Despite his age, Somsak promises quality service as tourism minister
Tourism and Sports Minister Somsak Pureesrisak seems to fit in well with his role in this ministry. His itinerary is full of travelling schedules.
He travelled quickly from Phuket to Koh Samet when spilled oil washed ashore, fearing that global reports on this could hurt the country’s tourism image.
After that situation improved to some extent, last week he was in Koh Samui, where he met with local business operators. In the past 10 years, even though the Kingdom has had more than five tourism ministers, operators there have had only rare chances to meet with them.
At the meeting, he promised the operators that he would do his best, meaning he would do what he thought would be best for the current situation. He admitted that the results might not always be as hoped. Still, he pleaded that they should let him try it his way, as a thorough study of pros and cons could take time. And given the political storms now looming, he understands that he has little time, probably only until next year.
His “Gog Gag” tour to restore the tourism business in Koh Samet is one example. He led 200 people to the island on a leisure trip. Indeed, the Gog Gag concept (the name simulates the sound of knocking on a door) was first unveiled right after he was named minister. The first Gog Gag tour, aimed at introducing new tourist attractions, was to Suphan Buri.
Somsak may be this energetic because he knows his service period will be short. At 62, it is natural that he can’t maintain the workaholic lifestyle for long.
So he should not be sad if he is replaced. This job has taken away much of his private time. After he steps down, he should have time to sip wine leisurely on the front porch, as he wishes.
Event-organising king Kriengkrai as famous as actors?
Index Creative Village chief Kriengkrai Kanchanapokin was taken aback, approached by a man while he was strolling on a street outside Thailand. Smiling, the man said: “Would you please give me your autograph?”
His first thought was that most people chased the autographs of actors and singers.
“I’m not an actor,” he said bluntly, as his first reaction.
The man replied: “I know. I’m just a fan of your pocketbook.”
Indeed, Kriengkrai is quite a famous man in Thailand. He was considered the founder of event marketing here and made much of his name from the marketing for Nescafe Shake. His company also earned much of its reputation through the Thailand Pavilion at Shanghai Expo 2010, which attracted millions of visitors.
Having been in the business for more than 20 years, he has learned a lot, and he wanted to share his experiences that new entrepreneurs would love to hear.
His first pocketbook, whose Thai title could be translated as “Think out of the Box to Create a Business Worth Billions”, has been warmly welcomed. First published last August, it is now in its fourth edition.
In the foreword, Kriengkrai says he was inspired by questions from his clients. Most asked were how to start up a business and how to grow it. He said it reminded him of what he did when he started the event-marketing company in 1987.
The past few years were the right time to write, given that he had to fly a lot to expand the business overseas. He said his concentration level was high when he was airborne.
Perhaps his experiences are inspiring others, who have become his fan club. Kriengkrai was pleased to sign his autograph. No wonder – he must be planning the title of a second pocketbook.
Who would say only the autographs of entertainers are sought after?
