Bangkok, 15 October 2025 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has been honoured with the Global Leadership Award 2025 for Industry Excellence in Tourism Innovation and Transformation at the 13th edition of the Global Leadership Awards (GLA), held last night at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. The prestigious event brought together visionary leaders and innovators from around the world to celebrate excellence, creativity, and positive impact across multiple industries.
Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana graciously presided over the ceremony, which celebrated distinguished leaders whose achievements exemplify excellence, innovation, and social impact in business, technology, sustainability, healthcare, education, and more. Organised by The Leaders Online, together with My Events International and Maximage Group, this year’s edition marked the first time the Global Leadership Awards were held in Thailand, reinforcing Bangkok’s role as a centre for international collaboration and leadership recognition.
TAT was recognised for its visionary leadership in steering Thailand’s tourism transformation through innovation, sustainability, and community empowerment. TAT has championed a new era of high-value, sustainable tourism, positioning Thailand as a global model for responsible and inclusive travel. The award citation commended TAT’s achievements in digital transformation, sustainable destination development, and community-based tourism that balance economic advancement with cultural and environmental preservation.
Representing TAT, Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, had the honour of receiving the award from Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana. During the ceremony, Ms. Thapanee also delivered a welcome speech, extending Thailand’s warm hospitality to international guests and highlighting the nation’s position as a Land of Opportunities for business, investment, and tourism. She described Thailand as a vibrant hub linking ASEAN and beyond, supported by world-class infrastructure, strategic connectivity, and government policies that promote sustainable and inclusive growth.
Ms. Thapanee outlined Thailand’s direction towards sustainable and high-quality tourism, founded on the nation’s distinctive “Saneh Thai”, or Thai charm. She invited travellers to discover Thailand through its “5 Must Do’s” – Must Taste local cuisine rich in story and flavour; Must Try wellness and Muay Thai; Must Buy crafts that reflect community pride; Must Seek hidden gems and meaningful encounters; and Must See the beauty of Thai festivals and people. She also highlighted TAT’s current focus on transforming every moment into unforgettable experiences through the “Healing is the New Luxury” campaign. The new campaign positions Thailand as a destination where travellers can find balance, meaning, and renewal through authentic experiences. This is supported by the “Amazing Thailand Sustainable Tourism Goals (STG)” standard, ensuring every journey is both sustainable and inclusive.
The evening’s ceremony honoured 25 outstanding individuals and organisations from across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, including the Philanthropist of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards, which recognised enduring contributions to global progress and humanitarian work. Among the honourees was Mr. Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, Founder of TCC Group (Thailand), who received the Philanthropist of the Year Award. The Lifetime Achievement Awards were conferred upon Dato’ Dr. Shamshudeen Yunus, Founder of Tijarah Holdings Limited (Malaysia), and Sir Iqbal Sacranie OBE, Chairman of Hima Investments & Consultancy Limited (United Kingdom). The co-organising chairpersons, Ms. Viwan Karnasut and Datin Wira Sabrina, noted that the return of GLA 2025 in Bangkok symbolised not only a celebration of leadership but a renewal of purpose — recognising those who are shaping a more sustainable and connected future through innovation and collaboration.
This award marks another milestone for the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), reaffirming its commitment to driving Thai tourism innovation onto the global stage. It also reflects Thailand’s leadership as a Quality Tourism Destination, where sustainable growth is achieved through a thoughtful balance between economic, social, and environmental well-being.
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