Thailand 's CEI industry tells TCEB it's time to get down to business

TCEB is currently being headed by Kwanchai Modpradit in the role of acting chief

executive officer for the interim period, while deputy directorgeneral Nipat Dithipen has been handed the post of chief operating officer.

CEI Asia Pacific understands that an executive search for a new head is in progress. The process will take up to three months, leaving the private sector awaiting new leadership to assist in promoting and selling the country as a major business events destination.

“We are looking to TCEB to represent the country internationally and bring global conferences to Thailand,” said Exotissimo Thailand managing director, Hamish Keith.

“It is a tough job and the expectations are high – maybe too high – when it comes to competing with Singapore and Hong Kong, but it is a question of finding the right positioning.

“We need more large-scale conferences, but it is difficult to get it going as there is too much bureaucracy and not enough accountability to the private sector.

Keith added: “Thailand has been good at branding itself, but poor at selling itself. This is what we need TCEB to do.”

TCEB was established in 2004 and was headed by former Microsoft Thailand managing director, Peerapong Oeusoonthornwattana.

He ran the new governmentfunded body for two years before departing, reportedly frustrated with the red tape.