Latest news with #SorawongThienthong
Coin Geek
6 days ago
- Business
- Coin Geek
Thailand revives tourism push; Lagos trials AI
Homepage > News > Business > Thailand revives tourism push; Lagos trials AI Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Thai authorities have launched a five-year plan to transform the local tourism ecosystem and strengthen its resilience to global economic uncertainties. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports will spearhead the push to improve the industry, keeping in mind changing tourist behavior and emerging technology trends. The local tourism industry is keen on pivoting toward becoming a Sustainable Tourism Hub by 2028 while achieving additional milestones by the end of the decade. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong said the five-year tourism transformation plan comprises five core strategies. Firstly, the ministry leans on new metrics to measure quality and sustainability rather than a narrow focus on tourist arrival figures. Secondly, the five-year plan will focus on expanding tourism to secondary cities and promoting local economies rather than the primary cities of Bali and Bangkok. Authorities say the plan will broaden its reach beyond China to new markets like the Middle East and Latin America. The fourth arm of the ambitious plan will see local authorities introduce crisis preparedness systems to protect the tourist industry from unforeseen circumstances. Authorities will also roll out Tourist Risk Match Maps while offering visitors a Digital Health Passport in line with global health standards. At the heart of the plan is integrating emerging technologies into the local tourism industry. Authorities are mulling the widespread application of artificial intelligence (AI) among industry service providers. To ease the integration, authorities will augment plans by upskilling the local workforce and interfacing with the legislative arm of government for tech-friendly regulations. Furthermore, there is an additional plan to leverage social media and launch smart platforms for tourists to simplify decision-making and increase safety and transparency standards. 'Everyone is now a broadcaster, and every opinion on social media can impact the national image,' said Sorawong. 'We must collectively build broad-based confidence.' The five-year plan is not Thailand's first attempt at improving the tourist experience. Earlier this year, authorities allowed visitors to the country to use digital currencies to pay for goods and services, testing the waters in Phuket while eyeing a nationwide rollout. Previously, the country soldiered toward a $14-billion digital money handout initiative to improve the local economy. Keen to improve digitalization, the country lifted restrictions on retail investment in digital assets while making progress with its retail central bank digital currency. Lagos integrates AI Elsewhere, Nigeria's most populous state and economic nerve center, Lagos, has hinted at plans to deploy AI to improve the state of drivers' training. State administrators met with high-ranking executives of the AI Driving Metaverse Group to explore the viability of AI-based training. The AI Driving Metaverse Group will offer AI-based simulators to driving schools in Lagos to overhaul traditional learning methods. In addition to learning simulators, the Group will offer AI-powered assessments and feedback to learners. AI Driving Metaverse Group CEO Daniel Avdagic disclosed that the suite of AI learning offerings extends to drivers with previously issued licenses, urging retraining with emerging technologies. If parties ink a deal, AI Driving Metaverse Group's AI-based learning solutions will be integrated into the Lagos State Drivers' Institute (LASDRI). The institute's attendees will use the firm's Driving Metaverse Simulator to test skills and personality in addition to real-world driving tests. The AI-based simulator will offer the perks of personalized training for learners while allowing instructors to simulate realistic learning conditions. Besides being a cost-effective alternative, driving school candidates can receive real-time feedback and the perk of zero risk for drivers and instructors. Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation Oluwaseun Osiyemi lauded the initiative for its novel use of AI in real-world applications. Osiyemi expressed confidence that the Lagos State government will reach a deal with the AI Driving Metaverse Simulator, adding that LASDRI's training programs need to keep pace with digitalization. Furthermore, the Commissioner adds that a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is the best route to integrate the AI Driving Metaverse Simulator into LASDRI. Currently, the state government will address all issues related to data privacy and the safety of AI training models for drivers. Keen to maintain its status as Nigeria's economic hub, Lagos is setting the pace for emerging technologies for public services. Last year, the state unveiled a blockchain-based solution to stifle the occurrence of land fraud to complement a real estate tokenization plan. Lagos is angling to benefit from Nigeria's plan to train 1,000 youth in blockchain and AI as the country warmly embraces digitalization. Furthermore, Nigeria and the United States have inked a bilateral arrangement to explore a collaboration on AI and the growth of digital economies on both sides of the Atlantic. In order for artificial intelligence (AI) to work right within the law and thrive in the face of growing challenges, it needs to integrate an enterprise blockchain system that ensures data input quality and ownership—allowing it to keep data safe while also guaranteeing the immutability of data. Check out CoinGeek's coverage on this emerging tech to learn more why Enterprise blockchain will be the backbone of AI . Watch: Tech redefines how things are done—Africa is here for it title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="">
The Star
03-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Thailand faces tourism crisis as foreign arrivals stagnate, minister urges urgent action
BANGKOK: Foreign tourist arrivals in Thailand are slowing to a critical level, prompting Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong to meet with the private sector to urgently address the issue and mitigate its impact. Sorawong on Wednesday (April 30) chaired a meeting to address safety concerns affecting international tourists visiting Thailand. The discussion involved key stakeholders from the private tourism sector, including the Association of Thai Travel Agents, the Thai Hotels Association, the Tourism Council of Thailand, and the Airlines Association of Thailand. Sorawong acknowledged that the current foreign tourism market in Thailand is reaching a critical point, with concern shared by both the ministry and private sector. However, he noted that the situation is still manageable if swift preventative action is taken. "Tourism remains the only strong engine driving our economy right now. We must act wherever we can," he said. Sorawong added that since the beginning of 2025, arrivals from some major markets—such as China—have declined. However, revenue from tourism has increased compared to the same period in 2024, indicating that tourists are spending more per person. From January 1 to April 27, Thailand recorded 11,841,911 foreign visitors—a minimal increase of just 0.12 per cent year-over-year—generating approximately 565.6 billion baht (US$17.07 billion) in revenue. The top five source countries were China (1.6 million), Malaysia (1.48 million), Russia (865,634), India (729,414), and South Korea (571,409). Sorawong emphasised that the main factor contributing to the decline is Thailand's perceived safety image. The ministry has been coordinating closely with the Tourist Police and other relevant agencies to ensure safety for all travelers. Although these efforts have not been widely publicised, he reassured the public that security measures are being implemented thoroughly. 'Many recent negative reports stem from misleading information, particularly when translated into other languages like Chinese and English,' he said. 'Not all reported issues reflect the real situation, and some involve scams targeting foreigners to work illegally in Thailand, not genuine tourists.' The minister also addressed concerns over high prices for tourism-related goods and services—like hotels, attractions, and flights—clarifying that the focus should be on value and fair pricing, not on being a "cheap" destination. While flight prices have risen globally, Thailand is exploring measures like cutting aviation fuel excise tax and increasing charter flights to offset costs for travelers. In conclusion, Sorawong warned that negative perceptions and misinformation could significantly damage Thailand's overall reputation, not just the tourism industry, especially as other countries—such as China—aggressively compete for international tourists. - The Nation/ANN
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Thailand announces plans to cut visa-free stays to 30 days
Thailand plans to halve the number of days it allows foreign tourists to stay in the country without a visa as part of a major crackdown those exploiting the scheme. Since last summer, the southeast Asian country has allowed tourists from 93 nations, up from 57, to visit Thailand for a period of up to 60 days. The new measures were part of an effort to boost visitors by doubling the stay limits. However, tourism and sports minister Sorawong Thienthong has announced that various ministers have agreed in principle that this should now be reduced to 30 days, the Bangkok Post reported. Additional details will be discussed before formally announcing the change to the visa-free period for tourists. The reduction discussion has come amid tourism operators, such as the Association of Thai Travel Agents, expressing concern that there is a growing number of foreigners illegally working or conducting business in the country, the publication reported. The Thai Hotels Association has also voiced their concern that the 60-day stay in part has led to an increase in accommodation being illegally rented out to tourists. Natthriya Thaweevong, the chairperson of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, which operates under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, said, according to the outlet, that the ministry has instructed the Tourism Department to enforce the Tourism Business and Tourist Guide Act more seriously. She said the department and the Tourism Police have consistently investigated illicit activities taking popular tourist places like Phuket, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui and Bangkok. So far, the department has revoked the licenses of 40 companies in 2024 that were found guilty of secretly changing directions and shareholders, resulting in disqualification from operating tourism businesses. In Phuket, 15 tour companies' licenses have also been revoked, Ms Thaweevong added, with another case finding that a Thai committee of a tour company was registered under five different company names. Bloomberg analysts said that the move to reduce the number of days would have a 'low-single-digit negative impact' on the overall inbound tourism demand, as data from ForwardKeys suggests as much as seven per cent of total bookings to Thailand in January and February were for stays of 22 nights or more. 'The potential policy move adds to a growing list of factors weighing on the sector… along with Chinese tourists' security concerns and tighter travel budgets among North American and European travellers,' the analysts said in a report Tuesday. Between January and 16 March, Thailand welcomed 8.3 million foreign tourists, up 3.9 per cent compared to the same period last year. The Independent has contacted the Tourism Authority of Thailand for comment.
The Independent
19-03-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Thailand announces plans to cut visa-free stays to 30 days
Thailand plans to halve the number of days it allows foreign tourists to stay in the country without a visa as part of a major crackdown those exploiting the scheme. Since last summer, the southeast Asian country has allowed tourists from 93 nations, up from 57, to visit Thailand for a period of up to 60 days. The new measures were part of an effort to boost visitors by doubling the stay limits. However, tourism and sports minister Sorawong Thienthong has announced that various ministers have agreed in principle that this should now be reduced to 30 days, the Bangkok Post reported. Additional details will be discussed before formally announcing the change to the visa-free period for tourists. The reduction discussion has come amid tourism operators, such as the Association of Thai Travel Agents, expressing concern that there is a growing number of foreigners illegally working or conducting business in the country, the publication reported. The Thai Hotels Association has also voiced their concern that the 60-day stay in part has led to an increase in accommodation being illegally rented out to tourists. Natthriya Thaweevong, the chairperson of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, which operates under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, said, according to the outlet, that the ministry has instructed the Tourism Department to enforce the Tourism Business and Tourist Guide Act more seriously. She said the department and the Tourism Police have consistently investigated illicit activities taking popular tourist places like Phuket, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui and Bangkok. So far, the department has revoked the licenses of 40 companies in 2024 that were found guilty of secretly changing directions and shareholders, resulting in disqualification from operating tourism businesses. In Phuket, 15 tour companies' licenses have also been revoked, Ms Thaweevong added, with another case finding that a Thai committee of a tour company was registered under five different company names. Bloomberg analysts said that the move to reduce the number of days would have a 'low-single-digit negative impact' on the overall inbound tourism demand, as data from ForwardKeys suggests as much as seven per cent of total bookings to Thailand in January and February were for stays of 22 nights or more. 'The potential policy move adds to a growing list of factors weighing on the sector… along with Chinese tourists' security concerns and tighter travel budgets among North American and European travellers,' the analysts said in a report Tuesday. Between January and 16 March, Thailand welcomed 8.3 million foreign tourists, up 3.9 per cent compared to the same period last year.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Yahoo
Thailand's visa-free stay will soon be cut to 30 days. Here's what it means for tourists
Thailand has announced it will halve the number of days foreign tourists can stay in the country without a visa from 60 days to 30. The move comes as the Southeast Asian nation clamps down on travellers exploiting the waiver to carry out illegal business activities, tourism and sports minister Sorawong Thienthong said. Local travel and hospitality associations have also expressed concerns over visitors renting out accommodation without official authorisation. Since July 2024, passport holders from 93 countries have been allowed to stay in Thailand for tourism purposes for up to 60 days. By cutting the number of days to 30, the government says it hopes to curb misuse of the waiver period without damaging tourism. The Association of Thai Travel Agents has spoken out over concerns that an increasing number of foreigners are engaging in illicit jobs or business activities while claiming to be visiting for tourism purposes. The Thai Hotels Association raised another key issue that the 60-day stay was prompting a rise in the illegal letting of apartments to foreign visitors, the Bangkok Post reported. Thienthong said the measure has been agreed upon in principle by key ministries and an official date for the change will be announced soon. There will reportedly be possible exemptions or transitional measures for travellers who already have bookings in place. Thailand's 60-day stay has been a boon for many travellers wanting to undertake extended trips, including digital nomads and retirees. Around seven per cent of bookings to Thailand between January and February were for stays of over 22 nights, according to data from Forward Keys. Officials say the reduction in the number of visa-free days could see a small negative impact on inbound tourism demand. Related Where was The White Lotus season 3 filmed? Our pick of Thailand's must-visit filming locations How the rise of regenerative travel is changing Thailand's elephant tourism for the better Tourism is a vital driver of Thailand's economy, and other challenges are also facing the industry. 'The potential policy move adds to a growing list of factors weighing on the sector [...], along with Chinese tourists' security concerns and tighter travel budgets among North American and European travellers,' Bloomberg Intelligence analysts wrote in a report this week. Thai authorities are aiming for foreign tourist arrivals to exceed 40 million in 2025, which would break the country's 2019 record. Between January and mid-March, Thailand's visitor numbers were already up 3.9 per cent from 2024.
