Thailand's Tourism Council Urges Regulation of Cannabis, Foreign Labour, and Domestic Tourism Boost

Strategic Insights -

Thailand's Tourism Council (TCT) has urged the new cabinet to restructure the tourism ecosystem to fix the country's "unsafe image" and fairly distribute tourism income to local operators. The Council is pushing for the regulation of cannabis use in specific zones, prevention of foreign labour from stealing local jobs, and encouraging hotels to register. TCT Vice-President Ratchaporn Poolsawadee emphasized the need for clear regulation of cannabis use to address concerns from families and tourists who are uncomfortable with its widespread use. The Council also highlighted issues with nominee companies and illegal foreign workers, as well as the need to promote domestic tourism to compensate for sluggish foreign markets.

Key Takeaways:

  • The TCT is urging the government to regulate cannabis use in specific zones to address concerns from families and tourists who are uncomfortable with its widespread use.
  • The Council is pushing for the regulation of foreign labour to prevent them from stealing local jobs in the tourism industry.
  • TCT Vice-President Ratchaporn Poolsawadee emphasized the need for clear regulation of cannabis use to address concerns from families and tourists who are uncomfortable with its widespread use.
  • The Council highlighted issues with nominee companies and illegal foreign workers, particularly in Koh Samui, where some Israelis were operating tour services under companies registered by nominees.
  • Jeerayu Jarukittivorakan, secretary of the TCT, revealed that Chinese-run businesses have developed food delivery and ride-hailing apps exclusively for Chinese tourists in Pattaya, using Chinese-run nominee businesses.
  • The Council is urging the government to encourage small and boutique accommodations to register via the new Hotel Act.
  • The TCT is also promoting domestic tourism to compensate for sluggish foreign markets, as the value of the baht has strengthened.
  • The Council partnered with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to launch a domestic bus tour programme with a total budget of 3 million baht.
  • The programme commenced on Sept 1 and continues through Oct 31.

Statistics:

  • There are roughly 600 cannabis shops in Koh Samui.
  • The subsidy provided by the TAT for the domestic bus tour programme is 10,000 baht a bus per day, limited to 30,000 baht per trip.
  • The programme is eligible for a subsidy of 10,000 baht a bus per day for up to 30,000 baht per trip.
  • The programme has a total budget of 3 million baht.

Sources:

  • "Tourism Council Urges Regulation of Cannabis, Foreign Labour". (no author mentioned)
  • (no date mentioned)
  • Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)