Thailand development policy under Yingluck Shinawatra : the development of tourism

Abstract

This study examines tourism development policies under Yingluck Shinawatra’s administration and how they were achieved. It answers important questions on the drivers and barriers to tourism development, government roles in promoting tourism and the performance of Yingluck’s government in tourism development. The study employs qualitative methods to provide an in-depth analysis of government policy and factors influencing the tourism sector. Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) reports are used in analyzing the Yingluck’s performance. Furthermore, the study identifies three major factors leading to a decline in tourism in Thailand; the major flood crisis, the political tensions in the final months of Yingluck’s government and the period of mourning following the death of King Rama IX. The major conclusions drawn from the study affirm that political tensions led to a decline in tourism and the downfall of Yingluck’s government.