Dr. Suvit Yodmani, one of Thailand’s most respected environmentalists, academics and technocrats, has been appointed Minister of Tourism and Sports in the new government of interim Prime Minister Gen Surayud Julanont.

Just one day after his appointment, the new minister met with staff of the ministry, including the Tourism Authority of Thailand, to explain the government’s new policy which is to focus on efficiency, transparency, fairness, integrity, economy and practicality.

He also met with the media and explained the inter-relationship between tourism and sports — the former as an industry noted for its economic importance and job creation capability while sports is important for the nation’s young people and the health of the citizenry.

Dr. Suvit also said that in the first cabinet meeting today, the new Prime Minister had indicated a desire to respond urgently to His Majesty the King’s wish to ensure relief for the people affected by the recent floods in north Thailand.

A number of popular tourism destinations have been affected. With floodwaters now receding rapidly, every effort must be made to ensure that things go back to normal as soon as possible so that people can return to their homes and livelihoods.

“Tourism is an export industry that generates high income for Thailand. At the same time, we have to focus on attracting upmarket visitors and also reduce the zero-cost tour problem. This will create a good image for Thai tourism and benefit investors, thus attracting more visitors.” Dr. Suvit said.

He said he will act quickly to fill the vacant positions of governor of both the Sports Authority of Thailand and Tourism Authority of Thailand, possibly by the end of October. We will also focus on developing the deteriorated attractions in coordination with the provincial governors.

“The Ministry of Tourism and Sports will support them with technical and practical advice, in order to raise visitor confidence in terms of shopping, service, safety and security. I am ready to support the new projects to ensure they run smoothly and efficiently,“ Dr. Suvit said.

Dr. Suvit Yodmani graduated with a doctoral degree from Boston University. He is a former deputy secretary-general of National Youth Bureau, Founder and Director of the National Identity Board and Office, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) office in the Asia Pacific. He also is a chairman of the Green Leaf Foundation, Founder of Elephant Alliance of Thailand, Executive Director of the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC). He is also a former Deputy Government Spokesman and Government Spokesman under previous governments.

Policy Guidelines as outlined by the Minister of Tourism and Sports

• The conduct of all business and performance of responsibilities/duties will be guided by the principles of efficiency, transparency, fairness, cooperation and coordination with related organizations, ministries and other agencies, economy and practicality.
  
  
• As per His Majesty the King's directive to Cabinet members, disaster relief is a top priority for the Ministry to help alleviate hardship of the people and rehabilitate areas affected by flooding, which has impacted tourism.
  
  
• Every effort will be made to restore confidence in Thailand by promoting a better understanding in the international community about the kingdom and the Thai people.
  
  
• Greater emphasis will be placed on the development and conservation of Thailand's tourism assets, enhancing the quality of tourism products and services offered to attract top-end visitors and quality tourists and eliminating the problem of zero-dollar tours. Although the growth in visitor arrivals will be more gradual, visitors will be impressed by the quality tourism experience, leading to greater frequency of repeat visits or a decision to invest in Thailand.
  
  
• The Ministry will focus on the restoration and rehabilitation of the popular and well-used tourism sites and attractions by coordinating with provincial CEO governors in the appropriate allocation of funds, with the Ministry providing technical assistance and support. The Ministry will ensure rigorous implementation of the requisite policies, plans and measures, and build visitor confidence and trust in products and services offered through fair pricing and improved security.
  
  
• Ongoing tourism promotion programmes will be continued. The Minister will support these initiatives after having assessed their potential contribution and benefits to the country.
  
  
• The most urgent task is to fill the vacant position of the governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, possibly by the end of October.

His detailed biodata follows below :

Curriculum Vitae
Name: Dr. Suvit Yodmani
Nationality: Thai
Date of Birth: 25 August 1942

International Work and Positions (1987-1999)

• Lecturer at Human Settlements Division, the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)
• Senior Consultant to the President of the AIT
• Vice President of the AIT
• Senior Consultant of the United Nations Environment Programme
  (Asian & Pacific region)
• Regional Director and Representative, Asia and the Pacific regions, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Positions held in National Government (1964-2000)

• Military Historian, Chief of Foreign Languages Section, Radio 2-0, Ministry of Defense (MOD)
• Lecturer, National Institute of Development Administration, Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)
• Deputy Secretary — General National Youth Bureau, PMO
• Founder and Director of the National Identity Board and Office, PMO
• Deputy Government Spokesman, PMO
• Deputy Secretary — General to the Prime Minister, PMO
• Government Spokesman, PMO
• Prime Minister’s Advisor on Environmental Affairs

Chairmanship of National Committees and Sub-Committees

• National Environmental Awareness Committee (Founder)
• National Co-ordinating Committee for Elephant Conservation (Founder)
• Committee to Promote Democratic Way of Life (Founder)
• Publications Committee of (books) “King Bhumibol: Strength of the Land” (English, Thai, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic languages)
• Publications Committee of the “Executive Diary” (annually from 199-2006)
• Publications Committee of :Thailand into the 2000’s” and “Thailand in the 2000’s”
• Publications Committee of “Her Majesty Queen Sirikit: The Glory of Thailand”
• Publications Committee of “Treasures of Thailand”

Chairmanship of Non-government Organizations

• The Association for Life and Environment (Founder)
• Asian Elephant Foundation of Thailand ( AEFT)
• Elephant Alliance of Thailand (Founder)
• The Green Leaf Foundation (Tourism and Environment)
• Thai-Canadian Economic Cooperation Foundation (Founder)
• Secretary — General, The Asian Disaster Preparedness Center Foundation (ADPCF)

Publications and Lectures (1964-2006)

Books
Their Majesties the King and Queen and Royal Activities, Thailand. Contributed to and published over 200 books in both Thai and English languages. Topics of the publications cover areas of Community Development, and Environmental Management.

Lecturers and Talks
Invited by universities, colleges and other organizations both in Thailand and abroad to give special lectures on topics such as: national identity and problems and questions of interest to foreigners in Thailand and abroad (1972-2006)

Royal Decorations

• Knight Commander (School Class, Lower Grade) of the Most Illustrious order of Chula Chom Klao (selected and bestowed by His Majesty the King of Thailand)
• Knight Grand Cross (First Class) of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand
• Knight Grand Cross (First Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant

Academic
Bachelor: History and International Relations (1963), Boston University, USA.
Master: Administration of higher Education (1969-1970), Boston University, USA.
Doctoral: Community Development (Distinction) (1970-1972), Boston University and MIT, USA.

Academic Membership and Honours :
Phi Delta Kappa, USA.
Chevalier Dans L’Ordre Des Palmes Academiques, France
Fellow of the University of Wollongong, Australia

Civil Status : Married with three children

Source : http://www.tatnews.org/tat_release/detail.aspωid=3060