‘Restarting Tourism’ on SKAL Bangkok’s radar

Megha Paul Jul 16,2020

To a sold out gathering of travel and tourism professionals SKAL International Bangkok reconvened  after a four month hiatus, with a networking lunch and panel discussion on ‘Restarting Tourism’ at the Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel. Commenting on the meeting, club president Andrew J Wood said: “With 51 days and no new local COVID-19 infections […]

Getting Thailand back on its feet – an interview with David Barrett

Andrew J Wood Jun 29,2020

Industry expert and respected marketeer David Barrett in discussion with Andrew J Wood on recovering from the impact of the coronavirus on Thailand’s formidable travel and tourism industry.

Thailand travel restrictions and health and safety – What can we expect next?

Andrew J Wood Jun 29,2020

Right at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic I was absolutely sure people will only travel again if they feel it is safe to do so in the new Covid-19 world, and when they have the spare cash to do so. My conviction to that mantra is as solid today as it was all those months ago.

OPINION: Thailand Tourism recovery- are we doing enough?

Andrew J Wood Jun 16,2020

OPINION: Thailand Tourism recovery- are we doing enough? by Andrew J Wood

Thailand’s fourth phase of relaxing restrictions from 15 June

Andrew J Wood Jun 15,2020

The Royal Thai Government has approved the fourth phase for easing restrictions on businesses and activities, but kept the Emergency Decree in place to maintain controls on all entries to the country – by air, water and land – because all recent new COVID-19 confirmed cases were people returning from other countries.

Thailand Government Divest Share in Thai Airways

Andrew J Wood May 21,2020

The Thailand government will give up its controlling stake in Thai Airways as it approved a financial restructuring for the cash-strapped airline through bankruptcy protection. The airline has made repeated annual financial losses and its financial health has only got more perilous since the global Covid-19 pandemic.

Global Aviation in Crisis

Andrew J Wood May 19,2020

Global aviation has been battered and air traffic remains largely grounded as countries enforce their lockdowns and restrict travel, with few signs that the end is in sight. For the largest of carriers like IAG, United, American Airlines, Emirates Lufthansa and many more (see summary below) all have been forced to seek help from their governments.

Thai Airways Faces ‘Life or Death’ test with less Public Support

Andrew J Wood May 18,2020

BANGKOK: Not surprising opposition to another huge government handout to debt-ridden Thai Airways International (THAI) is mounting, as far as public sentiment is concern there is a change (excuse the pun) in the AIR. When Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said Thai Airways will be given one last chance to turn itself around calling it a "matter of life or death" for the company and its employees, he was being deadly serious "I gave THAI five years to fix the problems, but it still has not succeeded," he said after a cabinet meeting in early May 2020.

Thailand Billionaire Keen to Restart Tourism

Andrew J Wood May 18,2020

BANGKOK: Billionaire Dhanin Chearavanont, chairman of Charoen Pokphand, is urging the government to relax lockdown measures and welcome foreign travellers as soon as possible, and turn the country into a "safe haven" for wealthy visitors.

Hotels in Asia increasingly worried as debts mount

Andrew J Wood May 15,2020

Jones Lang LaSalle reports from Thailand that hotels across the region are under extreme financial stress as they face operating with reduced occupancies for the foreseeable future

Asia Prepares For Recovery

Andrew J Wood May 05,2020

BANGKOK: How do we sensibly and effectively restart travel and tourism, the industry that employs 1-in-10 workers globally? A workforce that has been decimated by the Covid-19 pandemic. 


Travel and Tourism – 12 predictions of our future

Andrew J Wood Apr 16,2020

Skål International Bangkok President Andrew J Wood gives his thoughts on what we can expect to see once the Coronavirus starts to dissipate

A Practical Guide to Recovery Post C-19

Andrew J Wood Apr 03,2020

BANGKOK: As our travel and tourism industry struggles with the ongoing C-19 crisis, with hotels and tourism businesses closing and their teams laid off, the industry is being decimated. Business owners are looking for guidance. Andrew J Wood discusses how this might be possible

2020 vision: Public and private sectors come together in Phuket

Alastair Newport Nov 08,2019

Back at the beginning of November, the KataKaron Business Association made up of local hotel and resort owners organised an MOU signing afternoon to bring both public and private sectors together to pledge that they will achieve four major objectives over the coming year for the benefit of the environment and the local community, writes […]

Kudos! Andrew Wood conferred tourism award

Megha Paul Sep 20,2019

Andrew Wood, president of SKAL International in Bangkok was conferred the coveted MEMBRE D’HONNEUR – Skal’s highest award at the ongoing 80th Annual Skål International World Congress in Miami. The award is a testament to Wood’s effort in pump priming tourism in Thailand through his initiatives. The 2019 Skål World Congress is being held on […]