Thailand PM Visits Phuket to Boost Tourism
- Thailand’s new Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, recently visited Phuket to emphasize plans to rejuvenate the economy through tourism.
- Despite a downturn in the nation’s economic growth rate, the government hopes to attract 29 million foreign tourists this year, approaching the pre-pandemic high of 2019.
- China, which contributed nearly 11 million visitors in 2019, has seen only 30% of its tourists return to Thailand. To counter this decline, PM Srettha suggests easing visa requirements for Chinese tourists.
- Previously a president of a real estate firm, Srettha was elected as PM with a dominant vote. He now faces the challenge of forming a cabinet with an 11-party alliance, including factions that have previously opposed his Pheu Thai Party.
- Using X (formerly Twitter), Srettha announced plans to increase tourism revenue to 3.3 trillion baht ($93.99 billion) next year.
- He also outlined intentions to enhance airport facilities in popular areas such as Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. Meetings with airport operators and tourism stakeholders are already underway.
- Srettha aims to finalize his cabinet within a week, following which the government will set out its policy objectives. They are anticipated to commence work by the end of September.
