Latest news with #NationalSoftPowerStrategyCommittee
Bangkok Post
16-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Panel calls for new tourism investment
Thai tourism should not underestimate rivals in the region, notably Vietnam, which are investing heavily in tourism infrastructure such as high-speed rail as well as new attractions and hotels, said the subcommittee of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee. Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, president of the tourism subcommittee, said Thailand needs new investment in tourism, particularly man-made developments, otherwise it will lose its competitiveness. Last year, Vietnam announced the construction of a US$67-billion high-speed railway connecting the capital Hanoi in the north with the southern city of Ho Chi Minh City, which is expected to become operational in 2035. Speaking at the SPLASH -- Soft Power Forum 2025 held last week, Mrs Marisa said this development would benefit tourism, considering Vietnam is a country with a beautiful long coastline that would be able to attract more hotel development. Vietnam has already welcomed leading luxury hotel brands such as the Capella Hanoi, designed by architect Bill Bensley. Hanoi also plans to build the new Hanoi Opera House, which aims to be the city's latest icon, she said. Kriengkrai Kanjanapokin, a member of the festival subcommittee of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee, said the developer of Ba Na Hills in Da Nang told him that the opening of the famous Golden Bridge helps attract tourists to stay longer and engage in more activities in the Ba Na Hills. Da Nang eventually became a leading tourism city thanks to those activities, he noted. "As Thailand has a lot of temples, many of which are beautifully crafted, we should tell a new story when it comes to the tourism experience, whether that be focused on faith tourism, architecture tourism or mental wellness," said Mr Kriengkrai. Mrs Marisa added that some countries use museums and the arts as city landmarks to attract visitors, such as the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, the new Grand Egyptian Museum in Egypt and Naoshima in Japan, which is known for contemporary art installations and museums. She said during a time when other sectors are being hampered by the US's new reciprocal tariffs, tourism development should be listed as a key performance index of all the ministries and public organisations to allow greater collaborations among different parties. Other opportunities for Thailand include rail tourism, which connects tourists to second-tier cities, as countries like Spain and France, each of which attract roughly 100 million visitors a year, all have efficient rail connectivity, she said. She said the State Railway of Thailand is planning to offer new air-conditioned railcars to cater to travellers' demands. Mr Kriengkrai said Thailand needs to redesign its traditional festivals to serve more than the conventional purpose in order to encourage tourists to stay longer.
Bangkok Post
06-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Event to highlight Thai 'soft power'
The government is inviting the public to attend "Splash -- Soft Power Forum 2025", touted as Southeast Asia's largest soft power showcase, from Tuesday to Friday at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok. Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said on Sunday the event, held under the theme "Thailand's Opportunities in the Creative Cultural Industry", is a joint initiative by the Ministry of Culture, the Department of Cultural Promotion and the National Soft Power Strategy Committee with support from the private sector, local communities and international networks. It also brings together two former prime ministers, along with the incumbent, to address participants. The event aims to advance Thailand's soft power and elevate its presence on the global stage. It will highlight 14 creative industries, from food and fashion to film and tourism, as tools for sustainable economic growth. A key feature of the event is the Visionary Stage, where top thinkers, creators and leaders from Thailand and abroad will share insights and experiences. Suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, in her capacity as culture minister, will on Tuesday open the event with a speech on "Thailand Rising: Tourism, Education and the New Soft Power Frontier". On Wednesday, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will speak on "Crafting the Future: From Otop to ThaiWorks and Beyond". Meanwhile, former prime minister Srettha Thavisin will join a discussion with Thai boxer Buakaw Banchamek and taekwondo champion Panipak Wongpattanakit on "Rethinking Thai Sports in a Disruptive Era" on Thursday. The forum will also feature interactive exhibitions, business networking opportunities, expert-led workshops and immersive tech-driven experiences. Admission is free with advance registration at "This is a rare opportunity to learn from national leaders and leading experts while gaining inspiration to turn cultural value into economic power," the government spokesman said.
South China Morning Post
28-02-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Why Thailand's soft power splash is out of step with reality
Thailand's launch of a soft power initiative this week is commendable, but its timing clashes with widespread perceptions – especially among the Chinese – that Bangkok has not done enough to tackle the growing problem of scam centres in its region. Advertisement On Monday, Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said her government had established the National Soft Power Strategy Committee, with the task of promoting 13 key industries. These range from tourism, food, film and fashion to festivals, music, art, literature and the performing arts. The Thai prime minister rightly pointed out that soft power not only strengthened global presence, but also created jobs, attracts investment and expands economic influence. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra delivers an address on Thailand's vision for expanding its cultural and creative industries in Bangkok on Monday. Photo: EPA-EFE The move came on the heels of Bangkok's attempts to promote Thai cooking during Paetongtarn's recent visit to Davos to attend the World Economic Forum and the news this week that Thailand leapt to 39th in the 2025 Global Soft Power Index.
