BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun has chaired a meeting on the proposed restructuring of the government’s tourism administration, following the Cabinet’s in-principle approval of draft legislation to reorganize government ministries and agencies. Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul and Culture Minister Sabeeda Thaised attended the meeting along with senior officials and representatives from key government agencies.
The proposed restructuring supports the government’s economic policies and improves the efficiency of public administration. Under the proposal, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports would be reorganized as the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, while a separate Ministry of Sports would be established. The draft legislation is under review by the Council of State before being returned to the Cabinet and submitted to Parliament, with implementation expected in late September or early October.
Suphajee said the restructuring would provide greater administrative flexibility while linking Thailand’s cultural assets more closely with its tourism and service sectors to create new economic opportunities. She noted that the process should remain centered on public benefit and national interests while ensuring tourism promotion, major events, and the government’s Value Tourism policy continue without disruption.
The meeting also agreed to establish a joint working committee to coordinate the transition and prepare the necessary subordinate legislation. Weerasak Kowsurat, chairman of the deputy prime minister’s advisory committee, was appointed to advise on the restructuring, while the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission was tasked with preparing an implementation plan and conducting monthly progress reviews. (NNT)
