The warning comes as the tourism industry faces a confluence of challenges, including the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising inflation, and geopolitical tensions. These factors have combined to create a challenging environment for the new tourism minister, who is tasked with reviving the industry. The tourism operators’ call for a worst-case scenario planning comes as the industry is already grappling with a significant decline in tourist arrivals. The number of tourists visiting Thailand has dropped by 50% since the start of the pandemic.

Mr Thienprasit emphasized the importance of leveraging existing infrastructure and resources, particularly in the tourism-related sectors, to maximize efficiency and minimize costs. He also highlighted the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors, urging Mr Sorawong to foster partnerships with airlines, hotels, and other relevant stakeholders. Mr Thienprasit’s advice focused on building a sustainable tourism model that would benefit both the local community and the environment. He stressed the importance of promoting responsible tourism practices, such as eco-tourism and community-based tourism, to ensure long-term success.

Mr Thanet also highlighted the need for a more robust and transparent regulatory framework for the tourism sector. He argued that the current system, which relies heavily on the Ministry of Tourism, is not adequately equipped to handle the complexities of the tourism industry. He suggested that a more decentralized approach, with multiple stakeholders involved, could be more effective. Furthermore, he emphasized the need for a more comprehensive and targeted approach to marketing and promotion of tourism products.