Thailand's education system should help enhance language skills for students to develop the Thai tourism industry to compete with neighbouring countries over the next decade.

Thailand has over 100 educational institutions teaching tourism and hospitality. Nevertheless, Thais are weak at English language. If they can develop this skill, they can easily compete with others in the regional tourism industry. More schools must let students gain first-hand experience through internships with hotels or travel companies.

The hotel industry in Thailand still has a labour shortage as tourism continues to grow. Many international five-star hotels hire students as soon as they graduate.Thai parents' perception of hotel jobs is changing. The salary plus commission for a new graduate at a Thai hotel was estimated at over 20,000 baht a month. Some hotels offer more than 100,000 baht per month for the executive housekeeper position. A career in the tourism field offers bright opportunities because skilled people can work abroad.

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Bangkok Post.pdf