Bangkok, 14 January 2015 –
Thailand’s Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha today 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) being 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.
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