The MoU was signed on Thursday (June 27) between the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Department of Tourism, the Ministry of Labour, the Department of Skill Development along with Phuket Superyacht Marina Co Ltd and Jojo Asia Pacific Superyacht Co Ltd.
Signing the memorandum were Jaturon Phakdiwanit, Director-General of the Department of Tourism; Buppha Rueangsud, Director-General of the Department of Skill Development; Ditphong Thitadilok, Chairman of the Executive Board of Phuket Superyacht Marina Co Ltd; and Tanyuta Singhmanee, Managing Director of Jojo Asia Pacific Superyacht Co Ltd.
Phonphum Wiphatphumiprathet, Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports; Kankanit Haewsanti, Advisor to the Minister of Tourism and Sports; Siraphop Duangsodsri, Assistant Minister of Labour; and Aree Krainara, Secretary to the Minister of Labor were all present to witness the signing, held at The PlayYard on Phuket’s northeast coast.
Present on behalf of the Phuket Provincial Office to witness the event was Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong.
Mr Phonphum explained that the purpose of this memorandum is to develop and enhance the skills of personnel in the marine tourism industry, ensuring they are well-prepared to provide efficient services that meet the labour needs of the country’s tourism industry.
“This collaboration with partner networks acknowledges the importance and benefits of developing skilled tourism personnel, especially in the rapidly growing marine tourism sector, which is a significant source of income and attracts high-quality tourists to the country,” Mr Phonphum said.
“To ensure sustainable development and community participation in Thailand’s marine tourism, it is essential to prepare personnel in both the public and private sectors with the necessary knowledge, skills, and capabilities. This will elevate the quality of tourism services and increase Thailand’s competitiveness in the global market,” he said.
The four agencies involved have missions related to developing tourism personnel in Thailand’s marine tourism sector. If they are promoted, supported, and aligned to work in the same direction, it will result in producing highly capable personnel who can serve tourists effectively, Mr Phonphum explained.
“The Department of Tourism will work with MoU partners to set guidelines for developing tourism personnel and labour in the marine tourism industry, aligning with labour needs. They will study the skill requirements for tourism personnel, establish internationally recognized standards, and create training courses to enhance the potential of tourism workers. Additionally, they will integrate and link related databases to support the development of tourism personnel in the marine tourism sector,” he said.
“This integrated approach will utilise shared resources for maximum benefit, positioning Thailand as a center for high-quality marine tourism in Southeast Asia with international standards,” he concluded.