Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra Launches Grand Campaign

Boosting Economy Through Tourism and Sports

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has officially launched the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025” campaign, aiming to position Thailand as a world-class destination for tourism and sports. The initiative, unveiled on February 3, 2025, at the One Bangkok shopping mall, seeks to attract 39 million international visitors and generate 98 billion euros in revenue for the year 2025.

Five Key Measures to Enhance Thailand’s Tourism Appeal

Improving Travel Convenience and Infrastructure

To achieve these ambitious goals, the government has implemented five key measures under the Thailand Tourism vision. These include enhancing travel convenience and safety by improving visa procedures, with visa exemptions now available for nationals from 93 countries and territories. Additionally, the government is committed to establishing Thailand as the aviation hub of Southeast Asia, aiming to increase capacity to accommodate 250 million passengers annually through airport expansions and upgrades.

Sustainable Tourism and Cultural Soft Power

Showcasing Thai Heritage and Innovation

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is marking its 50th year at ITB Berlin 2025 by expanding its presence under the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025” initiative. The Thailand Pavilion has tripled in size to 1,820 square metres, emphasizing the country’s commitment to sustainable tourism and cultural soft power. The pavilion showcases Thai crafts, culinary delights, and innovative tourism experiences, blending cultural heritage with sustainability.

Sports as a Key Driver of Tourism

Hosting Major International Sporting Events

The campaign also highlights Thailand’s ambition to become a global sports hub. The country is set to host several high-profile sporting events, including the 33rd SEA Games and the FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship. These events, along with the Muaythai World Festival and MotoGP, are expected to attract sports enthusiasts from around the world and contribute significantly to the country’s tourism revenue.

Year-Round Festivals and Exclusive Travel Privileges

Creating Unforgettable Experiences for Visitors

The “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025” will feature a series of year-round tourism festivals and exclusive travel privileges. These events are designed to showcase Thailand’s diverse attractions and create memorable experiences for visitors throughout the year, further solidifying the country’s position as a top global tourism destination.

Collaboration Between Public and Private Sectors

Enhancing Tourism Infrastructure and Services

Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, emphasized the government’s vision to establish Thailand as a leading tourism and sports hub. This vision involves close collaboration between public and private sectors to improve travel convenience, upgrade transportation networks, and develop tourism personnel. The initiative also focuses on promoting sustainable tourism practices and enhancing the overall visitor experience across both major destinations and lesser-known areas.

Overview of the Airport Transfer Suspension

Transport Ministry’s Decision on Three Airports

The Thai Transport Ministry has temporarily put on hold the transfer of three regional airports—Udon Thani, Buri Ram, and Krabi—from the Department of Airports (DoA) to Airports of Thailand (AOT). This decision comes amid concerns over legal compliance and financial implications.

Reasons Behind the Suspension

Legal and Financial Considerations

The Ministry clarified that the transfer does not involve privatizing state assets, as AOT is a state enterprise. However, AOT would need to lease facilities and land from the Treasury Department. The delay aims to address concerns about compliance with laws prohibiting fixed bids and ensure no irregularities in the transfer process.

Planned Investments in Airport Development

AOT’s Obligations Post-Transfer

If the transfer proceeds, AOT will be required to invest significantly in upgrading these airports over five years. This is aligned with Thailand’s broader air transport development plan, valued at THB 9.19 billion, aimed at enhancing airport infrastructure and competitiveness.

Impact on Thailand’s Aviation Strategy

Streamlining Airspace and Network Management

The proposed transfer is part of a larger strategy to streamline airspace management and modernize Thailand’s airport network under a commercial airport development master plan. This initiative seeks to position Thailand as a regional aviation hub while improving operational efficiency.

Future Outlook for AOT and Regional Airports

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

While the suspension raises questions about the timeline for these developments, it also provides an opportunity for thorough planning. AOT’s potential role in managing these airports could enhance their operational standards, but it will require substantial investment and strategic execution to meet expectations.

This article highlights the latest updates on Thailand’s airport management policies, ensuring clarity on the Transport Ministry’s decision while emphasizing its implications for stakeholders.

Unprecedented Alliance Formed

Three Agencies Join Forces

In a groundbreaking move, Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), State Audit Office (SAO), and Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) have united to combat corruption in large-scale government procurement projects. This alliance, formalized through a memorandum of understanding, aims to scrutinize mega-projects for signs of policy-oriented corruption.

Cutting-Edge Audit System Deployed

Technology-Driven Corruption Detection

The cooperation centers are implementing an advanced audit system designed to detect early signs of graft. This innovative approach allows for information sharing between state agencies and non-governmental organizations, creating a robust network to prevent corruption before it takes root.

Focus on High-Value Projects

Infrastructure and Energy Sectors Targeted

The alliance will concentrate its efforts on analyzing government initiatives in infrastructure, transport, energy, and public utility development. These sectors, which require substantial funding, have been identified as particularly vulnerable to corrupt practices.

Preventive Measures Emphasized

Proactive Approach to Governance

The SAO is enhancing its “preventive audit” mechanism, shifting from reactive measures to proactive surveillance. This strategy aims to foster good governance and ensure responsible use of state budgets and taxpayer funds.

Risk Assessment Mechanisms in Place

PACC’s Innovative Evaluation Tool

The PACC has already implemented a corruption risk assessment mechanism specifically designed for large-scale government investment projects. This tool will be instrumental in the collaborative efforts of the three agencies to identify and mitigate potential policy-oriented graft.

Transparency and Accountability Enhanced

Public Access to Project Information

As part of the initiative, government agencies are required to publish 40 data points online for each project, covering all stages from identification to completion. This unprecedented level of transparency allows for public scrutiny and helps deter corrupt practices.

Lowered Thresholds for Compliance

Stricter Standards for Businesses

Recent updates to anti-corruption standards have lowered the project budget threshold requiring compliance to 300 million baht, down from 500 million. This change ensures that a wider range of projects falls under the purview of these stringent anti-corruption measures.

Annual Training and Policy Reviews

Continuous Improvement in Anti-Corruption Efforts

Businesses involved in public procurement are now required to conduct annual anti-corruption training for their staff and review their anti-corruption standards every three years. These measures aim to keep anti-corruption efforts current and effective.

Certification Options for Businesses

Recognizing Commitment to Integrity

Companies now have the option to seek certification for their anti-corruption standards from ACCC-approved organizations. This includes internationally recognized certifications like ISO 37001, providing a clear demonstration of a company’s commitment to ethical practices.