Bangkok--Apr 5--Thai Spa Association
The Thai Spa Associations, Thai Spa Day, was a resounding success for the industry. A day when TSPA members joined with industry and government leaders to discuss the state of the Thai Spa industry and to hear details of the direction that it is expected to take. With growth rates anticipated as high as 20% per year for the next few years, there is a lofty expectations of what will be achieved, so the input from Dr. Porntep Siriwanarungsun, Senior Advisor, Ministry of Public Health, (see attached photograph), together with speakers on Spa Design (MaragoteWaramontri, SSW & Associates) and Spa Marketing (Nuengimmarn Na Nakorn, Band of Masters) was most insightful.
The concurrent mini-exhibition, which was also open to the general public was actively supported by the industry, with all key government offices and industry suppliers being represented. Retiring Thai Spa President Naphalai Areesorn stated: “The success of the Thai Spa Day exhibition clearly states the importance that the main spa industry players see in the role of the Thai Spa Association and the business opportunities that result from active participation in the Association and its activities. I trust that under the new TSPA board, this participation and support will continue to build”.
The focus of the Thai Spa Day, at least for TSPA members was the election of a new board as required by the Association’s constitution. Naphalai Areesorn did not seek re-election stating “I have been heavily involved in the Association for almost four years, two years in establishment and two years as President. With a significant time commitment required of the President (as with other board positions), it is time for a new leader to take up the reigns of the Association and continue to drive it forward”. While some votes were precast by members, and some elected to vote by proxy, the majority of Thai Spa Association members attended and elected the 2005/2006 Executive Board of the Thai Spa Association.
Vice Presidents: Andrew Jacka, Wipawadee Sirimongkolkasem, Paiboon Pilun-owad
Secretary: Supanee Tienthogtip (elected unopposed)
Treasurer: Aungkana Chaicharoensukasem (elected unopposed)
The Executive Board is expected to invite active industry players to fill the remaining seven board positions with announcement of the full board on 19th April, 2005
With three candidates standing for President and no fewer than six for Vice President, there was keen interest in the election results, in what turned out to be a very closely fought election.
The day concluded with an information packed session, moderated by TSPA President elect, Apichai Jearadisak with panelists; Bundarik Kusolvitya, Thai Hotels Association; Arunsri Srimekhanond Sattraniti, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Dr. Thares Karasanairaviwong, Ministry of Public Health and Thanan Apiwantanaporn, ISMED (see attached photograph)
Other photographs are available on request
The Thai Spa Association has shown that it is an important player in the Thai Spa industry and with the continued support of its members, the government sectors and the broader spa industry, is expected to continue to grow and surpass the near 200 membership of 2004.
Thai Spa Association
Suite 1809, 18th Floor
One Pacific Place
140 Sukhumvit Road
Bangkok 10110
Tel: +66 (0) 2653 0644
Fax: +66 (0) 2653 0635
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.thaispaassociation.com
Click for photo release at www.thaipr.net End.