BANGKOK, 22 September 2026: Andrew Wood, a Bangkok-based media executive, travel writer and former hotelier, has been elected Chair of the Tourism Committee of the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT) for the 2026–2028 term.
Wood was nominated by the South African-Thai Chamber of Commerce (SATCC) and elected by representatives of JFCCT member chambers on 11 September. The JFCCT Presidents’ Council ratified his appointment at its meeting this week at the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit on 16 September 2026.
The appointment comes during JFCCT’s 50th anniversary year. Established in 1976, JFCCT has developed into the principal umbrella organisation representing the foreign chamber community in Thailand. Today it brings together 29 foreign chambers and two business associations, collectively representing around 8,000 companies operating across the Thai economy.
JFCCT promotes trade and foreign investment, encourages skills development and knowledge transfer, and contributes to Thailand’s economic development through close engagement with the Royal Thai Government and leading public and private-sector organisations.
JFCCT is led by chairwoman Vibeke Lyssand Leirvåg, supported by Vice Chairs Supareak Dr Charlie Chomchan and Ravi Sehgal.
Specialist committees support its work, covering Digital Economy/ICT, Education & Skills, International Trade, SME, Sustainable Development, and Tourism.
The Tourism Committee brings together industry expertise from across JFCCT’s member chambers, develops consensus on key tourism issues and engages with government agencies and industry bodies on matters affecting Thailand’s visitor economy.
“Tourism reaches far beyond hotels and holidays. It supports aviation, transport, investment, employment, retail, restaurants and communities throughout Thailand,” Wood said.
“My priority will be to strengthen the Tourism Committee as an active, visible and constructive voice, bringing together the expertise within JFCCT and working collaboratively with government and the private sector. Thailand has an extraordinary tourism industry, but maintaining its competitiveness requires us to listen, anticipate change and continually improve.”
Wood has lived in Thailand since 1991 and brings more than four decades of international hospitality and tourism experience to the position. A graduate of Napier University, Edinburgh, his career has included senior hotel management positions in Europe and Thailand, together with longstanding involvement in tourism industry organisations.
He succeeds Anthony ‘Tony’ Hoglund (Amadeus), who chaired the Tourism Committee during the previous term.
Wood expressed his appreciation to SATCC President Karel ‘Kallie’ de Lange and the Chamber for their nomination and support.
Andrew J Wood
