Under a comprehensive Master Plan prepared by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the provinces of Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon and Ranong will be upgraded under the “Thailand Riviera” scheme to tap their full potential for natural, cultural, historical, gastronomic, sports and community-based tourism.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will spearhead the marketing push of the area with the focus on generating tourism revenue for the residents, communities and local businesses in the four coastal provinces.

The Thai government and related agencies will be closely involved in all aspects of tourism management, conservation and restoration in line with the policy direction of the National Tourism Development Plan to more equitably distribute income nationwide, upgrade rural areas, provide better accessibility, and improve facilities and services for visitors.

The Master Plan shows that the four provinces have diverse tourism assets, as follows:

• 25 national parks and water parks;
• 528 Kms of coastline;
• 37 beaches, 10 bays, and 25 islands;
• 70 Royal Projects and Royal Initiatives;
• 6 community-based tourism projects.

Man-made attractions include several golf courses, theme parks, numerous community malls/outlets and a variety of Sports Tourism facilities suitable for triathlons, marathons, swimming, biking, mountain climbing and canoeing.

Hua Hin, the best known beach resort in the region, also holds an annual Jazz Festival, alongside a boundless choice of culinary fare and gastronomic delights.

There is also more than adequate transportation access:

• Land: Highway No. 4 (Phetchkasem Road);
• Sea: Ferry Service linking Khao Takiap pier in Prachuap Khiri Khan and Bali Hai Pier, Chon Buri.
• Air: Hua Hin Airport, Chumphon Airport, and Ranong Airport.
• Railway: Southern route.

Minister of Tourism and Sports Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat stressed that the entire development process must be implemented in a comprehensive, coordinated manner that pays equal attention to economic and ecological issues.

For example, infrastructure development will be especially important to ensure proper fresh water supplies and prevent water conflicts between the agriculture and tourism sectors. The platform of the Hua Hin Railway Station, a local heritage site dating back to the days when it was used by members of the Royal Family visiting the Mrigadayavan Summer Palace of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI), will be upgraded to reflect its unique design and architecture.

The plan also mentions opportunities for visitors to enjoy the local seafood, adventure activities and ecotourism, and the development of night markets, especially for local artists to showcase their works.

Specific niche-market projects will include development of the Thailand Riviera as a “Global Health Tourism Hub”, organisation of world-class sporting events for golf, tennis, shopping festivals, and world-class summer education courses.

The visitor experience will be enhanced by upgraded stops at petrol stations with clean toilets, lockers, luggage storage, CCTV and Wi-Fi.

The plan has long been in the cards, but implementation was delayed due to successive changes in governments. It was originally approved by the Thai Cabinet in February, 2006, and again in August, 2014, when the Ministry of Tourism and Sports was given responsibility for executing the plan in an integrated and coordinated matter.

Under the current Government, the plan was approved once again on March 6, 2018, at the mobile Cabinet meeting in Phetchaburi province.

One important part of the project has been construction of a scenic 680-km highway from Bangkok, which runs directly along the coastline. The world-class highway, which will include bike lanes, is expected to be completed in five years. About 200 km have been completed. A 49-kilometre stretch is currently under construction.

In 2017, the four provinces received a total of 14,023,347 Thai and foreign visitors, a rise of 4.52 percent year-on-year. The average expenditure per trip per person was 5,141 Baht, generating an estimated 72.105 billion Baht in tourism income (up 8.85 percent year-on-year).

On June 1, 2018, Mr. Weerasak also enlisted the support of the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in a meeting with Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, the UNWTO Secretary General. The UNWTO has undertaken to provide technical and marketing support.

Mr. Weerasak notes that the Riviera project will have nationwide benefits thanks to the launched ferry service from Hua Hin to Pattaya, which has cut travelling time by more than six hours between the West and East coasts of the Gulf of Thailand.

The Bangkok Airways Phuket Half Marathon 2018 coming up on August 5 is more than just a race. It is a chance to observe the local way of life and appreciate the area’s landmarks and Sino-Portuguese architecture from a different perspective in busy Phuket town, this being from the streets themselves which will be cleared of traffic along the race route.

The ‘Bangkok Airways Phuket Half Marathon 2018’ features three race distances of five km, 10 km and 21 km. All three routes start and finish at Saphan Hin on the Phuket town shoreline and pass by the key landmarks of Saphan Hin Mining Monument and Surin Circle Clock Tower. The 10-km and 21-km routes take in Wichit Sangkaram Temple and Put Jor temple, while the 21-km route passes by Makham Mai Son Bay too.

The 21-km race starts at 05.15 hrs. and has a four-hour cut-off time. The 10-km race starts at 06.00 hrs. with a two-hour cut-off time and the five-km race starts at 06.15 hrs. with a one-hour cut-off time. There is also the Junior Clinic three-km run starting at 06.30 hrs., with the awards ceremony following at 07.00 hrs.

On the day before the event, August 4, participants need to collect their bib numbers and race kits at Limelight Avenue Phuket, between 10.00 – 18.00 hrs.

Registration for runners can be done online at teelakow.com up until June 30, or until all 6,000 places are filled. Runners will receive a race shirt and bib, event medal and replenishments at drink and fruit stations located every two km along the race route.

The Bangkok Airways Phuket Half Marathon is the second of a series of four races in Thailand with other destinations including Lampang, Chiang Rai and Lanna (Chiang Mai).

The Deputy Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, recently unveiled a roster of “5-D reasons” why Thailand is the perfect destination for romance, weddings and honeymoons. The reasons he identified are as follows:

1. Destinations Extraordinaire: A wide choice of breathtaking locations that make the perfect setting for a couple’s most important day;
2. Diverse Choices: Tailor-made wedding themes for couples by professional wedding planners; from a beach wedding, a luxury yacht wedding, Under the Blue Sea Wedding, to extravagant Indian style;
3. Dream Hideaways: Couples have a wide choice of desirable places to stay, from serene homestays to deluxe villas;
4. Delectable Tastes: Ranging from five-star hotels to Michelin recommended restaurants or street food; and
5. Distinct Hospitality: The essence of any Thai romance celebration lies in ‘Thainess’ and heart-warming hospitality that shape the couple’s experiences like nowhere else.

Mr. Tanes added that numerous marketing and promotional activities are planned to reinforce Thailand’s image as a global wedding and honeymoon destination, with the romance market categorised into three main target segments:

1) Pre-wedding market: China has emerged as a potential source market, as Chinese couples are characteristically fond of shooting photos while Thailand is a popular destination.

2) Wedding markets: These include short-haul markets; such as, India, Hong Kong and Australia. India contributes a huge share for this segment.

3) Honeymoon markets: This covers long-haul markets from America and Europe. Due to the long flight to Thailand, a honeymoon is more attractive to this group. Nearby markets like Indonesia, Malaysia and South Korea are also potential targets.

Many destinations with strong potential in the romance category have been identified. Most are beach destinations, but each place has its own unique charm. Destinations include Pattaya, Phuket, Ko Samui, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Trang, Trat, Hua Hin-Pran Buri, and Chiang Rai.

“When it comes to romance, people often think about two colours: pink and red. But, love is more than two colours. When you are in Thailand, there are a million shades of romance that enamor you. It might be either the crystal-clear blue of the sea, the greenery of the tropical forest, or the glowing sunset on the beach that counts,” said the TAT Deputy Governor.

In 2018, TAT expects to see a growth of 5 percent for the wedding and honeymoon segment. The authority’s goal is to promote Thailand to be among the top five world-class destinations for newlyweds and honeymooners.

Mr. Tanes also noted that Thailand hosted the 4^th Destination Wedding Planners Congress 2017 in Phuket, an event held for the first time in Asia. Thailand was also unanimously voted to be the venue for the Amour Asia Pacific 2018 by its luxury buyers

The exciting and challenging ‘Bangkok Triathlon 2018’ or ‘Sahaviriya-Bangkok Triathlon 2018’ returns after a two-year absence and is scheduled from July 7-8 in the Thai capital.

This is the one day in the year that participants get to swim in the Chao Phraya River. Swimming in Thailand’s mightiest river plus running across Bangkok’s picturesque Rama 8 Bridge and cycling along deserted overpasses are treats not to be missed.

The event features six individual challenges packed into two days. Participants can choose from colourfully named sections of different durations and degree of difficulty, including: ‘Bangkok Beast’, ‘Bangkok Beast Duathlon’, ‘Bangkok Braveheart’, ‘Tough Thai’, ‘Tough Thai Relay’ and Tough Thai Duathlon’.

Each stage has its own race route and different lengths of the running, swimming and cycling stages. All stages are also divided into categories according to age, gender, single, and team. The event is open to online registration which must be completed before midnight of June 16.

The entry fee includes a running number, timing slip, pre-race souvenir pack, commemorative finisher’s medal and trophy for winners in each category.

The registration meeting point is under the Rama 8 Bridge, on the Rama 8 Park side. All participants should register one day in advance of the race day, which is open to register on July 6 at 7.00-21.00 hrs. and July 7 at 10.00-17.00 hrs.

For more race details and information, please go to:

http://www.gotorace.com

Tel: +66 (0) 2-2362-931-2

Email: info@gotorace.com

TAT Governor Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn said, “The hosting of the TTM+ 2018 in Pattaya couldn’t come at a more opportune time, as it corresponds with the Thai government’s recent announcements on supporting the EFC.  This is the perfect position for Pattaya as the gateway to Thailand’s Eastern Fruit Corridor and that makes it a good fit for gastronomy tourism. The timing of the TTM+ 2018 is very auspicious, as it allows TAT to focus our Amazing Thailand’s ‘Open to the New Shades’ campaign on Thailand’s fast growing tropical fruit segment.”

He added that fruit plays a pivotal role in inspiring tourists who want to visit Thailand’s Eastern Region, which will help the government’s project during TTM+ 2018 in Pattaya.

Fruit buffet tours, which will be offered at orchards in the three Eastern provinces of Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat, are increasingly popular because of their satisfying ‘all-you-can-eat’ concept.

This year, 31 orchards in Rayong, 25 in Chanthaburi and seven in Trat are offering fruit buffet tours during the ‘green season’ months from April to July. The top five favourite fruits with international and domestic tourists alike are reported to be durian, mangosteen, rambutan, longan and salak.

The Thai government is implementing this comprehensive fruit trade strategy to move Thailand toward becoming a fruit capital of the world, as it is rich in many high-quality tropical varieties.

The Ministry of Industry is responsible for the Eastern Fruit Corridor Project, which is expected to be set up in the ‘Smart Park’ developed by the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand in Rayong.

A feasibility study will be concluded in September 2018, with the arrangements of public forums to sound out the opinions of stakeholders. A survey on investor interest in the project will be carried out between October and December. Construction of related systems will begin in 2019, and the operations of the Eastern Fruit Corridor Project will be launched in 2020.

The Board of Trade of Thailand (BoT) suggested that the project should connect with fruit-producing areas across the country, as well as those in neighbouring countries. It should be managed professionally and should also include other products that will require cold storage development.

The annual ‘OTOP Midyear 2018 Sale’ is taking place this year from June 9 to 17 at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, Challenger Hall 1-3. Entry to the event is free of charge.

‘One Tambon One Product’ (OTOP) is a project that motivates local businesses to create unique products from each sub-district (Tambon) that is high in quality and easy to market.

The project is based on Japan’s highly successful ‘One Village One Product’ (OVOP) concept. In Thailand OTOP products range from handicrafts, cotton and silk fabric, terracotta pottery, fashion accessories, jewellery, household items and artisan food products.

For consumers the OTOP Midyear 2018 Sale offers an excellent opportunity to support small to medium-sized local Thai enterprises from around the country. Every product represents the best that each sub-district has to offer made from the highest possible ingredients and raw materials.

For more information, contact:

Community Development Department

http://cep.cdd.go.th/

Tel: +66 (0) 2143 8910, +66 (0) 2143 8911

This year’s ‘Amazing Thai Taste Festival 2018’ showcases the best Thai food from around the Kingdom, highlighted by eight delicious zones set up in collaboration with 37 public and private organizations including Chulalongkorn University’s Property Management Office.

Scheduled from June 8 to 10 at 12.00-20.00 hrs. at Siam Square, the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s second annual event is organized under an ‘Eat Thai Food, Feeling Good’ theme.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said: “The Amazing Thai Taste Festival is a smorgasbord of Thai cuisine that is intended to tantalize the taste buds of all who attend.

“TAT is currently using gastronomy tourism as one key part of our Amazing Thailand’s ‘Open to the New Shades’ marketing strategy, presenting new ways of experiencing Thai food culture. TAT found that one third of tourist spending is on food, and tourists continue to seek unique local Thai delicacies as part of their travel experience in Thailand.”

The Amazing Thai Taste Festival 2018 will find 134 well-known restaurants and eateries from across the nation under one roof, including three Michelin-recommended street-food eateries, plus an all-you-can-eat fruit buffet. TAT hopes to attract at least 80,000 visitors to the three-day festival, generating 40 million Baht (US$ 1.24 million) for the Thai economy.

The eight highlighted zones include:

Zone 1 ‘Good Reputation’: Thai rice exhibitions, cooking tips from famous food personalities on how to make Tom Yam Kung, Green Curry, Phat Thai, Som Tam, Massaman and Tom Kha Kai, served with ‘Khao Hom Ubon’ (Ubon Fragrant Rice).

Zone 2 ‘Good Local’: Signature dishes from Thailand’s five regions: Sai Ua or Northern Thai curried sausage, Khanom La or Southern Thai silky crepe, spicy mixed salad or Tam Suea from the Northeast (Isan), seafood from the East, and authentic Thai desserts from the Central Region.

Zone 3 ‘Good Organic’: Healthy organic food products from farm to table complemented by workshops for health-conscious people.

Zone 4 ‘Good Fruit’: World’s first ‘Khao Tom Mat: Sai Durian Kati Lava and Sai Mamuang Kati Lava’ (sweet steamed sticky rice with durian/mango coconut ‘lava’ stuffing wrapped in banana leaves). Fruit market and a range of dishes plus the all-you-can-eat fruit buffet.

Zone 5 ‘Good Taste’: Bangkok’s street food showcase with Michelin-recommended stalls such as Ban Yai Phat Thai, Jay Oh and Soul Food Mahanakorn.

Zone 6 ‘Good Idea’: Chic restaurants and handmade handicrafts for home decoration and furnishings, workshops in dyeing clothing and flower arranging.

Zone 7 ‘Good Power’: Over 30 shops under the Pracharat network including the Thai Restaurants Association, Savoey Restaurant and Or Tor Kor Market.

Zone 8 ‘Good Enjoy’: Enjoy demonstrations and cooking workshops with famous Thai chefs plus music performances by famous Thai performers.

The ‘Pattaya International Fireworks Festival 2018’ is returning to this eastern resort after skipping a year in 2017. The event promises to light up Pattaya Beach in colourful high-energy pyrotechnic fashion on Friday and Saturday June 8-9, 2018.

Pattaya City Hall will host this lively and fun-filled event as part of its ongoing efforts to position the famous seaside resort as a world-class tourist destination where both Thais and international visitors can experience ‘a vast choice of attractions and activities’.

As the highlight attraction of the festival, a grand fireworks display on each of the two days will feature international fireworks teams from a number of countries including China, the Philippines and Japan. This fireworks show starts at 20:00 hrs., followed by a live concert with Thai singers. Tasty food treats and other snacks will be available from 17:00 hrs. onward.

For those wanting to watch the fireworks from an elevated vantage point, Pratumnak Hill (Naval Radio Station, Royal Thai Navy 5 Pattaya) is a great option.

For more information, contact:

TAT Pattaya Office

Tel. +66 (0) 3842 7667; +66 (0) 3842 8750; +66 (0) 3842 3990

Email: tatchon@tat.or.th

Each year, this extraordinary running event inspires runners from Thailand and around the world to take part in the 14-km mini-marathon that starts at the HTMS Chakri Naruebet Ship Model in Paknam Lang Suan sub-district. There’s also a 5-kilometre fun run that starts at the Mu 13 village centre in Bang Nam Chuet sub-district.

Both race routes feature a scenic coastal road and conclude with the highlight at the final kilometre – a run through the sea at low tide to the finish line on Pitak Island. The depth of the sea in the final stretch is about 30 cm.

The race courses take advantage of the low tide that occurs every year at Paknam Lang Suan in June, creating a large stretch of sand dune between the shore and the island. Pitak Island itself is a small fishing village, where homestay experiences are also available for visitors seeking to explore local ways of life.

Registration for the 14th LangSuan Mini Marathon 2018 is open on at the Lang Suan District Office. Runners in both categories can also register at the HTMS Chakri Naruebet Ship Model registration point on Saturday, June 16 (13.00-20.00 hrs.), and on the event’s date, June 17 (04.00-06.00 hrs.) at the two starting points. The Mini Marathon starts at 06.19 hrs., while the gun for the Fun Run goes off at 06.39 Hrs.

All runners who take part in the event will receive a souvenir medal while the top ten finishers receive trophies. All runners in fancy costumes will receive special gifts.

Amenities include food and beverage at HTMS Chakri Naruebet Ship Model registration point on Saturday, June 16 from 18.00-20.00 hrs., on Sunday, June 17 at 05.00 hrs. There are also restrooms, first aid, and breakfast at the finishing point on Pithak Island after the race on Sunday, June 17. Food and accommodation are available at the child development centre in Paknam Lang Suan Municipality, Laem Son Health Park (runners are asked to bring their own bedding).

Parking, luggage storage and bus services to the race event from Lang Suan Station are available on June 16 from 10.00 hrs. and HTMS Chakri Naruebet to Mu 13 village centre on June 17, from 04.00 hrs. until the close of the competition.

The 14th LangSuan Mini Marathon 2018 is supported by Lang Suan District Office in cooperation with Chumphon Provincial Administration Office, Bang Nam Chuet District Office, Paknam Lang Suan Municipality, The Village Headman Association, Tourism Authority of Thailand and many other generous sponsors.

For more information, contact:

TAT Chumphon Office

Tel. +66 (0) 7750 1831-2; +66 (0) 7750 2775-6

E-mail: tatchumphon@tat.or.th

The event is known for offering all kinds of seafood fresh off the boat, including fish, shrimp, crab, shellfish, squid and jellyfish, caught during the 12-day festival. There will be more than 100 seafood stalls, local Thai gastronomy demonstrations and local shops serving the fruits of the sea daily from 16.00 – 24.00 hrs.

Seafood is the highlight of the event, but Thai stars and entertainers are also set to shine bright. Live performances by Pinky Savika, Lamyai Hai Thongkam, Maleehuana, Mike Piromporn and others are expected to draw crowds. There are also local art performance and the Miss Samila 2018 Contest which is not to be missed.

The Songkhla Seafood Festival 2018 is hosted by Songkhla City Municipality and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) and others. It intends to promote Thai gastronomy and food tourism in a city famed for the freshest seafood in the Kingdom.

This year, the festival is also positioned as a ‘Food Festival No Alcohol’ and Styrofoam-free event by ThaiHealth, making it both family and eco-friendly.

For information, contact:

TAT Hat Yai Office

Tel: +66 (0) 7423 1055; +66 (0) 7423 8518; +66 (0) 7424 3747

E-mail: tatsgkhl@tat.or.th