Paul Pruangkarn

Director - Marketing & Communications, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)

Paul Pruangkarn is a senior executive at the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), where he serves as Director of Marketing & Communications. Based at the Association’s headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, he works closely with the CEO to help shape and execute PATA’s strategic priorities, collaborating across departments to translate organisational goals into initiatives that strengthen engagement with members, partners, governments, and the wider tourism industry.

In addition to leading PATA’s global marketing, communications, and public affairs functions, Paul plays a key role in stakeholder engagement, business development, government relations, and strategic partnerships. His work focuses on fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors to advance a more innovative, resilient, and sustainable visitor economy across the Asia Pacific region. He also manages PATA’s institutional relationships with key international organisations, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), UN Tourism, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), UNESCO, and other global partners.

As one of PATA’;s principal spokespersons, Paul regularly represents the Association as a keynote speaker, moderator, panellist, and master of ceremonies at international conferences and industry events. He oversees PATA’s global communications strategy, executive communications, media relations, and public affairs, helping strengthen the Association’s profile while fostering dialogue and collaboration across the global tourism ecosystem.

Originally from New York, Paul has lived in Thailand for more than a decade. Before joining PATA, he was Senior Business Development Manager for a Bangkok-based technology start-up, where he oversaw commercial partnerships and hotel industry relations. He also served as Sub-Editor and on-air news presenter for Radio Thailand’s English-language news service. Earlier in his career, he spent five years with Business Wire, a Berkshire Hathaway company, managing news distribution for clients across North America, Europe, and Asia. He has also held positions with Reuters, BP, and Traditional Home magazine. Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts in Classics, with a concentration in Mediterranean Art and Archaeology, from

the University at Buffalo, State University of New York.