The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is a government organization responsible for promoting tourism in Thailand. It was established in 1960 and has since been playing a significant role in enhancing the country’s tourism industry.
Who are the members of the Tourism Authority of Thailand?
The TAT is governed by a board of directors, which comprises 17 members. These members are appointed by the Minister of Tourism and Sports and serve a term of three years. The board is responsible for setting policies and strategies to promote tourism in Thailand.
The Chairman
The chairman of the TAT is appointed by the Minister of Tourism and Sports. The current chairman is Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, who was appointed in July 2019. He has been actively involved in promoting tourism in Thailand for many years and has served as the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports before his appointment as chairman.
The Board Members
The board members come from various backgrounds, including business, academia, and government agencies related to tourism. They are:
- Mr. Santi Chudintra – Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Sports
- Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn – TAT Governor
- Mr. Thapanee Kiatphaibool – TAT Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business
- Ms. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot – TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Asia and South Pacific)
- Mr. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya – TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications
- Ms. Vilaiwan Twichasri – Director-General, Department of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce
- Ms. Charita Leelayudth – President, Thai Hotels Association
- Mr. Supawan Tanomkieatipume – Vice President, Thai Airways International
- Mr.
Thawatchai Arunyik – President, Association of Thai Travel Agents
- Ms. Panwipa Yaparak – President, Tourism Council of Thailand
- Dr. Narongsak Osotthanakorn – Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University
- Dr. Chula Sukmanop – Director-General, Department of Information and Spokesman, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Ms. Phornsiri Manoharn – Executive Vice President, Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited
- Mr. Thaweesak Koanantakool – Chairman and CEO, Muang Thai Insurance Public Company Limited
- Mr. Kongsak Yodmanee – Former Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Sports (Advisor)
- Ms. Chanin Donavanik – Managing Director and CEO, Dusit International (Advisor)
- Mr. Pailin Chuchottaworn – Former Chairman of the Board of Directors, PTT Public Company Limited (Advisor)
The TAT Governor
The TAT Governor is responsible for executing the policies set by the board of directors and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organization. The current governor is Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn.
The TAT Deputy Governors
The TAT has three deputy governors who are responsible for specific areas:
- Tourism Products and Business: Mr. Thapanee Kiatphaibool
- International Marketing (Asia and South Pacific): Ms. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot
- Marketing Communications: Mr. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya
Conclusion
The Tourism Authority of Thailand comprises a diverse group of individuals who bring their expertise to promote tourism in the country. With the board of directors setting policies and strategies, the governor and deputy governors execute these plans to ensure that Thailand remains a top tourist destination.