SOMSAK Pureesrisak has indicated that visitor safety and security will be a primary concern under his tenure, having taken the top job at Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports since April 9. He replaces Chumpol Silpa-archa, who passed away in January.
Somsak has served twice as governor of Suphan Buri province in Central Thailand, the last time being between 2006 and 2012.
Tourism Authority of Thailand governor, Suraphon Svetasreni, welcomed the newly-appointed minister’s policy emphasis.
He said: “Safety and security for visitors is becoming an overarching area of importance all through the global travel and tourism industry. We constantly get questions about this matter at international tradeshows, and are very pleased that the minister has taken up this issue as a matter of priority.
“The TAT looks forward to implementing initiatives from the minister in further advancing the role of travel and tourism as the country’s largest service industry and contributor to national socio-economic development.”
