The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) introduced the appointment of Thapanee Kiatphaibool as its new governor, efficient from September 1. The 48 yr old, who currently serves as the deputy governor for domestic marketing, was chosen by the TAT board yesterday, following a recruitment process that started on February 20.
Out of the 2 finalists, the nomination subcommittee, chaired by Arrun Boonchai, everlasting secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, unanimously chosen Thapanee. The recruitment criteria included five key points, with the ability to handle the organisation, data of the tourism industry, and advertising experience being essential factors.
The remuneration subcommittee will now negotiate Thapanee’s salary, and a contract shall be signed for a four-year term. There is an possibility to increase the contract for up to four extra years if her efficiency proves distinctive.
Thapanee expressed her gratitude for being chosen as governor and warranted tourism operators that she would continue the tourism promotion policies set by her predecessor, Yuthasak Supasorn, to ensure a clean transition. Once formally appointed, Underground plans to announce her working direction and collaborate with the non-public sector to develop tourism promotional strategies.
Having joined the TAT in 1999 after earning a master’s degree in science from the University of Surrey within the UK, Thapanee has held varied positions inside the organisation, including deputy governor for tourism merchandise and business.
Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, she initiated the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA), a certification programme that enabled motels and providers to fulfill specific health and security standards. The SHA certification turned a compulsory requirement for resorts seeking to register as quarantine services through the period of stringent Covid controls, reported Bangkok Post..