The Bangkok Tourist Business and Guide Registration Office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand recognises the importance of tourist guides, who in effect are cultural ambassadors of Thailand, performing a public relations role to tourists from around the world. The Office thus initiated the Tourist Guides Awards Project in 2000.

The Tourist Guides Project was launched to promote and accord honour to Thai guides who are knowledgeable, competent, have high moral standards and ethics, and to promote friendly competition among guides and to promote quality.

Objectives

	To select and honour competent guides who hold a legitimate tourist guide license and uphold ethical practices thereby setting a good example for other guides.
	To honour competent guides for their contribution to the tourism industry
	To stimulate the development of the profession’s quality and other related services
	To highlight the commitment to strengthening the tourism industry tangibly

	Holds a legitimate tourist guide license
	At least 2-years experience as a professional guide
	No history of penalty, suspension, or withdrawal of a tourist guide license
	Has never received an Outstanding Performance Tourist Guide Award or Excellent Tourist Guide Award from TAT
	A professional guide accredited by a legitimate tour agency, which conforms to the Travel Agency Business and Guide Act B.E. 2535, B.E. 2545, and B.E. 2551
	Reference letters from clients (optional)

	Language
	Performance - Personality - Attitudes towards the profession, as well as, creativity and tactics in handling   problems - Professional ethics - Presentation techniques
	Capability
	Past experience and achievements (at least 2 years) in various sectors; services, conservation, environment, culture, etc.

	Eligible guides propose themselves
	Proposed by others such as tour agency, society, club, hotel, or tourist

For this year’s Tourist Guide Awards, there are 130 applicants from across the country, in which 51 candidates from both public and private sectors are eligible.

THE TOURIST GUIDE AWARDS 2008

1. THAI
   Ms. Somrak Sukwattanakul
   Mr. Chartchai Pothipatcha
   
   
2. FOREIGN LANGUAGE (JAPANESE)
   Ms. Rungnapa Kampaya
   Mr. Chalad Thongroichang
   Mr. Rangsee Ruansorn
   
   
3. FOREIGN LANGUAGE (GERMAN)
   Mr. Puvadej Weerapulle
   Mr. Somphob Ratanaliem
   
   
4. FOREIGN LANGUAGE (ITALIAN)
   Mr. Chenchacrit Yurachitphamornchai
   Mr. Compoth Nungnamjai
   Mr. Wichanan Senanynart
   Ms. Pasita Detanan
   Ms. Siriporn Suwan
   
   
5. FOREIGN LANGUAGE (FRENCH)
   Mr. Pravit Thammawonj
   Mr. Pramote Chaemjoson
   Ms. Pikul Ruangchai
   Ms. Janthana Getinn
   
   
6. FOREIGN LANGUAGE (RUSSIAN)
   Ms. Kuntol Petchsena
   
   
7. FOREIGN LANGUAGE (ENGLISH)
   Mr. Sawang Duangboon
   Ms. Plernpit Suksukont
   Mr. Waragone Suntranurak
   Ms. Jintana Panyalert
   Mr. Mongkol Sudchai
   Ms. Piyavadee Navapitra
   Mr. Chiwat Thetmongkol
   Mr. Wisit Kamnerd
   Mr. Vaikoon Kamchana
   Mr. Chudej Sukaram
   Mr. Komsan Suwannarat
   Ms. Sunanta Masanglong
   Mr. Buarin Devises
   Ms. Chayapa Sukmano
   Ms. Choojai Saengthong
   Mr. Santisuk Voonsong
   Ms. Busabong Buabusya
   Mr. Prasopsook Prichavuthi
   Ms. Atchara Asawaneteeluck
   Mr. Damrong Thotirangsee
   Mr. Kongsak Suksarn
   Ms. Suree Pongnopparat
   Ms. Neungruthai Thaprakson
   Mr. Jippapon Rattanamongkolkul
   Mr. Phacharapong Thananchana
   Ms. Prapaipin Punnahitananda
   Mr. Chayanon Smitabhinbhu
   Mr. Naris Noithubthin
   Ms. Wanrudee Kerdnok
   
   
8. FOREIGN LANGUAGE (CHINESE)
   Ms. Phethai Saejang
   Mr. Tirachon Pasi
   
   
9. FOREIGN LANGUAGE (KOREAN)
   Mr. Wirote Eangpha
   
   
10. SPECIALIZED GUIDE (ENGLISH-SURAT THANI PROVINCE)
    Mr. Pakasig Paijitsajtaya
    
    
11. SPECIALIZED GUIDE (THAI-NAKHON PHANOM PROVINCE)
    Mr. Tharin Panthumai