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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40022910

TAT’s ‘Travel Now, Free Now’ fair to offer spectacular deals next week

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 09, 2022

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is launching the “Travel Thailand: More Amazing Than Ever” promotion to bolster the domestic tourism industry after the fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic.

As a first step, it is holding the “Travel Now, Free Now” travel fair at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre from December 15-18.

Visitors will get to explore more than 300 stalls set up by hotels, resorts, restaurants and tourist attractions, some offering discounts of up to 70%, TAT deputy governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said on Thursday.

Some highlights are:

• One day trip to Ko He in Phuket, four islands in Krabi or Ko Lipe in Satun starting at 99 baht

• A night in a standard double room at The Chic Lipe, Satun for just 999 baht ++ from the original price of 2,500 baht ++

• A night at Keeree Warin Chiewlarn Resort, Surat Thani, for just 999 baht ++ from the original price of 4,000 baht ++

Every 5,000 baht spent at the fair can also earn visitors an 800-baht voucher (limited to 200 per day and one per person) that can be used at participating hotels, resorts and attractions.

There will also be a golden hour every day from 1pm to 2pm and 4pm to 5pm when people can buy a plane ticket, rent a car, book a room or buy a petrol voucher and get another for free (only at participating stalls).

The event also features concerts and stage performances.

Related Stories

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TAT forecasts Thai tourism slump from Q2 next year

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40022890

THAI resumes Sapporo flights amid increase in travellers to Japan

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 08, 2022

Thai Airways International (THAI) has resumed its flights to Japan’s northern city of Sapporo due to higher demand during the tourist season.

Two daily THAI flights connect Bangkok and Sapporo, the capital of the mountainous northern Japanese island of Hokkaido.
Flight TG670 leaves Bangkok at 11.55pm and arrives in Sapporo at 8.20am the next day (local time). Flight TG671 leaves Sapporo at 10am (local time) and arrives in Bangkok at 3.50pm. The current schedule is valid until April 30 next year.
THAI’s Sapporo flights, which were suspended after the Covid-19 crisis struck, have now become popular among travellers, particularly during the current high tourism season in Japan. The airline reported an average passenger load factor (cabin factor) of 75 per cent for the route.
The national carrier is now flying to six airports in Japan — Tokyo (both Narita and Haneda), Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Sapporo.
 

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40022827

Thailand prepares to welcome 10 millionth foreign tourist this year

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 07, 2022

Thailand expects to welcome its 10 millionth foreign tourist this year on Saturday (December 10) and will hold celebrations at seven airports and two land border checkpoints.

The “Amazing Thailand 10 Million Celebrations” campaign will mark the achievement of the 2022 target for foreign arrivals, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor Yuthasak Supasorn said on Tuesday.

“As of December 5, Thailand had recorded 9.78 million foreign visitors this year. We believe the tally will hit 10 million on December 10,” he said. “TAT has invited partners to join in the campaign to celebrate this achievement and to show Thailand’s readiness to welcome foreign tourists in every part of the country.”

On Saturday, souvenirs will be presented to all arrivals at seven airports – Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, U-Tapao, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi and Samui – as well as two border checkpoints at Nong Khai and Sadao (Songkhla).

There will also be a lucky draw with special prizes at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Yuthasak added.

TAT set the target for foreign visitors as part of its “Visit Thailand Year 2022-2023: Amazing New Chapters” campaign, aimed at reviving tourism after Covid-19 and restoring Thailand’s reputation as a top destination in both short-haul and long-haul markets.

However, Thai tourism revenue this year is projected at 1.3 trillion baht, less than the target of 1.5 trillion baht set at the beginning of 2022. The TAT has set next year’s target at 2.38 trillion baht.

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Domestic tourism flying high, expected to surpass pre-Covid level

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40022773

A historic train ride on Father’s Day

MONDAY, DECEMBER 05, 2022

Steam locomotives from the World War II era embarked on a historic journey from Bangkok to Chachoengsao to celebrate Father’s Day on Monday.

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has organised the special train ride to celebrate HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great’s birthday, which is also National Father’s Day.

Pacific steam locomotives No. 824 and No. 850, built by Japan’s Nippon Sharyo Co, are being used to tow cabins carrying passengers from Hua Lamphong station in Bangkok to Chachoengsao station on this public holiday. The ride began at 8.10am.

Passengers will be given six hours to visit attractions in Chachoengsao province, including Wat Sothon Wararam and Ban Mai OTOP market, before the trains will depart for Bangkok at 4.30pm and arrive at Hua Lamphong at 6.10pm.

Trains will also stop at Makkasan, Klongton and Hua Mark stations in Bangkok for passengers to get on and off.

Tickets are 299 baht for ordinary cabins and 799 baht for air-conditioned cabins – snacks and drinking water included for both.

If you missed the chance to reserve a ticket for the Father’s Day’s ride, there are four other holidays when SRT provides steam locomotive rides on different routes:

• March 26, SRT’s Foundation Day; Bangkok-Ayutthaya

• June 3, HM Queen Suthida’s birthday; Bangkok-Nakhon Pathom

• July 28, HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s birthday; Bangkok-Ayutthaya

• August 12, HM Queen Sirikit’s birthday and National Mother’s Day; Bangkok-Chachoengsao

• October 23, HM King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day; Bangkok-Ayutthaya

For more information, contact SRT call centre at 1690 or visit www.railway.co.th, facebook.com/pr.railway

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SRT to mark His Majesty’s birthday with special trips on WWII steam locomotives

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40022765

Visitors sleep in cars as ‘Switzerland of Thailand’ overflows during chilly long weekend

MONDAY, DECEMBER 05, 2022

Hotels overflowed and visitors slept in their cars as tourists flocked to the “Switzerland of Thailand” for the National Father’s Day long weekend on Sunday.

Pang Ung Lake in Mae Hong Son province is home to the Pang Tong Royal Development Project, which was initiated by the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, whose birthday is celebrated as Father’s Day.

Tourists were reportedly forced to camp or sleep in their cars as temperatures sank to a chilly 17 degrees Celsius at Pang Ung Lake on Sunday. Hotel rooms in the area were mostly booked up.

A popular spot was the scenic Ban Ruam Thai village on Pang Ung Lake, a testament to King Bhumibol’s success in getting locals to switch from opium cultivation to growing fruits and vegetables.

Panudet Chaisakul, chairman of Mae Hong Son Tourism Business Association, said visitors were basking in cold weather and the sea of fog that blankets seven districts in the morning.

He also urged tourists to experience another famous attraction in this area – the 4,088 curves and spectacular sights on roads 1095 and 108 between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son. Visitors who conquer the so-called “Dragon Route” can also get a certificate as a souvenir, he added.

Another beacon for tourists in Mae Hong Son is the bright yellow hills of Khun Yuam district, where wild marigolds (dok bua tong) bloom at this time of year.

The district’s Thung Bua Thong Forest Park has already seen more than 80,000 visitors over the past month, said its chief Manoch Kingmuang.

Related stories:

• Tour of innovative public lavatories held in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo
• Why travel alone?
• Recovering passenger traffic boosts AOT’s expectations of net profit in Q1

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40022636

Bangkok’s biggest floral fair bursts into bloom at Rama IX park

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 01, 2022

Bangkok’s largest green space explodes into colour from today as Rama IX (Suan Luang) Park lights the fuse on its annual flower show.

The winter fair known as “Phanmai Ngam Aram Suan Luang Ror Kao” (Beautiful Flora at Suan Luang Rama IX Park) is back after Covid-19, running daily, 8am to 7pm, until December 10.

This year’s highlights include displays of rare lotuses and tulips, music performances, traditional shows, firework displays, exhibitions, and booths selling handicrafts and traditional snacks.

Fireworks shows to mark the opening and closing of the festival will be held tonight and on December 10 at 7pm.

Among the musical treats are performances by the Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy, and Royal Thai Police bands, shows by Surasak Montri School’s award-winning marching band, and a performance by Kasetsart University musicians.

For spectacular sights of tulips and other winter flowers, check out the “PTT in Wonderland” display at Gate 4. Meanwhile gardeners will want to dig into the market for plant and gardening tools at Gate 6. Here, you will also find beautiful specimens vying for prizes in the plant contest.

Ratchamongkol Hall in the heart of the park is holding exhibitions and performances to showcase Thai arts and craftsmanship, as well as the royal projects of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great (Rama IX).

The park can be reached via public buses Nos 40, 133, 145, 206, 207, 145, 206 and aircon bus No 15. Skytrain users can take a free shuttle bus from BTS On Nut and Udom Suk stations to Central Bangna, where public vans connect to the park.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40022602

TAT forecasts Thai tourism slump from Q2 next year

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2022

Thai tourism will likely be challenged by recession, inflation, the cost-of-living crisis and rising travel expenses from the second quarter next year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said on Tuesday.

The industry will also be squeezed by the arrival of low season in March and the decline in travel demand after the Covid-19 pandemic, TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said.

“These issues pose challenges to our tourism marketing as Thailand has to compete with countries that have reopened to tourists,” he said.

The TAT aims to attract 20 million foreign arrivals next year to generate 2.38 trillion baht in tourism revenue, or 80% of the 3-trillion-baht revenue in 2019.

Yuthasak said the TAT will ramp up its tourism marketing and road shows in countries around the world.

Meanwhile, the number of flights to Thailand will recover to 80% of 2019 levels.

“Airlines will target a passenger transport rate of 80%,” he said, adding that TAT aims to boost that level to 90%.

It will also launch campaigns to promote seasonal tourist attractions all over Thailand.

Yuthasak expects the return of Chinese and Russian tourists to boost arrivals beyond 20 million next year.

The private sector expects the Chinese government to allow its citizens to travel abroad in March next year, he added.

President Xi Jinping’s remark at the recent Apec summit that China and Thailand are relatives and ready to promote tourism exchanges was well publicised in China and should encourage Chinese tourists to visit the Kingdom, said the TAT chief.

Meanwhile, Russian airlines had recently restored direct Russia-Thailand flights, he added.

Yuthasak said he expects foreign arrivals in December to hit 10 million, as the first high season after the Covid pandemic kicks off.

He forecast tourism revenue of 1.33 trillion baht for the whole of this year, lower than the target of 1.5 trillion baht. He said 731.77 billion baht of this year’s revenue would come from Thai tourists and 600 billion baht from foreign tourists.

He added that Thailand could still hit the 1.5 trillion target if foreign tourists stay longer and spend more cash in the remainder of this year.

Related stories:

• Popularity of Red tourism jumps among Chinese youth
• Phuket medical tourism hub at stake when host of ‘Specialised Expo’ picked Monday
• DEPA develops B2B platform for Thai tourism

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40022514

River Kwai Bridge lights up to tell its tragic history

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2022

The River Kwai Bridge Week and the 10-day Red Cross Fair should bring about 40 million baht in revenue to Kanchanaburi, governor Thossaphol Chaikomin said on Sunday.

The 10-day annual fair kicked off on Saturday and will wrap up on December 5.

The River Kwai Bridge Week was first launched in 1980 in memory of the brave Thai soldiers who helped rescue World War II prisoners held captive by the Japanese army and forced to build the bridge over the River Kwai.

Some 250,000 Southeast Asian civilians and over 60,000 Allied prisoners of war were subjected to forced labour, which claimed some 90,000 civilian lives and killed more than 12,000 Allied soldiers.

The history attached to the bridge inspired Pierre Boulle’s 1952 novel “The Bridge on the River Kwai” and a film of the same name in 1957.

The highlight of the event is a 40-minute light and sound show telling the history of its construction and how World War II ravaged the Southeast Asian region. The show starts at 7pm daily.

The adjoining Red Cross Fair features more than 400 booths showcasing OTOP goods, raffle draws and games. All earnings will be spent on underprivileged and disabled people.

The fair will also have a theme park and free concerts by popular singers. Admission is free.

Thossaphol said the festival should generate at least 40 million baht during the festival as people have started travelling more now that Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted. The event was suspended last year due to the pandemic.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40022505

Koh Samui welcomes its first European cruise ship in 3 years

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2022

Thailand welcomed its first cruise ship in three years with 636 passengers disembarking at Koh Samui’s Na Thon Pier on Sunday.

The tourists were met with much fanfare, activities and performances organised by the locals.

Also waiting to welcome them were Vice Adm Charaskiart Chaiyaphan, commander of the Thai Maritime Enforcement Commander Centre’s Naval Area 2, Koh Samui district chief Chayapol Intarasupha and Supakarn Yodchoon, director of the Koh Samui Tourism Office.

Local police officers were also at hand to provide protection.

The MV Viking is the first European cruise ship to arrive in Thailand since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out three years ago, Supakarn said. She added that more cruise ships can be expected to dock at Koh Samui from December to early next year.

She also said that the tourism industry in popular islands like Koh Samui, Koh Pha-ngan and Koh Tao has started picking up.

She added that the number of foreign tourists visiting Koh Tao is very close to the numbers in 2019, while Koh Samui and Koh Pha-ngan are at 60% of pre-Covid levels.

The MV Viking Mars, which also has 470 crew members, departed from Athens, Greece on October 25 and stopped off in Israel, Egypt, Jordon, Oman, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Singapore before docking on the resort island of Koh Samui.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40022498

Lop Buri serves up a massive feast for its macaque population

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2022

It’s that time of the year again when Lop Buri’s long-tailed macaques are served up a huge banquet of fruits and traditional Thai sweets to feast on.

Like every year, Lop Buri’s administration and tourism association threw a party for the monkey population on Sunday outside their favourite hangout – the ancient temple of Phra Prang Sam Yod.

The event was opened by Lop Buri’s deputy governor Wachira Ketphan and chair of the Lop Buri Tourism Association Yongyut Kijwatanansuson.

This year’s banquet followed the concept of “monkeys throwing a party for monkeys”, with monkey statues surrounding a large table piled high with treats.

The organiser said the monkey statues were also placed to keep onlookers away from the feasting monkeys.

Hundreds of long-tailed macaques live in the compound of the ancient temple, while a large herd of their rivals also live on rooftops across the road. The rival gang was given their feast separately to prevent a clash.

This annual monkey banquet has become popular among both local and foreign tourists.