Indian travellers totalled 1.62 million, making it the fourth largest market.
TMS. Please give us a brief background of your role at Thailand Authority Tourism, highlighting your professional journey so far.
Siriges-a-nong Trirattanasongpol. I have been with TAT for almost 30 years with extensive experience working in various divisions including Service Development, ASEAN-South Asia and South Pacific Region, as well as in the overseas offices at TAT Ho Chi Minh Office and TAT Seoul Office. Prior to my assignment to head the TAT New Delhi Office, I was the director of East Asia market division facilitating, coordinating and promoting Thailand for East Asian tourist market. In my previous assignments, I have been posted at TAT Ho Chi Minh Office as the deputy director for Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos market between 2007-2011 and at TAT Seoul Office as the director for South Korea market from 2016 to early of 2020.
As the Director of TAT New Delhi Office, I am responsible to promote Thailand as a preferred destination for travellers from South Asia in the area of Northern and Eastern India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. Taking my current office from 1st February 2023 in post pandemic period, the earnest focus is to resume tourism traffic back to same scale in 2019 and keep increasing of traveling growth rate to enhance the market expansion.
TMS. What are the key objectives of the Thailand Authority Tourism as an organization?
Siriges-a-nong Trirattanasongpol. TAT’s marketing activities will aim at current segments, including family, millennials, wedding and celebrations, golfers, luxury, and incentive group. Specific initiatives will be introduced for new segments, such as, senior citizens, women travellers, rejuvenating tours, and adventure sports.
TMS. How has tourism changed in Thailand over the last couple of years?
Siriges-a-nong Trirattanasongpol. The Visit Thailand Year 2022-2023 campaign has been a pivotal initiative in the recovery of Thailand’s tourism sector post-pandemic. The South Asian market has responded positively, showing a significant uptick in tourist arrivals.
TMS. What are the main contributing factors behind its growth, and what challenges has it faced along the way?
Siriges-a-nong Trirattanasongpol. The campaign’s comprehensive approach, including digital marketing, cultural exchanges, and travel packages, has resonated well with South Asian travellers who have a strong affinity for Thailand’s diverse offerings. Thank you for all South Asian travellers who chose Thailand as their destination.
TMS. How does India act as a market for Thailand Tourism and how it has been evolving over the years? What are the current trends in the market?
Siriges-a-nong Trirattanasongpol. India is one of Thailand’s most important visitor markets. Last year, the
number of Indian travellers totalled 1.62 million, making it the fourth largest market. Revenue generated from Indian travellers’ spending amounted to over 63 billion Baht in 2023. This year, as of 19 February, India ranked fifth with 262,986 arrivals. To inspire Indian travellers to visit Thailand, the Thai government waives tourist visas for Indian citizens, effective from 10 November, last year, to 10 May, this year, and is also working to boost connectivity between the two countries. For this year, TAT has set a target of 80 billion Baht in revenue from about 1.74 million Indian travellers to Thailand.
TMS. What distinguishes Thailand from other destinations in the Asian region?
Siriges-a-nong Trirattanasongpol. Thailand’s unique combination of cultural richness, natural beauty, hospitality, affordability, and safety distinguishes it as a top destination in the Asian region, appealing to travelers seeking memorable experiences and adventures, drawing millions of tourists and business travelers each year. Thailand is renowned for its warm and welcoming hospitality. From pristine beaches and tropical islands in the south to lush jungles and mountainous landscapes in the north, Thailand offers diverse natural attractions. Tourists can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, diving, trekking, and wildlife spotting, immersing themselves in the country’s breathtaking scenery and biodiversity.
TMS. What is the current status of the MICE segment’s development in the country, and what venues or facilities are accessible for hosting conferences, congresses, and corporate events?
Siriges-a-nong Trirattanasongpol. Thailand’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) segment has been a significant contributor to the country’s tourism and economic development. Thailand offers a plethora of venues and facilities suitable for hosting conferences, congresses, and corporate events. Here are some popular options:
Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC): Prominent venue in Bangkok, QSNCC offers world-class facilities and services for conferences, exhibitions, and seminars.
Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld: Located in the heart of Bangkok, this convention center offers state-of-the-art facilities and can accommodate large-scale events.
IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre: Situated in Bangkok, IMPACT is one of the largest exhibition and convention centers in Asia, featuring versatile event spaces suitable for various types of events.
Chiang Mai International Convention and Exhibition Centre: Located in northern Thailand, this venue offers a serene and picturesque setting for conferences and corporate retreats.
Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall (PEACH): Situated in Pattaya, PEACH is a modern venue with flexible event spaces, suitable for both large and small-scale events.
Phuket International Convention and Exhibition Centre: Located in Phuket, this venue offers stunning views and a tropical ambiance, ideal for conferences and corporate gatherings.
Hotels and Resorts: Many hotels and resorts across Thailand offer conference and event facilities, ranging from intimate meeting rooms to grand ballrooms, along with accommodation and catering services.
Specialized Event Spaces: There are also specialized event spaces, such as art galleries, museums, and cultural centers, which can provide unique settings for corporate events and conferences.
These are just a few examples, and Thailand boasts many more venues and facilities tailored to the needs of diverse events and gatherings. Depending on the specific requirements and preferences, event planners can find suitable options across the country.
TMS. Are there any new tourism initiatives or schemes in Thailand that you would like to highlight?
Siriges-a-nong Trirattanasongpol. Key strategies to realise our targets will be subsidy schemes for incentive, wedding, and celebration groups. Joint promotions with airlines and travel agents will be offered for repeat visitors, ladies’ traveller and golfers. Just as importantly, we will continue to strengthen our presence through India’s leading travel trade shows including the SATTE, OTM and others. Apart from this, Thailand promotions in metro cities, and agent meetings in Tier II & III cities have played a crucial role in deepening Thailand’s connection with the market. These initiatives facilitate direct engagement with travel professionals and enthusiasts, fostering a better understanding of the diverse offerings and ensuring a wider reach.
TMS. Lastly, any message to the global travel and tourism industry that you would like to give.
Siriges-a-nong Trirattanasongpol. We contribute to the cultural exchange and mutual understanding that are essential for building a more inclusive and peaceful world which is essential in shaping the future of travel and tourism, encourage to prioritize policies that promote safety, sustainability, and accessibility to build stronger tourism.
