“Ignite Thailand” vision pushes for greater development of 55 second-tier tourist provinces

Thailand’s Prime Minister, H.E. Mr. Srettha Thavisin

To boost the Thai economy in the second half of this year and position Thailand as a global Tourism Hub.

Thailand’s Prime Minister, H.E. Mr. Srettha Thavisin, called on governors of 55 second-tier tourist provinces and Thai tourism authorities to further develop infrastructure and tourism offering as well as explore measures to position Thailand as a Tourism Hub in line with the government’s “Ignite Thailand” vision.

Prime Minister Srettha has laid out his strategy to boost the Thai economy in the second half of this year at a recent meeting attended by the 55 provincial governors, executives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) as well as representatives from related private bodies. Also present at the meeting were Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister, Mr. Sermsak Pongpanit, Tourism and Sports Minister, and Mr. Prommin Lertsuridej, Secretary General to the Prime Minister.

PM reiterated a strategy to promote travel linkage between well-established and second-tier tourist destinations to spread benefits of tourism nationwide as part of the overall “Ignite Thailand” vision.

He said the government prioritised the promotion of 55 second-tier tourist provinces along with the readiness of each destination in the areas of attractions, accommodation, transportation infrastructure, local identity, culinary experiences, and five must-do activities – Must East local food, Must See local culture, Must Seek unseen attractions, Must Buy local arts and crafts, and Must Beat local sports.

The Prime Minister stressed that cooperation from the public and private sector was crucial to develop and enhance the capability of the 55 provinces under the such policies as, development of transport infrastructure and tourist facilities, development of new attractions and tourism offerings, supporting local businesses through tax incentives, training and upskill tourism workers, improvement of safety standards, promotion of responsible and sustainable tourism, and maximise digital and social media for publicity. In addition, the government plans to nominates some provinces for UNESCO World Heritage status.

The 55 second-tier tourist provinces are:

In the North (16 provinces): Chiang Rai, Kamphaeng Phet, Lampang, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Nakhon Sawan, Phayao, Phetchabun, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phrae, Sukhothai, Tak, Uthai Thani, and Uttaradit;

In the Northeast (18 provinces): Amnat Charoen, Bueng Kan, Buri Ram, Chaiyaphum, Kalasin, Loei, Maha Sarakham, Mudahan, Nakhon Phanom, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Roi Et, Sakon Nakhon, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, and Yasothon;

In the Central Region (seven provinces): Ang Thong, Chai Nat, Lop Buri, Ratchaburi, Sing Buri, Samut Songkhram, and Suphan Buri;

In the East (five provinces): Chanthaburi, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, and Trat;

In the South (nine provinces): Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Pattani, Phatthalung, Ranong, Satun, Yala, and Trang.