Suvimol Thanasarakij has been reappointed as Executive Director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) for another two-year term starting mid-March 2026. Her reappointment follows an international recruitment process, with final candidates interviewed by the MTCO Board in February 2026. Thanasarakij expressed gratitude for the board's trust and emphasised the importance of regional cooperation in enhancing the Mekong region's tourism competitiveness.
During her previous tenure from 2022 to 2026, Thanasarakij spearheaded several initiatives, including the Women in Community-Based Tourism Training-of-Trainers programme. This initiative created a network of trainers who provided further training for local women in their respective countries. Additionally, MTCO collaborated with Agoda to offer e-commerce training for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) accommodation providers, boosting their online presence in global travel markets.
Under her leadership, MTCO developed the GMS Tourism Strategy 2030, a five-year framework for regional tourism cooperation. The organisation is also working on the GMS Tourism Marketing Action Plan, aimed at promoting joint destination marketing across the Mekong region. Efforts are underway to establish the Greater Mekong Subregion Tourism Organisation, an intergovernmental body involving GMS member countries.
In her upcoming term, Thanasarakij plans to continue collaborating with GMS National Tourism Organisations and regional partners to implement the GMS Tourism Strategy 2030, strengthen partnerships, and promote sustainable tourism development across the Mekong region
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