In an interview last week, Mr Pradech Phayakvichien, the new tourism governor, revealed the think-tanks as part of his plan to build strong partnerships with the private sector, government agencies and local people along with airlines and travel industry multinationals.
Two think-tanks are planned - one each for marketing and development issues. TAT hopes they will foster year-round information exchange and help plan public/private sector activities.
A TAT team will also consult with industry associations to establish their needs and develop ideas. This will also help the TAT allocate budgets and plan the direction of the industry for the next two to three years.
"All spending will be based on the priorities," Mr Pradech says. "For example, one policy is to promote alternative destinations. So budgetary allocations will be based on the marketing, development and training needs of priority areas. They will be more focussed and integrated from the very beginning."
TAT will also be boosting relations with the nearly 80 airlines flying to Thailand.