Dubai , 19 January 2015 –
Thailand’s Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha presided over the
grand opening of the “2015 Discover Thainess” global tourism marketing
campaign, which was presented in a spectacular parade in the centre of
Bangkok with vibrant colours and will create wonderful memories for
visitors.
Prime Minister General
Prayut said, “Thainess represents the unique character of Thailand,
which embodies centuries-old cultural values and social practices. The
upholding of the three main pillars – the nation, religion and the
monarchy, the preservation of Thai traditions and culture; such as, Thai
arts and ‘the wai’ or the Thai greeting and show of respect, as well as
the friendly nature of the Thai people, form part of “Thainess” and
make Thailand very unique as a nation.”
The Tourism Authority
of Thailand (TAT) launched the “2015 Discover Thainess” campaign, which
incorporates the Thai government’s 12 national core values – among which
are “the promotion and preservation of Thai traditions and culture” –
with the aim to showcase the hospitable character of the Thai people and
the many cultural assets of the country that make it a unique tourist
destination.
Prime Minister General
Prayut added, “The Thai government appreciates TAT, the Ministry of
Tourism and Sports and all stakeholders for helping to promote the
country’s unique cultural treasures and the Thai way of happiness to be
passed onto international visitors. At the same time, this campaign will
help strengthen the pride of the Thai people, and encourage stronger
participation in the preservation of our heritage and culture for the
coming generations.”
The “2015 Discover
Thainess” parade was encapsulated in six spectacular processions,
stretching some 3.5 kilometres through central Bangkok. Leading the
opening parade was a 12-metre replica of the royal barge Supannahong,
which represents the power and glory of the Thai monarchy. It was
followed by floats telling stories from the Thai epic, the Ramakien.
A second procession
elaborately showcased some of the kingdom’s many regional festivals;
such as, the New Year Songkran festival and alms-giving traditions from
the North while other parades highlighted more vibrant elements of Thai
culture like silk making, Thai cuisine, Muay Thai boxing and other fun
and traditional activities the kingdom can offer. The evening culminated
with the final procession called the “Smiles of Siam”, which celebrates
the irrepressible happiness and hospitality of the Thai people.
H.E. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports said, “The
procession marks the beginning of a year of activities inviting tourists
to celebrate and share in elements of “Thainess” throughout Thailand,
including the 12 hidden gems, or provinces that are renowned for their
unique history, culture and lifestyle, as well as the 22 best places to
see beautiful flowers in the country. In addition, at least one large
event will take place every month at various locations up and down the
country to coincide with popular regional festivals.”
Many of these large
festivals are uniquely Thai, having being celebrated by the local people
for centuries, but new events celebrating Thainess have also be
arranged. Highlights over the “Discover Thainess” year will include the
popular Muay Thai festival in March, the nationwide Songkran Festival in
April, the Queen of Silk Festival in August and the nationwide Loi
Krathong Festival in November.
Coinciding with the
grand opening of the “2015 Discover Thainess” campaign is the Thailand
Tourism Festival (TTF) which was held in Bangkok’s Lumpini Park from
14-18 January. This year, the festival marks its 35th anniversary and
will see hundreds of tourists, local and international, come along to
discover all that is new in the kingdom’s hospitality and travel
industries.
TAT Governor Mr.
Thawatchai Arunyik said, “The processions through the heart of Bangkok
are a great way to kick-start the “2015 Discover Thainess” campaign. By
giving a colourful taste of the Thai festivals and traditions and
showing to visitors the nation’s infinite variety, we are encouraging
them to explore our country and culture. What is more, because the event
is taking place at the same time as the TTF, many tourists will be able
to experience “Thainess” through the observation and participation in
various activities available at the five-day festival.”
In 2015, Thailand
expects the number of international arrivals to rise by 13 percent to 28
million and revenue from foreign visitors by 16 percent to 1.35
trillion Baht.
