In a groundbreaking move destined to redefine the contours of Thailand’s tourism sector, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has joined forces with Thai Digital Platform Social Enterprise Co., Ltd., through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that aims to catapult the TAGTHAi application to the forefront of the travel industry.
This pioneering alliance, heralded by TAT Governor Ms Thapanee Kiatphaibool and Mr Kalin Sarasin, Chairman of Thai Digital Platform Social Enterprise Co., Ltd., marks a significant leap towards integrating digital innovation into the heart of Thailand’s tourism narrative. Mr. Sarasin, a luminary in the business world, also serves as the Honorary Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand.
At the heart of this partnership lies TAGTHAi, an innovative ‘Super Aggregator Platform’ meticulously designed to streamline the travel experience in Thailand. This application is a testament to Thailand’s commitment to embracing digital transformation in enhancing tourism.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, in a statement that resonates with vision and foresight, emphasized TAT’s recognition of TAGTHAi’s potential. “TAGTHAi not only simplifies travel in Thailand but also encapsulates the essence of our Thai soft-power elements and the richness of travel experiences our country offers,” she remarked. This sentiment underscores TAT’s 2024 strategic direction aimed at rejuvenating Thai tourism, emphasising high value and sustainable growth.
The collaboration is in sync with Thailand’s ambitious national development agenda, “Thailand 4.0”. This visionary plan focuses on leveraging technology and public-private data integration to fuel the country’s competitive edge, particularly in the tourism industry. TAGTHAi emerges as a critical platform in this ecosystem, empowering local businesses, notably small and medium-sized enterprises, to showcase their products and services to a global audience.
Launched in 2019, TAGTHAi, which translates to ‘greetings’ in Thai, is the brainchild of a collaborative effort between public and private entities in Thailand. This synergy of resources has birthed an all-encompassing travel application, setting a new benchmark in the realm of travel technology.
Under this MOU, TAT commits to promoting TAGTHAi through its diverse marketing channels, sharing insights on popular and emerging tourist hotspots and travel routes. In return, TAGTHAi will furnish TAT with invaluable data intelligence on tourist preferences gleaned through sophisticated analysis of user activity. This exchange promises to forge a powerful data-driven link between TAT’s online platforms and TAGTHAi, enhancing the tourist experience manifold.
Mr. Kalin Sarasin, articulating the significance of digital technology in tourism, stated, “As the quintessential Thailand travel application, TAGTHAi aspires to play a pivotal role in maintaining Thailand’s stature as a premier global tourism destination. Our partnership with TAT is a stride towards evolving TAGTHAi into the most comprehensive Super Aggregator Platform for tourists.”
The alliance between TAT and TAGTHAi is not uncharted territory. Their previous collaboration on the TAGTHAI Pass – a digital tourism pass allowing tourists to access various local services with a single payment – has already set a precedent for innovation in the sector. The pass, encompassing experiences like the City Pass for Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, and Ayutthaya, and specialized passes like the Massage Pass and Golf Pass, exemplify the convenience and diversity offered to travellers.
Plans are underway to expand the City Pass and Golf Pass to additional destinations, adding to the application’s allure. Tourists can download the TAGTHAi app via the App Store or Play Store and explore more at TAGTHAi’s official website.
This strategic MOU between TAT and TAGTHAi is more than a partnership; it’s a visionary leap into the future of Thai tourism, promising an era where travel is not just a journey but a seamlessly integrated experience of Thailand’s rich heritage, culture, and technological prowess.
Written by: Soo James