Where did you start your TAT career? I started 20 years ago in Bangkok as a researcher mainly studying the impact of tourism from countries such as the United States, Europe and Japan on the Thai economy. I then moved into the Tourism Development Division overseeing destinational tourism projects in Thailand.

What sort of projects? Well, for example, I was project manager for the building of the Ao Chalong Pier. Then I moved to the tourism investment department, taking care of asset management. One was a golf course that the TAT owned and managed.

What was your last posting before coming to Phuket? I was in the marketing division of TAT in New York USA, working with tour operators and others to encourage Americans to come to Thailand. I liked New York, especially the food! New York never sleeps, you know. I learned a lot in the four years I was there – that was from 2005 to 2009.

So you came straight to this job from New York? I had some time in Bangkok, then to Phuket.

What made you enter the tourism industry after training as an economist? I got my Master of Economics degree at Thammasat University, writing a thesis entitled ‘The international Tourist Flow to Thailand’. That was the starting point. The model studied the decision making process that tourists go through when they are thinking of visiting Thailand.

What did you find influenced tourists? At that time the impact of high oil prices was a major factor. That was the pivotal for many people.

Are you pleased to be in Phuket? This job is a good opportunity for me. It’s a challenging position. It’s the biggest provincial office of TAT. Phuket is the ‘number one’ tourist destination in the kingdom. We’ve over 5 million tourists a year, almost 4 million of them from overseas.

So how are you working to increase this number? We work closely with the private sector – the Phuket Tourist Association and the Thai Hotel Association – to grow the potential offshore market. Next year, for example, we’re going to target Hong Kong by bringing a group of their agents and partners here.

What nationalities do you see as having the most potential for growth? Australians, Scandinavians, Koreans and Russians who all like to come to the beaches. But India is also a great niche market. There’s great potential for more Indian tourist packages built around Indian weddings. These are large and can go on for up to four days.

Do you see 2009 being a better year for tourists to Phuket than 2008? Yes. The predictions are that the overall total may be less than 15 million for Thailand. For Phuket we may get 5.5 million visitors, but not 6 million. Nevertheless, compared to other destinations, Phuket’s numbers are holding up well.

What do you think about the development of the marine leisure tourism and yachting industry? Phuket has high potential in marine leisure tourism especially yachting due to its suitable location and well-developed facilities .
From Phuket tourists can cruise to explore various interesting places as Similan Islands Surin Islands, Phang Nga Bay, Phi Phi Islands, etc. There are also many high standard yacht marinas in Phuket. Yachting is the main target group for next year.

Do you have a family? Yes, I’m married with two daughters, aged 21 and 19, both studying in the United States. The elder is interested in economics like me but the younger is studying psychology. My husband works in Bangkok for the Ministry of Commerce.
You must miss your daughters, them being so far away? Yes, I only see them once a year.

What do you do in your spare time? I like swimming. I also like reading either novels or books about Buddhism. I think as you get older you get closer to religion. I’m keen to learn more.

So where do you see Phuket heading from here? Phuket is a very well developed and world-renowned destination. There’s so much for tourists to do. There are still some problems ’though. The public transport system is vestigial – certainly, it’s not good enough to serve tourists. I’d like to see Phuket with some train transport. There’s been talk of a monorail link between Phuket Town and the airport.

I’d also like to see us attracting more business in the low season maybe by targeting domestic tourism and visitors from neighbouring Asian countries. This will increase and balance revenue streams.

Anything else? Yes. I’d like to see the proposed convention centre project completed. We need more MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, events) business here on Phuket.

What about problems such as the bad publicity over jet-ski operators? The governor has tried very hard to solve this problem with insurance coverage.

So, do you enjoy your job? Yes. It’s a good experience for me. It’s challenging. In the USA I had to learn about American tourists. Here I have to learn about European and Asians and try and bring that understanding to the market. It’s a very challenging job, but fun.

Do you have time for shopping? Yes, I go shopping at Central.

For more information contact:
Tourism Authority of Thailand Phuket Office
Tel: +66 (0)76 212213, +66 (0)76 211036
Email: tatphket@tat.or.th
Website: www.tourismthailand.org/phuket