May 29--The Thai Hotels Association (THA) has teamed with the Asean Hotel and Restaurant Association to tackle the labour shortfall afflicting regional hotels.

THA president Surapong Techaruvichit said the cooperation covers cross-training staff to serve the growing tourism industry in Asean countries. While Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam are seen as having an abundance of workers, hospitality businesses in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand are seeking more skilful staff.

The initiative does not address the shortage of skilled labour but seeks to prepare Asean members for cross-border flows of workers at the onset of the Asean Economic Community (AEC) in 2016.

Mr Surapong said a lack of skilled staff is plaguing the hospitality industry throughout Asean, with the problem to continue over the next five years.

At present, a 500-room hotel needs 600 workers to provide proper services. Mr Surapong said the typical headcount is now 450 for such a hotel.

The THA is also urging Asean countries to use only registered hotels and licensed tour operators. It plans to seek support from the state for training projects and to streamline the flow of skilled labour once the AEC takes effect.

The THA predicts rising tourism in Thailand this year, saying Bangkok's hotel occupancy rate stood at 71% last month, up by 15% year-on-year.

The occupancy rate in the South was 75% (up by 20%), while in the North it was 60% (up by 12%).

Hotels in the East including Pattaya and Rayong saw occupancy of 68% (up by 14%), while in the West the rate was 72% (up by 13%).

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