TAT wants govt to persist with privilege card
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will propose that the government consider extending a new lease of life to the controversial Thailand Privilege Card Co (TPC), the operator of Elite card for wealthy tourists, in order to safeguard the country's to
The announcement yesterday ended confusion on the fate of the project, a brainchild of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whether it would be extended or terminated. A political source, who declined to be named, said that veteran politician Banharn Silpa-archa was behind the move to keep the project alive.
Last week, Banharn talked to TAT governor and TPC board president Suraphon Svetasreni over its business plan in order to submit to the Cabinet for approval. The previous government had ordered TAT to wind up the project due largely to financial problems.
The Democrat-led government had also ordered a study for closure of the TPC. However, the current Pheu Thai-led coalition, will have to study the impact of such a move and map out a plan if it wants to close it down.
After TAT’s board meeting yesterday, Suraphon said the TPC project should go ahead. He cited a survey suggesting that if the project was cancelled, it would create a negative image about the country, especially confidence among foreign tourists. The card is considered as representative of Thailand.
If it was closed down, TPC would need Bt2.4 billion to compensate its members, excluding legal action it might face, and damage the country’s image. Currently, there are 2,563 members in total.
TPC has a registered capital of Bt1 billion, with Bt500 million paid-up in 2003. The company needs to increase its paid-up capital so as to be able to spend on a business plan, especially rebranding and marketing communication campaigns.
