The Pheu Thai Party (PTP) backed more decentralisation of power while proposing a "new business zone" policy as key party figures met local leaders and businesses in Pattaya on Sunday.
Dr Prommin Lertsuriyadej, head of the party's economic committee, said tourism is one of the country's sources of revenue. If elected to lead the government, the party would spend more money strengthening the tourism sector and revise regulations to ease travel, including visa-free entry, he said.
Pheu Thai would also push decentralisation to give more power to local administrations and support the ease of doing business in the country.
Dr Cholnan Srikaew, the Pheu Thai Party leader, said tourism development is at the top of the party's policy list and it would seek to triple incomes in the sector. The "new business zone" policy aims to revise laws and regulations that hamper the business process.
Boonanan Pattanasilp, chair of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association, said the business sector hopes to see more commercial use of U-tapao airport and investments to improve airport connectivity with Pattaya.
Damrongkiat Pinitkarn, a member of Pattaya City Council, suggested rezoning Pattaya because the current zoning law has been in use for more than two decades. He called for the extension of business operation hours to boost spending.
Chutima Jiramongkol, a member of a working panel on Pattaya City development, backed more decentralisation of power, saying Pattaya authorities are required to seek permission from provincial officials to hold events.
