Within the framework of ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2018 in Chiang Mai, Thailand, the UNWTO and Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand launched the latest in the UNWTO Series of "Tourism Stories" books, especially created to honour the lifetime of exemplary leadership of His Majesty, the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in building Thailand as a proud, united society and economy through Tourism.

The UNWTO Tourism Stories series, initiated in 2013, has established itself as a powerful platform for readers to hear the voices of people across the globe who every day wake to work within the tourism sector, entering​their worlds to gain a deeply personal insight into how their lives have been shaped because of Tourism, and, importantly, what their lives would be like were they not working in the industry. ​

Resonating deeply across the global Tourism community, the book series has evolved to become a greatly valued mirror for many, enabling tourism leaders across the globe to pause, reflect and reconnect with why what they do every day matters for the millions of people across the world who rely on the Tourism industry for their livelihoods.

In 2017, as the people of the Kingdom of Thailand grieved the passing of their beloved leader of Thailand for over seven decades, the UNWTO was requested by Ministry of Tourism & Sport of Thailand to create a Thailand-focused TOURISM STORIES book dedicated to the memory of  His Majesty, the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. From its earliest days, through an array of projects and programmes inspired by His Majesty, the nation’s Tourism sector has advanced to the point of today being one of the most visited and respected on the global stage. Central to the sector’s success: the insistence of His Majesty to keep Thai people, culture, spirit and society at the heart of all development efforts.  Uniquely, the book was to act as a reflection of, and salute to, the development of Tourism in Thailand under the visionary leadership of His Majesty.

Importantly, the timing of the book aligned perfectly with the United Nation having designated 2017 as the UN International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development – a year dedicated to raising awareness of the Tourism as a critical vehicle for global advancement, upliftment and unity, embedding the power of tourism as a global force for good at economic, social, cultural and environmental levels.

​As stated by the Minister of Tourism & Sports of Thailand, HE Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat at the launch of the book in front of the ATF community on January 26th, 2018:​

​"​Timing is, as they say, everything. Release of this special book coincides with our Amazing Thailand Tourism Year 2018 campaign which focuses on the local communities of Thailand. Importantly, this book will highlight how tourism has changed or even enhanced their lives, and how their practices are on the path of sustainability through the Efficiency Economy Philosophy that was initiated by the revered King of Kings, His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who will forever remain the hearts of all Thais. We are a country of approximately 65 million people and we are welcoming more than 35 million tourists per year and tourism constitutes 20% of Thailand’s GDP, while also creating job opportunities for people and this signifies that tourism has extended beyond numbers and figures but also possesses an substantial role in our societies. I invite you to enjoy the UNWTO Tourism Stories: The Thailand Edition and it could become your inspiration to visit us and find out why we are known as Amazing Thailand.”

​Copies of the ​UNWTO Tourism Stories - Thailand Edition, will be made available through the UNWTO website. Previous editions can be found at: /tourism-stories​