Thapanee Kiatphaibool has been officially appointed as the incoming governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), commencing her role on September 1. The decision was reached unanimously by the TAT board, following the recommendation of the nomination subcommittee, which commenced the rigorous recruitment process on February 20.
Thapanee’s selection as the new governor was the outcome of a meticulous assessment led by Arrun Boonchai, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, who chaired the subcommittee. The criteria for choosing the candidate emphasized their administrative capabilities, comprehensive knowledge of the tourism industry, and expertise in marketing strategies.
Upon receiving the distinguished appointment, Thapanee expressed her deep sense of honor and gratitude for being chosen as the new governor. She assured tourism operators and stakeholders that she would maintain the momentum of the tourism promotion policies established by her predecessor, Yuthasak Supasorn, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity in the industry. Once her appointment is officially confirmed, Thapanee plans to unveil her comprehensive strategy for developing tourism promotional plans in close collaboration with the private sector.
Thapanee’s affiliation with the TAT spans over two decades, as she joined the organization in 1999 shortly after completing her master’s degree in science from the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom. Throughout her tenure, she has assumed various roles within the agency, demonstrating her unwavering commitment and dedication to the development of Thailand’s tourism sector. Presently, she serves as the deputy governor for domestic marketing.
Amid the challenging backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, Thapanee played a pivotal role in the initiation of the “Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA)” certification program. This pioneering program provided hotels and service providers with a framework to adhere to specific health and safety standards, ultimately becoming a mandatory requirement for hotels seeking registration as quarantine facilities during periods of stringent Covid-19 control measures.
