(December 3, 2025) The Tourist Police Bureau (T.P.B.B.) and the Council of University Presidents of Thailand (CUPT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to officially launch the "Tourist Police Youth Ambassador" project to leverage the potential of students from across the country to become a network of good hosts, creating friendships and positive impressions for tourists in line with the "Your First Friends" policy.“
Integrating Police Hard Power into Friendship Soft Power
Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Pueak-am, Commander of the Tourist Police, revealed that this cooperation is “Combining strengths to cover weaknesses” Since the Tourist Police have expertise in investigation and suppression (Hard Power), but still need reinforcement in creating a creative impression (Soft Power), they have joined with the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC) to enable creative youth to act as “Tourism Ambassador” In communication and assistance‘'More than an activity' is 'a process of building people'’
Prof. Dr. Wilert Phuriwat, President of the Thai University Council, gave a special speech saying that this project is not just a temporary event, but is “Human Development Process” To cultivate Thai youth by focusing on 4 important pillars:
- Soft Power The most powerful is “kindness“: Emphasizing that the thing that wins the hearts of people around the world in the most sustainable way is The friendship and hospitality of the Thai people
- Real-world classroom experience: This project is Experiential Learning To provide students with life skills training, language, problem solving, and a deep understanding of Thai identity.
- Roles “First Friend”(Your First Friends): Youth will take on the role of a local friend, creating a sense of security and a positive first impression.
- Living Cultural Ambassadors (Living Ambassadors): It represents the image of modernity and cultural beauty of Thailand to the world.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Kritsawarit, Deputy Commander of the Tourist Police He added that this project is an extension of existing academic cooperation and is confident that the network of university members of the Council of University Presidents of Thailand (CUPT) will help drive the success of the Tourist Police Youth Ambassadors Project to a broader audience, creating a safety network covering key tourist areas nationwide.
