Mr. Jirayu Houngsub, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, announced that on Thursday, March 13, 2025, William Heinecke, founder and chairman of Minor International Public Company Limited (SET: MINT), met with Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra at the Purple Room in Government House. The discussion centered around investment in Thailand’s tourism sector.
The Prime Minister expressed her pleasure in meeting Mr. Heinecke, believing that it would be an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas to jointly develop Thailand’s tourism industry. 2025 is marked as the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year,” aiming to attract more tourists by promoting diverse types of tourism to ensure Thailand is a year-round destination, with governmental and related sectors prepared to support businesses aligning with tourist demands.
Mr. Heinecke expressed honor in discussing with the Prime Minister. Over three decades of business operation in Thailand, he observed continual growth in the country’s tourism industry. He commended the government and related agencies for prioritizing tourism, which significantly boosts the economy, especially in Phuket and other potential provinces. Mr. Heinecke assured that Minor International and other businesses are ready to support the government’s tourism policy.
During the meeting, both parties discussed key issues. The Prime Minister noted the government’s commitment to establishing Thailand as a global destination, implementing various measures and policies. Mr. Heinecke praised the visa-free measures, visibly impacting tourist numbers and suggested extending these measures to other countries. He also mentioned support for Digital Nomads. Both parties agreed on policies that continually boost the tourism industry, benefiting businesses in Thailand.
They also exchanged views on developing Phuket into a globally competitive tourist city, addressing the long-term needs of the public and tourists. The government is ready to consider suitable approaches to sustainably enhance Phuket’s potential, ensuring efficient resource management.
Furthermore, Mr. Heinecke noted that the series “The White Lotus” Season 3, filmed in Phuket, attracted many tourists booking accommodations at the filming locations. Both parties acknowledged the benefits of promoting foreign film productions in Thailand by offering cash rebates, benefiting both the filming groups and tourism attraction simultaneously. They also saw potential in other Thai provinces, particularly Chiang Mai, which could become popular among filmmakers. The Prime Minister welcomed this as a great example of how films and series could economically benefit and stimulate tourism.
The Prime Minister remarked on Thailand’s focus on infrastructure, planning to expand airport capacities and railway routes. She agreed with Mr. Heinecke’s proposal to increase direct flights to accommodate rising tourist numbers. Additionally, tourism projects involving overnight train accommodations from Singapore through Malaysia to Thailand and potentially extending to Laos, China, or Vietnam could be valuable. This proposition will be further discussed with relevant agencies.
