TAT to fill Bangkok with vibrant colours of Discover Thainess parade on 14 January

Dubai, 13 January, 2015 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced its readiness to celebrate the grand opening of the “2015 Discover Thainess” global tourism marketing campaign, with a spectacular parade that is set to fill Bangkok with vibrant colours and wonderful memories on 14 January, 2015. H.E. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports said, “Thailand will bring the glory of Thai traditions and cultures from all regions of the country to Bangkok within one evening, in a 3.5-kilometre stretch of grand processions showcasing the pride of the nation. Local and foreign tourists will have the opportunity to experience the kingdom’s traditional beliefs and age-old traditions which make Thai culture, the Thai way of life and the Thai experience very unique within a short yet memorable period of time.” The “2015 Discover Thainess” parade will comprise six spectacular processions. Heading the 3.5-kilometre stretch of six grand professions will be a 12-metre replica of the regal Suphannahong, or golden swan, royal barge with 16 oarsmen presenting in all splendour that exhibits the glory and great power of the Thai monarch. Following the procession of the regal Suphannahong replica will be an exquisite float displaying beautiful Thai fine arts in the story of the Ramakien, or the Thai version of the Indian Ramayana. The second procession will showcase grand festivities of Thailand, from all five regions including elaborately-crafted floats depicting the Salung Luang (grand alms bowl) tradition unique to the Northern region, Songkran or Thai New Year from the Central Region, the tradition of the Wax Castle Procession from the Northeast, the Colours of Fruits and Fantasy from the Eastern region, and the Chak Phra, or the hauling of the Buddha image, from the South. For the first time at the Ratchaprasong Intersection, visitors and tourists will be thrilled with the exciting aerial fabric performance from Leng Rachanikorn Keawdee, the Thailand’s Got Talent season 2 ‘ champion.The third procession being the Thai way of life will feature the art of Thai cuisine and the legacy of Thai silk while the fourth procession will boast the world’s renowned Thai boxing or Muay Thai. The fifth procession “Siam Sanuk” will showcase various “Thai fun” factors, followed by the final procession “Smiles of Siam”, which displays the friendliness and readiness of the Thai people to welcome tourists. Mr. Kalin Sarasin, Chairman of the Board of TAT said, “Each element of the upcoming “2015 Discover Thainess” parade has been carefully chosen to illustrate the glory of Thai traditions and cultures as well as our historical significance. The procession is set to be a rare spectacle in the heart of Bangkok, and it is poised to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So tourists and travellers are cordially invited to discover Thainess throughout 2015 and the many more years to come.” The parade is scheduled to take place on 14 January, 2015, from 17.00 hrs. It will start from the National Stadium at the Pathumwan Intersection and wind its impressive and colourful way along Rama I Road to the Ratchaprasong Intersection before turning into Ratchadamri Road and conclude at Lumpini Park. There will be three stages presenting the event at the Siam Discovery Centre (main stage), and two smaller stages at the Ratchaprasong Intersection and at Lumpini Park (King Rama VI Monument plaza). The opening ceremony is scheduled to be presided over by Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha. The event will be broadcasted live by the Television Pool of Thailand. TAT Governor Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik said, “TAT would like to invite all tourists and tourism industry stakeholders as well as members of the public to take part in this extravagant celebration marking the launch of the “2015 Discover Thainess” campaign. You are welcome to be a part in celebrating the traditional beliefs and local traditions that set Thailand apart from all other countries.” The international arrivals in 2015 is expected to rise by 13 percent to 28 million and revenue from foreign visitors by 16 percent to 1.35 trillion Baht. The grand opening celebration of the “2015 Discover Thainess” campaign is to be held in conjunction with the Thailand Tourism Festival 2015, which is scheduled to take place from 14 to 18 January, 2015, from 16.00 – 22.00 hrs. at Lumpini Park. Pictures are from the “2015 Discover Thainess” press conference, held on 7 January 2015 in Bangkok. For more information:  “2015 Discover Thainess”campaign. See more at: TAT Newsroom [About Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)] The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) was established on the 18th March 1960. TAT was the first organization inThailandto be specifically responsible for the promotion of tourism. TAT supplies information and data on tourist areas to the public, publicizesThailandwith the intention of encouraging both Thai and international tourists to travel in and aroundThailand, conducts studies to set development plans for tourist destinations, and co-operates with and supports the production and development of personnel in the field of tourism. Since the inception of the first local office of TAT in Chiang Mai in 1968, there are now 35 regional offices throughoutThailand. TAT has also established many overseas offices the first being inNew York, which was opened in 1965. During the past 30 years, TAT has since established 26 more offices in different parts of the world, including the Dubai & Middle East Office, which is responsible for the promotion of Thailand within the GCC, the Levant, Iraq and Iran.