Minister Surasak officially opened the 24th anniversary event of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, emphasizing that tourism and sports are key forces driving the country forward. He stressed readiness to handle disasters, care for tourists and citizens, and the ongoing efforts to restructure the ministry to keep pace with global developments. Tags: ["Tourism","Sports","Disaster Preparedness","Government Restructuring"]
On 2 Oct 2026, Mr. Surasak Phanjaroenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, chaired the ceremony marking the 24th founding anniversary of the ministry. The event was attended by executives, civil servants, staff, officials, and distinguished guests at the second floor of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Government Complex Commemorating His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary, Building C.Tags: ["Anniversary Ceremony","Government Ministry","Tourism and Sports Ministry"]
On this occasion, Minister Surasak presided over a Buddhist merit-making ceremony, inviting nine monks to chant Buddhist scriptures. Offerings of food, religious items, and donations were presented, followed by receiving blessings and paying respects to the Triple Gem for auspiciousness on the 24th anniversary of the ministry’s founding.Tags: ["Buddhist Ceremony","Merit Making","Religious Observance"]
Minister Surasak stated that over the 24 years, the ministry's mission has grown and adapted alongside the country’s changing context. Tourism has been a vital mechanism for generating income, creating jobs, and providing opportunities for the people. Meanwhile, sports serve as a force for building health, developing people, and enhancing Thailand’s reputation.Tags: ["Tourism Development","Sports Development","Economic Impact"]
However, he emphasized that strong tourism should not be measured merely by visitor numbers or revenue, but must consider quality and sustainability — including tourist happiness and safety, income for local residents, equitable opportunities for communities and secondary cities, as well as preservation of natural resources and national identity.Tags: ["Sustainable Tourism","Tourist Safety","Community Development"]
Minister Surasak also addressed the rapidly changing global situation, including disasters and climate impacts affecting travel and the economy. He pointed to recent heavy rains and flooding in many areas as a significant test for all agencies, requiring joint efforts to ensure the safety of citizens and tourists, assist and strengthen businesses, and maintain confidence in Thailand as a capable destination.Tags: ["Climate Impact","Flood Response","Tourism Confidence"]
Regarding sports, Minister Surasak encouraged Thai athletes, coaches, and sports personnel competing in the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. He stressed that sports development should not focus solely on competition results but build a stable system from youth to international stages. This includes developing coaches, sports personnel, and integrating sports science, technology, and sports medicine, while ensuring access to exercise and sports for all population groups.Tags: ["Sports Development","Asian Games 2026","Sports Science"]
On the upcoming government restructuring, the minister said that although the ministry’s name or form may change, its missions in tourism and sports must continue. The restructuring aims to elevate the clarity, scope, and efficiency of its functions. He thanked all executives, civil servants, staff, and officials who have contributed to the ministry’s progress over the past 24 years.Tags: ["Government Restructuring","Ministry Efficiency","Public Service Appreciation"]
At 11:00 a.m., Minister Surasak chaired a policy briefing for executives, civil servants, and personnel of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, both central and regional, conducted onsite and online. He emphasized work guidelines during the ministry’s restructuring transition and monitored flood situations and preparedness of agencies in vulnerable areas.Tags: ["Policy Briefing","Flood Preparedness","Ministry Transition"]
The minister assigned the Sports Authority of Thailand, provincial offices, and the National Sports University to prepare sports venues and educational institutions under their jurisdiction to serve as evacuation centers and assistance hubs if emergencies occur. They were also instructed to promptly assess damage to buildings, facilities, and sports venues after the situation stabilizes, to develop systematic recovery plans.Tags: ["Emergency Preparedness","Evacuation Centers","Damage Assessment"]
Meanwhile, the meeting discussed restructuring tourism and sports missions by establishing the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Ministry of Sports with clear structures and roles. These would support work from grassroots to regional levels, promote health, develop athletes, elite sports, professional sports, sports science, and the sports industry.Tags: ["Ministry Restructuring","Sports Industry","Cultural Tourism"]
Minister Surasak emphasized that all agencies should use the restructuring transition as an opportunity to review outdated or obstructive laws and regulations to enhance operational flexibility. He also urged consideration of tourism measures aligned with current economic conditions to ensure effective mission delivery that meets the needs of the people and the country.Tags: ["Regulatory Review","Tourism Policy","Operational Efficiency"]