BANGKOK, Thailand — Andrew J. Wood, Bangkok-based media executive, travel writer and former hotelier, has been elected Chair of the Tourism Committee of the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT) for the 2026–2028 term.
Wood was nominated by the South African-Thai Chamber of Commerce (SATCC) and elected by representatives of JFCCT member chambers on September 11. His appointment was subsequently ratified at the JFCCT Presidents’ Council meeting held on September 16 at the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit.
The appointment comes as JFCCT marks its 50th anniversary. Founded in 1976, the organisation has developed into the umbrella body for Thailand’s foreign chambers and business associations. JFCCT currently represents 31 chambers and business associations, with a combined membership of more than 8,000 companies.
JFCCT works with the Royal Thai Government and public and private-sector organisations to promote trade and foreign investment, encourage skills development and knowledge transfer, and contribute to Thailand’s economic development. Its current specialist committees cover Digital Economy/ICT, Education & Skills, International Trade, SME, Sustainable Development and Tourism.
The JFCCT is led by Chairwoman Vibeke Lyssand Leirvåg, supported by Vice Chairs Supareak “Dr Charlie” Chomchan and Ravi Sehgal. Its specialist committees provide a platform for members to contribute expertise and engage with government and other stakeholders on issues affecting Thailand’s business environment.
The Tourism Committee has a broad mandate covering the tourism sector. According to JFCCT, it provides tourism expertise, helps build consensus within the foreign business community, develops recommendations on policy and strategy, works with tourism industry bodies and engages relevant government agencies.
Wood said tourism’s importance extends well beyond hotels and holidays. “Tourism reaches far beyond hotels and holidays. It supports aviation, transport, investment, employment, retail, restaurants and communities throughout Thailand.”
“My priority will be to strengthen the Tourism Committee as an active, visible and constructive voice, bringing together the expertise within JFCCT and working collaboratively with government and the private sector,” he said.
“Thailand has an extraordinary tourism industry, but maintaining its competitiveness requires us to listen, anticipate change and continually improve.”
Wood’s election follows his nomination by SATCC. He expressed his appreciation to SATCC President Karel “Kallie” de Lange and the chamber for its nomination and support. He also acknowledged Anthony “Tony” Hoglund of Amadeus, who chaired the JFCCT Tourism Committee during the previous two-year term.
Before his election, Wood had outlined a focus on developing a practical two-year roadmap, strengthening cooperation between government and tourism industry stakeholders, and using JFCCT’s international business network to contribute to Thailand’s tourism economy.
A British-born tourism professional, Wood has lived in Thailand since 1991 and has more than four decades of international hospitality and tourism experience. A graduate of Napier University, Edinburgh, his career has included senior hotel management positions in Europe and Thailand, together with longstanding involvement in tourism industry organisations.
Wood has also been active in Skål International, where he has served as President of Skål Thailand and Skål Asia, and twice led Skål Bangkok. He has also worked for many years as a travel writer and industry commentator.
JFCCT is currently chaired by Vibeke Lyssand Leirvåg, who was re-elected for the 2026–2028 term. She has described JFCCT as the “Voice of the Foreign Business Community in Thailand for 50 Years”, with its members representing thousands of companies contributing investment, employment, skills and international business connections to Thailand.
Wood takes over the Tourism Committee at a time when Thailand’s tourism industry is dealing with changing international travel patterns, competitiveness, investment, sustainability and the need for closer cooperation between government and the private sector.
His two-year term will place the JFCCT Tourism Committee at the centre of discussions between the foreign business community, tourism stakeholders and government agencies on issues affecting Thailand’s visitor economy.
