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New PM must restore
Thailand image
Watchiranont Thongtep, TTG Asia
The Thai travel trade has urged new Thai premier, Abhisit
Vejjajiva, to set as his first priority the restoration of the country’s
international image. Then to come up with an economic stimulus budget to
stem the industry’s dip in visitor arrivals, particularly during the
high season months of December and January.
Association of Thai Travel Agents president, Apichart Sankary, said the
new government must first address the issue of Thailand’s international
image in terms of safety and security, which was tarnished by the siege
of Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang Airports by protestors between November 25
and December 2.
He said a series of international trade and tourism road shows led by
the new premier is needed to assure the international community that
Thailand is again the place to travel and invest their money.
“Under the current difficult circumstances, I would like to suggest that
the new government comes with an incentive tax scheme for travel
companies, discounted landing fees for airlines and to waive the visa
fee for Chinese and Indian tourists to stimulate tourism.”
Tourism Council of Thailand president, Kongkrit Hiranyakit, added the
new government must be able to ensure the country’s main airports would
not be closed again, by enacting a tough law.
Thai Hotels Association president, Prakit Chinamourphong, said the
ongoing investments on mega tourism projects like the Royal Coast
tourism cluster and a Chiang Mai Convention Center must not be delayed
if the country’s tourism industry is to move forward.
Democrats celebrate with
rally in Banglamung
Leader busy being elected PM
Local leaders of the Democratic Party
assemble on stage to celebrate victory.
Theerarak Suthatiwong
Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party, was due to come
to the party’s rally in Banglamung on the evening of December 14 but had
to phone in to be excused because of a more pressing appointment in
Parliament the next day. The appointment? He was a candidate to become
our next prime minister.
The results were as expected: Abhisit was elected the leader of the
country, becoming Thailand’s 27th prime minister.
At the Banglamung School Field (Pattaya School #2) at the party’s party,
well-known music-for-life band and other acts provided entertainment
along with free food and beverages.
In his telephone call, Abhisit said he had to stay in Bangkok and “take
care of his party.” He also thanked the Chonburi voters for their trust
in his party which resulted in party MPs being elected in all
electorates in the province.
He said that if he was able to become prime minister, he would first
solve the economic problems for people to quickly lead the country out
of the present crisis. This corresponds to the party’s slogan “People
come first”.
Suthep Tuaksuban, the party’s secretary-general, said on stage that the
Prachatipat (Democrat) Party was an old party and has clear ideals that
correspond with those of the people.
Kraisak Chunhawan, deputy leader of the party, Alongkorn Polabut and
Somkiat Pongpaiboon took turns speaking on the stage. They thanked the
public for helping to “eliminate the nominated government under
Thaksin’s management.”
Then the party resumed as Democrat voters looked forward to the
political challenges of the New Year with some optimism.
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