June 8, 2022
BANGKOK Prayut opened the 2022 Thailand Tourism Congress at the Beyond Resort Kata in Phuket, where his dramatic gesture was greeted with thunderous applause from attendees.

Photo Credit: Charoon Thongnual
The move came as Prayut gave a speech praising the Phuket Tourism Association’s (PTA) latest report on the situation in the province.

Photo Credit: Charoon Thongnual
The Prime Minister then presented the national plan for sustainable tourism development as part of the “SMILE” strategy. SMILE stands for sustainability, workforce, inclusive economy, location and ecosystems.

Photo Credit: Charoon Thongnual
Prayut also praised the tourism sector’s efforts to deal with the Covid-19 crisis and the downturn caused by travel restrictions and said he was keen to return to the sea.

Photo Credit: Charoon Thongnual
The Thailand Tourism Congress is being held for the first time and will run until tomorrow (Wednesday).