Global Courant 2023-05-26 06:11:00
BANGKOK – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said it plans to use Thai opposition leader Pita Limjaroenrat, 42, to attract more tourists to the kingdom by making him a tourism ambassador.
Pita’s call could entice more foreign tourists — especially young people from China, South Korea and Japan — to visit the land of smiles, TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said Thursday.
Pita, leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP), is the candidate of an eight-party coalition to become Thailand’s next prime minister, although some analysts say he continues to face threats from the military-backed parties that support the coalition. destroyed on May 14. election.
Mr. Pita is a great candidate to be an ambassador for Thailand’s tourism industry because he is popular with young people, Mr. Yuthasak said.
“It would be an advantage if Pita agreed to become Thailand’s tourism ambassador as he has the qualities of a major opinion leader,” said Mr. Yuthasak.
The marketing phrase “key opinion leader” is used to describe an “influencer” with an expert or celebrity appeal who can draw attention to a brand.
MFP deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakul recently announced that the party intends to speak with tourism industry agencies.
She did not say whether Mr. Pita is considering becoming Thailand’s tourism ambassador.
The formation of the new government is expected to be completed in August.
Mr Yuthasak said the new government’s policies will be crucial in ensuring Thailand meets its target of attracting at least 25 million tourists this year.
Thailand is on track to welcome 10 million visitors in the first five months of this year, he said.
About 50,000 foreigners are expected to arrive in Thailand every day in May, Yuthasak said.
Last month, an average of more than 80,000 foreigners visited Thailand every day, but during Songkran, the number soared, he added.
Mr. Chamnan Srisawat, Chairman of the Tourism Council of Thailand, agreed that appointing Mr. Pita as a tourism ambassador would be part of a “quick-win” strategy.
He urged the next government to improve the quality of sites to make them more attractive to tourists.
