Police target Tuhao ‘lieutenants’ as triad investigation nears end
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2022
Police expect to wrap up their case against triad crime networks in the next few days as they round up alleged lieutenants of suspected crime boss Chainat “Tuhao” Kornchayanan.
Deputy national police chief General Surachate Hakparn said on Tuesday that Tuhao’s suspected lieutenant Chen “Tony” Zhaohui, 52, will face more charges and have his visa revoked.
Chen was arrested at the Space Plus Club in Bangkok on November 30 as part of the crackdown on transnational Chinese triad gangs operating from Thailand.
Chainat is under investigation for involvement in criminal activity in several provinces. He surrendered to police on November 23 but has denied charges against him.
Police say Chen is one of Chainat’s five lieutenants. Chen was initially charged with illegally helping foreign nationals conduct business in Thailand.
Surachate said Chen and Space Plus Club manager Natthason Hutasewi also faced a charge of evading payment of customs duty after police discovered high-value imported audio equipment inside the club.
Surachate said the police investigation of Chinese triads should be closed by the end of this year before being passed to prosecutors.
“There are still small issues, such as the Chinese triad connections,” he added.
The investigation was launched amid rising public concern over alleged widespread Chinese criminal involvement in Thai society.
Election deadline sparks race against time for 9 megaprojects worth THB500bn
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2022
The Transport Ministry will seek Cabinet approval for nine megaprojects worth over 500 billion baht before the end of February next year, Minister Saksayam Chidchob said on Tuesday.
The minister reckoned February will be the deadline for approving large investment projects as the country counts down to a general election.
The House of Representatives’ four-year term is due to end on March 23, with the election tentatively scheduled for May 7.
“Ministry operations are not entirely dependent on the government’s term, but we will try to follow the scheduled action plan to ensure continuity of all projects,” said Saksayam.
The nine projects are:
1. Phase 2 of the Thai-Laos-China high-speed railway from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, worth 300 billion baht.
2. Bangkok’s Red Line urban train extension from Taling Chan to Salaya (10.67 billion baht).
3. Red Line extension from Taling Chan to Siriraj (4.69 billion baht).
4. Red Line extension from Rangsit to Thammasat University (6.46 billion baht).
5. Red Line link-up routes (47 billion baht).
6. Dual track railway from Khon Kaen to Nong Khai (29.74 billion baht).
7. Dual track railway from Pak Nam Pho to Den Chai (62.8 billion baht).
8. Dual track from Thanon Jira to Ubon Ratchathani (37.5 billion baht).
9. Expansion of Bang Pa In-Nakhon Ratchasima Motorway to 16 lanes (6.7 billion baht).
Saksayam said another mega project in the pipeline was the southern land bridge to connect the Andaman and Gulf of Thailand coasts. A feasibility study for the project is due for completion early next year.
Environment Ministry probes National Parks chief charged with massive corruption
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2022
The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has launched an internal investigation of National Parks chief Rutchada Suriyakul na Ayutthaya after he was arrested and charged with malfeasance and bribery on Tuesday.
Anti-Corruption Division (ACD) police detained Rutchada during a bribery sting operation at his Chatuchak office in Bangkok on Tuesday morning.
After the shock arrest, ministry permanent secretary Jatuporn Buruspat issued an order to form a panel for a seven-day investigation.
ACD police raided Rutchada’s office after Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn, former chief of Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi, accused the department chief of demanding bribes from his subordinates.
Chaiwat is himself accused in the 2017 murder of Karen activist Porlajee “Billy” Rakchongcharoen.
Chaiwat alleged Rutchada demanded senior subordinates make cash payments of 500,000 baht in exchange for not being transferred to remote areas.
Rutchada also stole 18.5% of budget for national parks and sanctuaries, and 30% of the budget for forest fire prevention units, Chaiwat alleged.
Police said they found 4.9 million baht in cash in Rutchada’s desk and dressing room on Tuesday.
National Anti-Corruption Committee chief Niwatchai Kasemmongkol told reporters on Tuesday afternoon that police caught Rutchada receiving a 98,000-baht bribe in an envelope and had an audio recording of him asking for the bribe earlier. Rutchada denied the charges.
Japan top destination as Thais travel overseas during New Year break
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2022
A record number of Thai tourists are expected to travel overseas during the New Year holidays (December 21-31), with Japan being their favourite destination.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) puts this surge in international travel on the lifting of Covid-related restrictions for the first time in three years. Japan is also a favourite destination for Thais because it has lifted visa requirements and there are more direct flights to the country.
The number of Thais travelling overseas has jumped from approximately 28,000 people per day from October 1-November 31 to 33,400 daily since December 21, TAT governor Yutthasak Supasorn said, citing statistics from the Immigration Bureau.
“According to Booking .com, Japan is most popular among Thais with the most hotel bookings, followed by bookings in South Korea, Singapore and Laos,” Yutthasak said, adding that this exodus may affect domestic tourism.
TAT has also projected that few people will travel locally during the holiday season due to high household debt, fluctuating oil prices and an unstable economy.
Some 3.14 million people are expected to travel during the New Year break, generating 11.20 billion baht in revenue, TAT said. According to the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), the number of Thai travellers entering Japan has risen by more than four-fold from 7,622 in September to 52,100 people in November, with total Thai arrivals rising to 115,000.
Santisuk Klongchaiya, Air Asia CEO, said at least 80% of the passengers on Bangkok-Fukuoka flights since October 12 have been Thai nationals.
The price of flights from Thailand to Japan is now soaring as the tourism sector has bounced back, though it is still lower than in the pre-Covid era, Santisuk said.
Natcha Thonghor, operations manager of the Season Holiday Booking Centre travel agent, said Thais prefer travelling to Japan rather than Europe because they no longer need a visa.
Kwanchaya Kritraksa, operations manager for Jubilee Travel, believes Japan will be a top destination for Thai travellers until March or April, during the Songkran break.
“Social media has had a huge impact as people have been getting lured by travel content provided by YouTubers and influencers,” she said.
Tourism officials moving swiftly to attract Chinese visitors
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2022
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is in talks with its offices in China to update its plan for attracting Chinese tourists following Beijing’s announcement earlier this week that it will begin relaxing restrictions on travel on January 8.
The discussions began after China’s National Health Commission announced on Monday that it would allow Chinese citizens to apply for passports for travel from January 8, after nearly three years of strict pandemic border controls prevented tourists from leaving the country.
Visitors from China were Thailand’s largest tourism market before the pandemic struck in 2020.
TAT executive director of the East Asia region, Chuwit Sirivejkul, said the Chinese government’s announcement that it would allow its citizens to apply for passports for travel from January 8 was already leading to a surge of interest in travel to Thailand.
Online searches for travel packages skyrocketed in China and airlines have asked its aviation authorities to increase the number of international flights.
Chuwit said the TAT was working with its five offices in China – in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Kunming and Chengdu – to revise its plan to attract Chinese tourists to Thailand.
“Chinese travel agencies have launched travel packages to Thailand for the upcoming Chinese New Year festival,” Chuwit added.
TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said the agency would discuss its plan to attract Chinese tourists with hotel operators, airlines, and airport operators.
Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said Thailand would increase next year’s target for international tourists, from 20 million to 25 million, following Beijing’s announcement. This will help the country reach its 2023 tourism revenue target of 2.38 trillion baht, the minister said.
Krabi palm/rubber farmers urged to grow coffee as Asia’s thirst rises
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2022
Palm and rubber farmers in Krabi province have been urged to grow coffee instead, as demand for the beverage is rising faster in Asia than in other parts of the world.
Krabi’s coffee is now gaining international attention thanks to its certification as a Geographical Indication (GI) product, Deputy Commerce Minister Sinit Lertkrai said on Tuesday. Sinit was reporting on his visit to a coffee-processing community enterprise in Krabi’s Khlong Thom Nua, which he hailed as a triumph for the ministry’s GI policy.
“We wanted this policy to improve farmers’ quality of life, and we succeeded,” he said.
He said he now expects Krabi’s coffee to gain global attention, boosting Thailand’s soft power along the way.
Sinit Lertkrai and Thanawat Phukaoluan
Thanawat Phukaoluan, adviser to the agriculture minister, thanked the Agriculture and Commerce ministries for certifying Krabi coffee as a GI product, saying this had helped increase its value and expand Thailand’s coffee market.
The coffee business is popular among entrepreneurs and investors after being named among outstanding businesses this year, he said, citing data from trade fair exhibitor Informa Markets.
The value of Thailand’s coffee is expected to hit 60 billion baht soon, he added.
This should prompt the government to encourage palm and rubber farmers to grow coffee instead, Thanawat said.
Coffee consumption in Asia has risen 1.5% over the past five years, beating Europe’s 0.5% rise and the US’s 1.2%, he said.
He added that Asia would become the global cafe business hub in the future.
Exports rose 7.6% in the first 11 months of 2022 to US$265.34 billion or 9.16 trillion baht, exceeding the target of 9 trillion baht for the whole year, Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said on Tuesday.
Cross-border trade in the same period was worth 944 billion baht, down 0.51% from the previous year.
However, exports in November were down 6% on last year to $22.3 billion, while imports rose 5.6% to $23.65 billion. December’s export figures are also expected to drop from last year amid the ongoing global economic slowdown.
Thailand logged a trade deficit of US$15.08 billion or 522.2 billion baht in the first 11 months.
Export markets that saw the biggest expansion in volume in November were Iraq (215.6%), Bahrain (153.1%), Saudi Arabia (40.1%), the United Kingdom (22.2%), and Laos (21.3%)
Driving export expansion this year are the reopening of 72 of 97 Thai border checkpoints, a 10% rise in global food demand, growing demand for tech products as 5G coverage spreads, and easing of the semiconductor shortage, Jurin said.
Factors hindering exports include high inflation and the stagnating global economy, as well as the war between Russia and Ukraine.
The One and only in Thailand at centralwOrld – ‘Times Square of Asia’ countdown landmark in the heart of Bangkok, celebrating countdown moments together with people around the world
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2022
Bangkok – Let’s countdown to the New Year to share moments of happiness that everyone has been waiting for. Today, centralwOrld, the ‘Times Square of Asia’, presents the celebration vibe from New York, a world-class countdown landmark that everyone is familiar with. Thai people can be proud that this year ‘centralwOrld Bangkok Countdown 2023’ will appear on the screen in Times Square, New York, a prime location in the heart of New York City and a global symbol of the countdown.
Unique similarities of two world-class countdown landmarks in the heart of New York City and Bangkok:
• Strategic Location – there is no doubt that these two landmarks are located in strategic locations in the heart of the city – a commercial area where every square meter counts. The Ratchaprasong area is considered Thailand’s strongest commercial and tourist area and creates an enormous amount of cash flow annually into Thailand. New York is ranked among the cities with the highest cost of living in the world while Bangkok ranks the 2nd highest cost of living city in SEA and as the ‘Best Leisure City’ in Asia-Pacific.
• Times Square: the entertainment district that serves as center of the world – If you think of the countdown night celebration moments in both of these areas, the first things that immediately come to mind are the light and sound, fireworks and large LED screens, which are mutual points that these two landmarks have in common. On countdown night, a great and exciting event will happen in the heart of Bangkok as the panOramix, SEA’s largest LED digital interactive screen in front of centralwOrld, has been reserved by famous brands and fan clubs from around the world to present their messages due to its enormous visibility. Enjoy the spectacular light and sound shows, concerts from popular artists offering a full entertainment experience and over 15 minutes of amazing fireworks at centralwOrld.
• Long history – Times Square, New York is where the history of the New Year countdown began with the ‘ball dropping’ activity, which is well-known among people around the world. The first ball drop took place on 31 December 1904 and the tradition has continued to this day; more than 100 balls have been dropped so far and that’s one reason Times Square has become an important landmark in America. centralwOrld has been named by the global media as the ‘Times Square of Asia’, the one and only in the heart of the Thai capital. The countdown event has been held at centralwOrld for more than 22 years and is considered an important landmark in Thailand. centralwOrld is likely on the list of both Thai people and tourists around the world as places they want to visit at least once in their life during the New Year and Countdown celebration period.
This 31 December, come and be part of the most anticipated and exciting, happy celebrations in ‘centralwOrld Bangkok CountdOwn 2023 – Times Square of Asia’, the world’s best entertainment countdown of all time and the must-visit countdown destination in a lifetime. The gates open at 6.00 PM in front of centralwOrld, Ratchadamri Road. Free entry is available by simply downloading the Central Life X app and filling in the required details on the ‘Join’ in ‘Settings’ for convenience and speed in entering the event. To download, click https://bit.ly/centrallifexctwcountdown.
Alternatively, you can watch a live broadcast of the countdown on Channel 3HD from 10:30 PM to 00:30 AM or watch Multi View via Facebook Live and YouTube Live: centralwOrld from 7:00 PM to 00:30 AM or live share from centralwOrld page to partners’ pages such as Khaosod, Channel 7, Daily News Online, Prachachat Turakij, Matichon, Bangkok Post, FEED, GLOBE, GMM25, Manager Online, Thairath Online and Workpoint. Watch the live broadcast on the screens at the restaurant area on 3rd floor, Atrium Zone, LED screens at Square B and C (recommended areas for wheelchair users) and Facebook pages of Central shopping centers nationwide. For more information, visit Facebook: centralwOrld.
Thammasat University honours 73 researchers, aims to boost innovation
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2022
The Research and Innovation Department together with Thammasat University Research and Consulting Institute ( TU RAC ) honoured 73 teachers and researchers, awarding a total of 57 awards to seven branches.
The “Researcher Honorary Day at Thammasat University 2022” was held to honour, boost morale and encourage research and innovation that could bring about developmental changes, both in Thailand and global society, as well as win national and international awards. Professor Surapon Nitikraipot, council president of Thammasat University, presided over the awards ceremony.
Assoc. Prof. Gasinee Witoonchart, President of Thammasat University, said, “Thammasat is an educational institution that places importance on academics, research, creativity, inventions and innovations. We are committed to promoting research and further innovation. The research fund is established at Thammasat University, with a budget of about 150 million baht and we are about to set up a fund for professors, with a budget of about 200 million baht, to support both domestic and international researchers. Together with teachers and researchers at Thammasat, we produce research that will raise the level of research quality and be accepted globally.
In the past, Thammasat University has had many innovations that have been awarded in the country and a renowned global reputation.
It emphasizes the potential of Thammasat professionals who have the knowledge and ability to invent innovations to solve social problems.
The research works that received an award is a great proof of Thammasat’s success. The research can create visible changes in society (Social Impact). Just like a candle that shines brightly, leading society to see the direction of development, improvement, change, and taking care of the people’s good quality of life.
This will lead to a reduction in inequality, as well as growth sustainably without leaving anyone behind.
Professor Siriwan Suebnukarn, Vice President for Research and Innovation, at Thammasat University, said, “The Research and Innovation Department has received budgets for the implementation of research plans and activities thoroughly and continuously. In order to promote and support research and innovation in various fields such as research study, creative work, innovation, inventions, publication of works, registration of intellectual property rights, etc. It is our pleasure to say that in the year 2022, the university’s professionals and researchers have received numerous national and international external awards for their research and innovation, which reinforce the university’s achievements in generating high-quality research. As well as showcase the readiness to support new generations of researchers under the challenging problem of connecting knowledge across departments. In order to lead to real benefits for the public.”
Meanwhile, Assoc. Prof. Witaya Danthamrongkul, Director of TU RAC, said, “This year, TU RAC has been entrusted by various agencies to provide more than 372 research projects. There are also many famous researchers from our university. And we received about 10 awards in the category of large projects worth 20 million baht or more. Therefore, it is considered this is another year of success for TU RAC in producing quality research. And we are dedicated to creating innovative research for society in the future.” Those who received prizes at the event “Researchers Honorary Day at Thammasat University 2022” is divided into 7 types of medals, consisting of:
1. Those who have been graciously appointed to the position of Professor, in total of 7 medals;
2. Recipients of the Royal Award of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, distinguished research professors, senior researchers and distinguished national researchers, in total of 4 medals;
3. Researchers who have been appointed to professors and received higher salaries, in a total of 2 medals;
4. Recipients of an outstanding research award winner at Thammasat University, in total of 19 medals and 4 research papers;
5. Recipients of large projects researchers, in a total of 11 medals;
6. Recipients receiving awards for outstanding young researchers at the department level, in a total of 12 medals;
7. Recipients of honorary awards for research from external agencies, in total of 21 medals, 17 awards.
Professor Dr Paskorn Sritipsukho, the winner who received the Outstanding Research Award for the effectiveness of the Covid-19 vaccine in Thailand: a study in real situations (Covid-19 Vaccine Effectiveness in Thailand: a Real World Study), said that the award ceremony that “This research is challenging. It is also the beginning of research and development to build the confidence of the public towards a vaccine that has been invented to prevent Covid.”
As Assistant Professor Peera Charoenvattananukul, an outstanding young researcher at the department level receive 3 awards:
1. The End of Compromise: Political Meanings of Thailand’s First National Day Celebrations on 24 June 1939;
2. Overthrowing Giants for Status: Social Stigmatisation of Status Dissatisfaction with a case study of the Russo-Japanese War 1904-05;
3. Feigned resignation as political strategy: cracking the mysterious case of Phibunsongkhram’s reversal of resignation in 1943; has mentioned this success as “Very happy for the award received”.
Associate Professor Jaturong Tantibundit, a representative of an honorary award for research from an external organization that has received the State Excellence Award 2022 (excellent level) in the category of expanding service standards on Al Chest 4All (DMS-TU) For Thai People, said, “I’m glad and proud that this research can be used continuously. This award will be an important inspiration for future work and to develop of technology that will benefit society. And will be an example for future generations of students and other researchers as well.”
Bangkok’s annual light and digital art festival “Awakening Bangkok 2022” returns for its 5th edition to the Charoenkrung-Talad Noi neighborhood, aims to promote nighttime economy, social and economic sustainability, and festival tourism
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2022
Held on the theme “Endless Tomorrow”, the lighting installation festival inspires and revives the economy in Charoenkrung-Talad Noi after sunset, attracting local and international tourists and creating a lively atmosphere during the festive season.
Awakening Bangkok’s organizer Time Out Bangkok together with its partners the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Creative Economy Agency (CEA), Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Diageo Moet Hennessy (Thailand), and BGC Glass Studio have created the lighting installation festival Awakening Bangkok 2022 on the theme “Endless Tomorrow” to offers new perspectives to the historically charming Charoenkrung and Talad Noi area now that the COVID-19 pandemic has settled. The event aims at inspiring people about how to create a sustainable future for the present and next generations.
Mr. Pongsiri Hetrakul, managing director of Time Out Bangkok and Festival Director of Awakening Bangkok, said: “This is the 5th year of the festival and, after being forced by the pandemic to postpone the 2021 festival to March 2022, we are delighted to be able to get back to our same schedule at year-end season. We’ve collaborated with our partners to deliver new and memorable experiences to everyone during the 10-day festival that runs from 16 to 25 December 2022. We’re ready to elevate Awakening Bangkok to a next level, by making it part of the international tourism calendar as well as a destination for tourists.
“The fact that we’ve been able to organize the event for five consecutive years says a lot about the success of Awakening Bangkok. This has proved that a collaboration between the government and private sector is ideal for when you’d push things forward for universal benefits, including the efforts to bring out the national creative force and promote night-time economy, which are the keys that will secure Charoenkrung’s brighter future. We have received good feedback from artists, designers and visitors who attended the past events. The festival helps to bond and enliven the community, inspire creative forces, and helps take Bangkok to a global festival tourism calendar.”
The continuous collaboration with TAT, TCEB, CEA and the BMA reflects the collective goal to make Awakening Bangkok one of the main festivals on Thailand’s and regional tourism calendar. The festival is currently recognized as one of the “Colorful Bangkok” events, BMA’s three-month campaign that aims to revitalize the city through multi-disciplinary cultural events between November 2022 and January 2023. The plan is to make Bangkok a cultural metropolis and a major festival tourism destination that will help sustain the city’s social and economic development.
Mr. Sanon Wangsrangboon, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, said that the year-end festivals are all about lighting, music and art. These festivals, which were and will be held in various places across the city, offer people the chance to end the year with memorable moments and welcome the New Year in high spirit. To catch up with the festive spirits and to align with Governor Chadchart Sittipunt’s year-round city festivals, BMA, in partnership with various stakeholders, has initiated “Colorful Bangkok” festive campaign, which spans 3 months from November 2022 to January 2023, and is divided into 3 themes: Creative Arts Festivals in November, Light Festivals in December and Music Festivals in January, for residents and tourists alike to enjoy. These events will help boost the local economy and public spending.
“Awakening Bangkok is recognized as one of the “The Festival of Lights” events in the BMA’s “Colorful Bangkok 2022” calendar. It symbolizes the opening of a space and illuminating the city and bringing it back to life,” Mr. Sanon ended.
Kittipong Prapattong, Executive Director Central Region of Tourism Authority of Thaiand (TAT), added: “The trend of foreign tourists traveling to Thailand is on a steady rise now that the COVID situation has eased. This is particularly evident during the year-end celebrations as holidaymakers around the world are looking for destinations where they can enjoy the long weekend. The government’s policy to open the country for tourists and the cooperation with the private sector in organizing festivals at various destinations across the country help attract tourists, making Thailand one of the world’s top destinations.
“Awakening Bangkok 2022 is a collaboration between the public and private sectors to create one of the greatest events of the year. Besides being spectacular, it also celebrates the opening of the country and the year-end tourism season excites both locals and visitors. We believe that such a “colorful” event will invigorate the tourism trend now that the pandemic has been largely resolved,” Mr. Kuttipong added.
Mrs. Nichapa Yoswee, Senior Vice President – Business, of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), said: “TCEB sees the opportunity to develop the city and community with what is called “Festival Economy” as a way to promote a city’s sustainable development. The tourism trends and behaviors among the younger generation have changed to those of more choice and experience-driven, and festival creators will need to response to these changes. These groups of travelers have high purchasing power, so the travel volume of such groups will have both direct and positive impacts and indirectly link to the economy of the host city and its surrounding communities.
At the heart of Awakening Bangkok is the promotion of all aspects of sustainability, a common goal of all partners including the main sponsor “Johnnie Walker” that has supported the event for three consecutive years.
Ms. Jarinee Wongkhamthong, Diageo Moet Hennessy (Thailand) Co.’s marketing director, said: “The collaboration of all sectors, public and private, is required if we are to co-create a sustainable economic value. Johnnie Walker sees the importance of supporting Thai artists and designers who are capable of extending their creative work and creating added values. This is in line with Diageo’s long-term sustainability goal SOCIETY2030: SPIRIT OF PROGRESS through which we strive to be one of the best-performing and most trusted consumer companies, and the brand’s KEEP WALKING philosophy that inspires and creates new experiences that keep people moving forward.
“This year, Johnnie Walker returns under the concept. “No matter what, just move on and live your life”, which underlines two main issues to the new generation, diversity acceptance and creating sustainability in all dimensions. This message is reflected through various works exhibited at the event and the two bars, which have been designed in collaboration with famous artists. In addition, this concept is conveyed through new flavors of four special drink recipes inspired by nature, created in collaboration with WASTELAND, a drinking community of environmentalists. And most importantly, we continue to support responsible drinking by reinforcing messages and activities included in the work.”
Mr. Pongsiri concluded that: “Aimed at promoting the city’s identity, each year Awakening Bangkok creates an event that specifically reflects each idea while also drawing inspiration from the rich history. The event signals the possibility of new ideas and creation through the opening of the space and the collaboration of the people.
“Awakening Bangkok 2022 takes place at a time when we are still searching for answers, when we are still exploring life’s many possibilities. We wish for conversations – and inspiration – on how to create a better tomorrow…one that will last forever. A tomorrow that is endless. The event reflects such a concept through the participation of new generation artists such as COTH, 27 June, and Alt+r .
“This year is special as we’ve created 2 routes for 2 sub-themes. The southern Bangrak route focuses on “Sustainability” and the northern Talad Noi route on “Living Evidence” through new locations. Each route has its highlights. For example, the southern route’s highlighted works are at the Swan hotel, Marine Police Lodge and East-Asiatic Building, the latter of which is a century-old Venetian-style structure that used to house the multinational trading company of the same name. The northern route’s highlights include the Patina Bangkok, houses on the river bank and Phanu Rangsri Pier.”
In addition to light installations by amazing local artists, visitors can expect to see an international showcase for the first time, curated by a team from iLight Singapore, a similar light and digital arts festival in Singapore. The work is on display at Warehouse 30.
“This year, we have expanded our alliance to include the Hong Kong Economics and Trade office and Central Embassy and for the first time we have formed a partnership with favourite social media platform TikTok that has a goal of supporting Thai artists on its platform. There will be Tik Tok creators creating content at the event. Over the past years, Awakening Bangkok has been promoted via the English, Chinese and Japanese media to connect to the world. We believe that after the pandemic, Awakening Bangkok will be a top world destination for new experiences and cultural tourism.”
He added that: “Apart from promoting culture, Awakening Bangkok also plays a part in creating economic value. Awakening Bangkok 2021 held in March 2022 attracted more than 90,000 visitors over the 10 days despite being held while COVID-19 was still spreading, The event created an economic impact worth 115.64 million baht. We hope that this time around the festival will be even more welcome.
“We Believe that Awakening Bangkok will be a festival that helps boost the excitement of the city during this festive time of the year, especially among foreign tourists. A report by UNESCO clearly indicates the global growth of cultural tourists which is driven by the changing behavior of tourists. They want to learn more about the traditions of the local community, discover and visit historical sites and experience different cultures as well as learning and immersing themselves in cultural products and services in each locality,” Mr. Pongsiri said.
The 5th edition of Awakening Bangkok sees almost 40 lighting installations illuminating more than 20 locations, most of which are long-forgotten structures, in Charoenkrung-Talad Noi neighborhoods, from 16-25 December 2022.
Sinit Lertkrai and Thanawat Phukaoluan
SootinClaimon.Com 