Thai Hotel Association president Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, said at the recent Thailand Moving Together seminar that the biggest concern after the tourism industry takes off again will be the lack of manpower, as many former employees are now worried about re-entering the sector due to the uncertain future of the industry.
The president noted that many countries have already dropped mask requirements, and Thailand would benefit from adopting the same strategy, allowing businesses and individuals to decide for themselves whether or not to wear a mask.
The Phuket Tourism Association’s vice president of international marketing, Nantida Atiset, added that Thailand’s air transport capacity should also be increased to facilitate the flow of tourists from India and major international destinations.
The vice-president of the Tourism Board of Thailand, Mr. Somsong Sachaphimukh, had effectively reported that this year about 400 Indian couples were planning wedding ceremonies in Thailand. He added that the Diwali festival in October, as well as the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Thailand, will also boost the tourism market.
Meanwhile, Sanga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khao San Business Association, proposed to extend the closing time of night businesses in Bangkok as well as in major tourist destinations such as Phuket and Pattaya to help operators recover some of the income lost during this health crisis.