BANGKOK, 1 April 2026: Skål International Bangkok on 28 September 2026, reaches a landmark milestone, celebrating 70 years since its founding in 1956.
Over seven decades, the club has evolved from a small circle of travel professionals into one of Asia’s most active and influential tourism networking organisations.
Established at a time when international travel was still limited, the club provided a vital platform for executives in aviation, cruise, rail travel, hospitality and tour operations to meet, exchange ideas and build business relationships. As Bangkok developed into one of the world’s most visited cities, Skål International Bangkok grew alongside it, reflecting the strength and resilience of Thailand’s tourism sector.
Today, the club remains a cornerstone of the travel and tourism community in the Thai capital. Its enduring principle of “doing business among friends” continues to underpin a culture of trust, collaboration and professional exchange that benefits members across all sectors of the industry.
Over the years, Skål International Bangkok has developed into a high-level forum and was instrumental in organising two Skål World Congresses (1996 and 2006) and Asia Congresses, bringing together senior leaders from hotels, airlines, destination management companies, tourism authorities and service providers globally to meet with local members.
Skål International Bangkok events are recognised not only for their networking value but also for fostering collaboration, innovation and industry resilience.
A defining strength of the club has been its commitment to maintaining a consistent and engaging calendar of events. Monthly luncheons, evening gatherings and special functions, hosted at many of Bangkok’s leading hotels, provide regular opportunities for members to connect, exchange insights and develop business relationships.
For nearly 70 years, Skål International Bangkok has organised events year-round, remaining a constant presence within the tourism community. This continuity has reinforced trust and ensured the club’s relevance in an industry often shaped by rapid change.
Even during the global pandemic, when the travel sector faced unprecedented disruption, Skål International Bangkok continued to support its members. While government regulations in Thailand temporarily prohibited meetings, the club maintained communication and engagement throughout that period. As soon as restrictions were eased and gatherings were permitted again, Skål Bangkok moved swiftly to reinstate its full programme of events and meetings.
This ability to adapt and recover quickly has strengthened the club’s reputation as a resilient and forward-looking organisation.
Leadership has played a central role in the club’s evolution, with successive presidents and boards drawn from experienced industry professionals committed to maintaining relevance and driving progress. Recent priorities have included expanding membership, strengthening partnerships and aligning the club with the needs of a rapidly changing tourism landscape.
Recognition at the international level has further reinforced the club’s standing, including being named “Club of the Year” at the Skål World Congress in 2019, a testament to its dynamic programming and strong member engagement. The club has also honoured two of its long-standing members with the prestigious title of Membre d’Honneur, in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the global Skål movement.
The club’s evolution has been closely linked to strong leadership. Over the years, Skål International Bangkok has been guided by experienced professionals drawn from senior roles within the tourism and hospitality industry.
Recent leadership has focused on modernisation and growth. During his presidency, Andrew J. Wood strengthened the club’s international profile and reinforced its position within the global Skål network. Building on this foundation, the current president, James Thurlby, has set a forward-looking agenda centred on membership expansion, strategic partnerships, and increased industry engagement.
Supported by a committed leadership team, including Vice Presidents Marvin Bemand and Andrew Wood, Secretary Jennifer Ferris, Treasurer John Neutze, Events Director Pichai Visutriratana, Membership Director Dr Max Ma, and Young Skål lead Dr Scott Smith, the committee works tirelessly voluntarily in service of the club and its loyal members.
A key element of our modernisation has been the adoption of digital tools. Enhanced communication, a stronger social media presence, and more structured event promotion have enabled the club to reach a wider, more diverse audience while complementing traditional face-to-face networking.
At the same time, Skål International Bangkok has embraced modernisation. Enhanced digital communication, stronger event promotion and an active presence across professional platforms have enabled the club to engage more effectively with both established members and emerging professionals.
Looking ahead, Skål International Bangkok remains focused on the future. Innovation, sustainability and the development of next-generation talent are expected to shape its agenda in the years to come. The club is also placing greater emphasis on supporting women in leadership and promoting greater diversity across the tourism industry, recognising the importance of inclusive growth in building a stronger, more resilient sector. At the same time, a renewed focus on digital marketing and communication ensures the club remains at the forefront of member engagement, strengthening its position as a modern, forward-thinking professional association. With tourism continuing to evolve, the club is well positioned to remain a platform for dialogue, partnership and progress.
As part of the wider Skål International network, spanning hundreds of clubs in more than 70 countries, Bangkok continues to play an important role at both national and regional levels, acting as a bridge between Thailand’s tourism industry and global partners.
As it marks its 70th anniversary, Skål International Bangkok stands as a testament to the enduring value of professional connections. By combining a proud heritage with a forward-looking mindset, it continues to support the growth, resilience and future success of the tourism industry in Thailand and across Asia.
About the author
Andrew J Wood is a Bangkok-based travel writer and former hotelier who has lived in Thailand since 1991. With more than four decades in the international hospitality industry, he has held senior leadership roles with several leading hotel groups, including Thistle Hotels, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts and Minor Hotels.
A long-standing member of Skål International, Andrew has served as a Director of Skål International, is a past President of Skål Asia, and was the former National President of Skål Thailand and twice President of Skål International Bangkok. In recognition of his contribution to global tourism, he has received numerous awards, including Skål’s Order of Merit and the President’s Award.
He writes widely on tourism and hospitality trends across Asia and is a regular contributor to international travel and trade publications.
