Thailand urged to create an independent tourism authority

Thailand is called upon to create an independent tourism authority to attract new investments and strengthen its competitiveness.

Kevin Clayton, Director of Galaxy Entertainment Group's brand for Thailand, said:

“Thailand must adopt a bold approach to product development and create a dedicated tourism authority to attract investment and maintain its leadership in the global tourism sector.”

Mr. Clayton added that Thailand was renowned for its hospitality, culture, cuisine, and natural attractions.

With these strengths, the country should define the position it wishes to occupy in the future tourism landscape.

Increasing Asian competition

View of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in 2019. Photo: Lê Minh Phát

In the entire Asia-Pacific region, tourism is expected to be one of the most dynamic sectors, thanks to the expansion of the middle class in China and India.

Tourism already plays a vital role in the Thai economy, accounting for around a quarter of direct and indirect jobs.

However, in recent years, the sector has faced challenges such as increased competition from other Asian destinations and a decline in the desire to travel due to concerns about crime and scams.

The number of foreign visitors is expected to reach only 33 million this year, well below the nearly 40 million recorded in 2019.

See: Tourism in Thailand continues to decline, but revenue increases

Even if the number of visitors eventually returns to pre-pandemic levels, Mr. Clayton has urged the government to set ambitious targets of 45 million visitors by 2030 and 60 million by 2035.

Attract high-value visitors with new attractions

Attractions based on characters from the film "Hotel Transylvania" at Columbia Pictures Aquaverse in Pattaya.

In addition, global tourism trends are shifting towards artificial attractions, such as theme parks and integrated resorts, which intensifies fierce competition.

Vietnam is rapidly developing its cities for tourism, while Singapore reinvented itself two decades ago with Marina Bay Sands, Resorts World Sentosa, and Gardens by the Bay.

"There is a place for artificial attractions in Thailand," said Mr. Clayton.

"They should complement what makes Thailand unique."

He added that Bangkok and other destinations need new attractions to attract a larger international audience, particularly high-value visitors.

It could be shows or even gaming facilities, although the latter requires delicate national discussions, said Mr. Clayton.

He stressed that tourism must be considered a business activity.

The call for an independent tourism board to modernize governance

Kevin Clayton, Brand Director for Thailand at Galaxy Entertainment Group. Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut

Mr. Clayton proposed the creation of an independent tourism board responsible for evaluating new products, services, infrastructure, and technological developments.

Thailand needs billions of dollars in investments from third parties or the private sector.

These investments should be supported by a tourism council composed of major stakeholders such as the Tourism Authority of Thailand, airline executives, and tourism associations.

This council should be independent but supported by the government, he said.

A vision consistent with Galaxy Entertainment's projects in Thailand

Galaxy Entertainment Group project in Thailand. Image: Bangkok Post

The statements made by Kevin Clayton are in line with his vision expressed as early as July 2025, when he presented Galaxy Entertainment Group's interest in a large-scale integrated entertainment complex in Thailand.

This interest also coincided with the former government's casino legalization project, which has since been abandoned.

See: Thailand (temporarily) buries its casino bill

Even at that time, he emphasized the need to create a structured, transparent, and attractive framework to attract investments worth several billion.

He also highlighted that the country has unique assets - culture, hospitality, and cuisine - capable of supporting a project of international scale.

His current call for an independent tourism authority continues this same logic:

To equip Thailand with modern and effective governance in order to develop new tourism products, attract high-value visitors, and compete with major destinations in Asia.

See also:

Alert: Thailand could lose its status as a top tourist destination

End of alcohol restrictions in Thailand: relief for tourism

Source: Bangkok Post 1 , Bangkok Post 2