Bangkok: A plan to merge the functions of two ministries is underway, expected to begin in 2026. It will combine tourism with culture, separating it from sports. Major restructuring of ministries! The Civil Service Commission has submitted a draft law to the Cabinet Secretariat for consideration, separating the responsibilities of the tourism sector and merging it with the culture sector. It is expected to be presented to the Cabinet within August and implemented by 2026.

According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilapraphan, in his capacity as supervisor of the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC), revealed the progress in drafting the law to restructure ministries by separating the Ministry of Tourism from the Ministry of Sports and merging its tourism functions with the Ministry of Culture. He stated that the OPDC has completed the draft law and submitted it to the Cabinet Secretariat yesterday (June 24, 2026) for circulation and consultation with relevant agencies. He anticipates that the consultation process will take no more than one month before the draft is presented to the Cabinet in July or August, prior to being submitted to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Mr. Pakorn acknowledged that the drafting process was not complicated, but the crucial aspects that agencies must carefully consider include the organizational structure, as well as the management of human resources and personnel in various regions. This requires the utmost prudence. Furthermore, if everything proceeds according to the planned timeframe, it is expected that the new ministerial restructuring law will be officially promulgated and come into effect by 2026.