both Thai and foreign tourists can be facilitated by commercial aviation. Last year (2001), the proportion of all international tourist arrivals who traveled via air rose to 84.3%. In 1999, the number of Thai and foreign tourists who traveled by air to the 17 main tourist attractions in the Kingdom were 8% and 26% respectively. Therefore, commercial aviation can genuinely facilitate tourists inside the country.

Social security for small businesses - losses and gains

Professor Dr Kriengsak Chareonwongsak
Executive Director, Institute of Future Studies for Development (IFD)
kriengsak@kriengsak.com, http://www.ifd.or.th

Kriengsak Chareonwongsak Globalization drives tourism

Globalization drives tourism to become a concern for continental regions

    The scope of tourism issues has widened to the international level and as a result, national agencies need to make Thailand's negotiating power and attractions stronger. For instance, international tourists are touring regions now and not just one particular country. As a result they prefer to visit Southeast Asia as a whole rather than travel to Thailand only. Besides, our neighbors have their own tourist attractions, and readily available, convenient transportation, so consequently, travel between the attractions of several countries has become easily accessible. Above all, Thailand urgently needs a national agency to monitor and deal with foreign policies that could affect our tourism sector. Some years ago certain foreign governments warned their citizens not to visit Thailand because of the heavy air pollution. Such warnings discouraged tourists from coming to Thailand aand need to be deealt with by a national agency.

Presently, the tourism sector plays a significant role within the Thai economic system. Nevertheless, tourism resources are limited and could deteriorate without proper management. Many government departments, charged with looking after the effectiveness of the tourism sector, are scattered throughout a variety of ministries resulting in coordination difficulties between them. A clear vision on the greater development of tourism really must be determined so as to cope with related restrictions. For these reasons I think that a Ministry of Tourism must be established and charged with looking after this important mission.

Travelling the high road

Professor Dr Kriengsak Chareonwongsak
Executive Director, Institute of Future Studies for Development (IFD)
kriengsak@kriengsak.com, http://www.ifd.or.th

Kriengsak ChareonwongsakThai tourism resources

Thai tourism resources need to be developed appropriately

    Income from the tourism sector can be characterised as high value-added since it virtually needs no import content. It uses natural resources, cultures, national congeniality, all of which already exist here. Compared to other countries, Thailand has the advantage of having a large number of natural tourism resources. However, these resources genuinely need good management, since they may become depleted unless proper planning and maintenance are practiced. Problems such as the pollution that deteriorates natural resorts, and security for tourists are continually growing for Thai tourism. These problems can be costly to the tourism industry and cause it to lose its competitiveness against other countries. Tourism has been widely promoted by many other developing countries as a means of expanding national income, for example, in China, Vietnam and Malaysia. The problems in Thailand need to be dealt with urgently. If the tourism industry is revitalized, cleanliness enhanced and tourist safety measures improved, the reward will be an increased national income generator. 

Travelling the high road

Professor Dr Kriengsak Chareonwongsak
Executive Director, Institute of Future Studies for Development (IFD)
kriengsak@kriengsak.com, http://www.ifd.or.th

Kriengsak Chareonwongsak Tourism plays

Tourism plays an important role in the Thai economy

    Not only is tourism good for the country’s current economy but it is also good for Thailand's future economic development as well. Each year, the tourism sector generates hundreds of billions of baht, or nearly 10% of our country's income (GDP). In addition, it is known to boost the economy both in normal times and in times of crisis. In 1987, the ‘Visit Thailand Year’, initiated by General Chatichai Chunhavan's government, demonstrated just how obviously important this sector was to the country’s economy. Not only did it bolster the country's income but it also created growth in the Thai economy during the early 1990s. In 1997, Thailand's tourism sector again played an important role in Thailand's future economic development, at a time when Thailand struggled with the economic crisis. A policy to promote tourism has an immediate earning potential in the form of foreign currencies, which enhance our economic survival. It should be noted however that tourism significantly benefits not only developing countries but indeed many developed countries such as USA, England, France, and the Netherlands, all promote tourism as a vital source of income as well. 

Travelling the high road

Professor Dr Kriengsak Chareonwongsak
Executive Director, Institute of Future Studies for Development (IFD)
kriengsak@kriengsak.com, http://www.ifd.or.th