NLA accepts for consideration draft amendment of Tourism Business and Guide Act

BANGKOK, 18 March 2016 (NNT) – The National Legislative Assembly has accepted in principle a draft amendment to the Tourism Business and Guide Act.

At the NLA sitting on Thursday, members of the legislature spent time deliberating the draft law amendment, which was presented by the Cabinet.

The draft intended to adapt the Tourism Business and Guide Act B.E. 2551 suggests that the tourism industry, which is one of the country’s major sectors bringing in revenue, needs to push for the development of travel businesses and travel guides by ensuring high standards and service quality.

The Cabinet said that such an endeavor will promote the good reputation of the tourism industry when the qualifications of all licensed guides meet certain standards and the renewal of their licenses is in accordance with the new criteria.

NLA members have expressed support for the draft amendment, which they said will make the law more up-to-date for the country as it progresses through a period of fast growth.

However, some have cautioned that there should be stricter control of tour groups in regard to the quality of their activities, as they can easily damage Thailand’s image.


-- NNT 2016-03-18

the tourism industry ... one of the country’s major sectors bringing in revenue

Currently tourism is the only growth industry that Thailand has. And yet it only accounts for 10-14% of the GDP.

Thailand is going to need more than new laws to advance the nation from being an undeveloped nation to a developed nation.