‘Thailand not a rival of Philippines’

With reference to the article by Mr. Alexis Romero on “Philippines, Thailand fierce competitors in tourism – Palace” published on 13 August 2020 on the Philippine Star, reporting the statement of Mr. Harry Roque, Presidential Spokesperson, in response to Thai Rath’s headline dated 8 August 2020 on the Filipino teachers returning to Thailand.

Thai Rath’s news piece on the Filipino teachers returning to Thailand dated 8 August 2020 ran a headline that was indeed inappropriate and misleading although the report covered only general updates of the situation around the world, and details of incoming flights into Thailand as well as the disease control measures upon arrival.

However, Mr. Roque’s statement regarding the issues of Thailand and the Philippines tourism competition and the freedom of expression in Thailand, which has been reported by several media agencies in the Philippines, is factually wrong and misleading.

Thailand has never held the Philippines as a rival or competitor in any way, but rather, as an important fellow member of the ASEAN family, united by our common values and interests, and our long-standing bilateral relationship. Tourism in both countries offers vibrant and diverse experiences, unique to one another. Due to the overall COVID-19 situation around the world which has not yet improved, for the time being, Thailand’s main focus has been only on domestic tourism.

I hope the abovementioned points would clarify the fact and help promote a better understanding during this time when we are all facing the challenges of fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic. Yours sincerely. – Pachongwat Yuckpan, Counsellor