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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40022441

Faster immigration queues as Thai airports prepare for high season

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2022

The Transport Ministry said it has taken steps to ease the long queues at key airports as tourists start returning to Thailand.

Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob said on Friday that as a first step the waiting time for passport checks has been reduced from 30 minutes to 15, with immigration officials spending no more than 1 minute per passport. Earlier airport personnel were used to fill in for immigration officers, but as a long-term solution, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered that police officers be trained and placed on standby.

Meanwhile, government spokesperson Traisuree Traisaranakul said though the problem of long waits for arrival stamps has been solved, passengers are still having to wait a long time for their baggage. This, she said, was a long-standing problem as operators reduced their staff numbers during the pandemic and have not reinstated them since.

Saksayam said he will hold a meeting with related personnel next week to find a solution.

He also said he has set up a committee to integrate services at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports as well as a command centre to monitor the situation.

The command centre will coordinate operations between the Airport Department, Airports of Thailand, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand and the Immigration Bureau.

Traisuree said the steps were taken in response to Prayut’s instructions that all airports be prepared for an influx of tourists now that the country is fully open.

Related stories

• Minister threatens to replace THAI baggage handler after Suvarnabhumi delays
• Rebound earns Thai Airways profit of THB3.92 billion in Q3
• Japan and Singapore ‘top tourism destinations for Thai people’

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40022399

Seagulls descend on Don Hoi Lot for first time, prove a tourist magnet

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

Samut Songkhram’s Doi Hot Lot tourist destination has a new attraction this year – a large flock of always-hungry seagulls.

Locals said a flock of hundreds of seagulls arrived at Don Hoi Lot late last month and have become a new magnet for tourists, who are eager to feed them.

This is the first time this year the locals have seen seagulls descending on the area and revitalising tourism after a quiet spell during the Covid-19 crisis.

The birds swoop down on fried chicken and pork skins offered by tourists from 5pm until sunset, the locals said.

For tourists, it is an exciting experience to get close to the seagulls. Many visitors arrive on picnics just to wait to see the birds.

Normally, seagulls travel to breed in the winter at the Bang Pu Recreation Centre in Samut Prakan, another site that draws tourists who head there to feed the birds and capture snapshots.

Don Hoi Lot is a sandbar at the mouth of the Mae Klong River, created by sandy soil sediment, or “Khee Ped Sand” as the locals call it.

It occupies a vast area 3 kilometres wide and 5km long. Tourists love to stop over to buy dried or fresh seafood and dine at seafood restaurants there.

Trader Nopparat, 32, said the flock of seagulls has benefited many groups of people, including foods shops, workers, traders and local fishermen.

“I’m very glad because Don Hoi Lot has been quiet for a long time,” Nopparat said happily.

Suparp Kongraksa, the village headwoman of Moo 4 village in Tambon Bang Chakreng, Samut Songkhram’s Muang district, said she spotted the first group of seagulls late in October.

At first they appeared in a small number but their number kept growing and their presence have attracted crowds of tourists.

She said local people sell fried chicken and pork skins to tourists to feed the seagulls. The birds are expected to stay until April before migrating back to their habitat.

Sarawut Kluaychamnong, mayor of Tambon Bang Chakreng Municipality, said the arrival of seagulls proved the sea at Doi Hoi Lot is fertile with abundant food.

“This is good for Tambon Ban Chakreng. The municipality will assign workers to keep the place tidy and will plan a long-term tourism promotion programme,” Sarawut added.

Experts said the seagulls are brown-headed gulls of the Laridae family. They normally live in areas from Turkmenistan to Mongolia and migrate to Thailand, Indonesia and Australia during the winter to breed. Then migrate back in early May after their chicks can fly.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40022395

Visit Mukdahan’s Ban Phu Village to get a taste of rich cultural attractions

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

Mukdahan has introduced its Ban Phu Village as the province’s first cultural community to promote tourism, the local economy and conservation of folk traditions.

Ban Phu Village in Nong Sung district has been selected by the Culture Ministry as one of ten “Yollwithi Communities” of 2022, under a campaign to introduce cultural attractions in 77 provinces across the country.

Ministry permanent-secretary Yupha Taweewattanakitborvon on Wednesday presided over the opening ceremony of Ban Phu Village as a Yollwithi Community (“yoll” means to see, “withi” means way or path. Together, they can be loosely translated as “to witness folkways”). The ceremony was attended by provincial deputy governor Wutthichai Saowakomut, officials of the Nong Sung district administration office and villagers.

It showcased a traditional dance and drum performance of the Phuthai subculture in the northeastern region, as well as various homemade textile products by villagers.

Yupha said the Yollwithi Communities project aims to promote local culture, traditions, arts and crafts as tourist attractions and to generate income for local communities. By harnessing the power of creative culture as an economic stimulant, the project is in compliance with the government’s BCG economy model, which focuses on sustainable development through the use of bio, “circular” and green economy practices.

Ban Phu Village has various tourism programmes for visitors in this post-Covid era, including tours to cultural buildings, religious establishments, a floating market, museums, learning centres, homes of artists, and art galleries. All tour guides wear traditional clothes made from handwoven fabric.

“Tourists can travel around the village using the bicycle lane, while homestays with meals are also available for those who seek to experience the authentic Ban Phu lifestyle,” said Yupha.

“For the causal tourist, the village also provides a variety of check-in points for taking photos and shops selling traditional souvenirs.”

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40022330

Tourists venturing deep into Thai Buddhism as famed cave temple reopens

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2022

Pilgrims and monks have been seeking enlightenment in the dripping caves of Wat Tham Talot temple for the past 350 years.

Now, the spiritual echoes of that quest are once again reaching tourists as Thailand’s famed temple of the deep South reopens its doors after Covid.

Wat Tham Talot was founded deep in the belly of the mountainside in 1676 during the Ayutthaya period.

Today it serves the Mahayana worshippers of Saba Yoi district, Songkhla, as well as being a tourist destination where nature blends with Buddhism in elemental harmony.

Visitors are confronted at the entrance by the fearsome glare of a green giant.

Thao Wessuwan is one of Thao Chatulokaban, or Four Guardians of the World who protect Buddhism and its spiritual secrets.

Tourists who risk his wrath and venture inside will find a spectacular eight-metre golden reclining Buddha gleaming from the darkness of the main chamber. Nearby sits the centuries-old image of Tuad Yang, a wealthy Malaysian benefactor who furnished the cave with religious treasures.

The temple also drips with geological wonders, as the stalagmites of Tuad Yang, Maha Ut and Khon Tham chambers compete for visitors’ gaze with angels, Garuda and Naga carved from the stone by local craftsmen.

Wat Tham Talot also comes with a rich religious history, befitting its venerable age.

It was one of the places where the body of renowned Thai monk Luang Pu Thuat was placed, 350 years ago, before being enshrined at Wat Rat Buranara (Wat Chang Hai) in Pattani, where he was abbot.

Luang Pu Thuat won renown for the many miracles he is said to have performed. He died in Malaysia on March 6, 1682, but is still revered today in amulets worn by Thais all around the country.

Related stories:

• Boom times at Pattaya International Fireworks Fest this weekend
• TAT adds fireworks shows at two locations to welcome Apec leaders, delegates, tourists
• Tourists flock to Bueng Boraphet to catch a sea of beautiful lotuses

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40022315

Boom times at Pattaya International Fireworks Fest this weekend

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2022

The Pattaya International Fireworks Festival 2022 will illuminate the sky this week in a two-day extravaganza that aims to boost Chonburi’s tourism industry.

Visitors will be treated to spectacular fireworks shows and concerts by Thai artists at Pattaya Central Beach on Friday and Saturday (November 25-26).

Pyrotechnic teams from Belgium, Canada, Malaysia and the Philippines will compete to generate the most “oohs” and “ahs” from spectators.

The show schedule and free car parking locations are as follows:

Friday November 25:

– 7.15pm: Opening ceremony

– 7.30pm: Fireworks from Team Belgium and Team Philippines

– 8.15pm: Concert – Off Pongsak

– 9.15pm: Fireworks from Team Malaysia and Team Canada

– 10pm: Concert – Three Man Down

Saturday November 26:

– 7.30pm: Fireworks by Team Canada and Team Philippines

– 8.15pm: Concert – Rooftop

– 9.15pm: Fireworks from Team Belgium and Team Malaysia

– 10pm: Concert – OG-ANIC & URIUS

Free parking at:

North Pattaya: Terminal 21, Tesco Lotus North Pattaya.

Central Pattaya: Central Pattaya, Mike Shopping Mall, Big C Extra, Royal Garden Plaza.

South Pattaya: Wat Chaimongkol, Muang Pattaya 8 School, Big C South Pattaya, Tesco Lotus South Pattaya, and Bali Hai Pier.

For more information, visit facebook.com/Prpattayacity.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40022171

TAT adds fireworks shows at two locations to welcome Apec leaders, delegates, tourists

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2022

The Tourism Authority of Thailand on Thursday posted an updated schedule of its super attractive “Vijit Chao Phraya” free light shows at six locations along the river in Bangkok to welcome Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) leaders, delegates and tourists.

The updated schedule adds firework shows at two of the six locations from November 19 to 20 and 24 to 27:

Rama VIII Bridge: A light and laser show will welcome Apec leaders and celebrate the country’s reopening. Six shows will be held per day – at 7pm, 7.30pm, 8pm, 8.30pm, 9pm and 9.30pm.

Wichai Prasit Fort: Projection mapping depicts scenes of maritime trade, diplomatic contacts and the country’s defence to tell the story of riverside life from a bygone era to present times. There will be six shows per day – at 7pm, 7.20pm, 8pm, 8.20pm, 9.10pm and 9.30pm. The shows will also feature special effects.

Wat Kalayanamit Worahamawiharn: A cultural show combined with special effects unveils Thailand’s rich culture and wisdom. There are three shows per day – at 7.30pm, 8.30pm and 9.30pm. The shows here will include firework displays.

Phra Phuttha Yodfa Bridge: A light show illuminates the river’s role in the everyday life and one of the main modes of travel for Thais. There will be six shows per day – at 7.10pm, 7.45pm, 8.10pm, 8.45pm, 9.20pm and 9.45pm. At 8.45pm the show will include a fireworks display.

River City Bangkok: Projectors map the global reach of Thai culture through food, film, fashion and festivals. There will be six shows per day – at 7pm, 7.30pm, 8pm, 8.30pm, 9pm and 9.30pm.

IconSiam: Solar-powered lights illuminate the longest multimedia water show in Southeast Asia. There will be four shows per day – at 6.15pm, 7.15pm, 8.15pm and 9.15pm. The shows here will be cut to twice a day on November 26 and 27 – at 6.15pm and 7.15pm.

Those who want to witness the newly added firework shows should head only to these two locations: Wat Kalayanamit at 7.30pm, 8.30pm and 9.30pm and Phra Phuttha Yodfa Bridge at 8.45pm.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40022167

Blue, Purple Line operator organises free tour of temples, palace in Thonburi

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2022

The operator of MRT’s Blue and Purple Line trains will next month run a free tour of historical places around a station on the Thonburi side.

Bangkok Expressway and Metro (BEM) will organise its fifth “Happy Journey with BEM” on December 9.

The trip will take registered MRT users on a tour of temples and King Taksin’s palace in remembrance of King Taksin’s major achievements.

The BEM said the trip would be led by special guest Pramin Kruethong, a historical academic who wrote a book on the ancient Thonburi capital.

Pramin will play the role of special tour guide in helping travellers observe the beauty of the palace, which was built with a mix of Thai and Chinese architecture. The trip would then move on to the Temple of Dawn, which is regarded as the temple of the Thonburi capital. The tour would continue to Wat Hong Rattanaram, with Pramin explaining to the visitors how and why the temple was important during the Thonburi era of King Taksin.

The BEM said the tour would conclude with a special dinner of popular local dishes.

Those who are interested in participating in the free trip can register via the MRT Facebook page or MRT Bangkok Metro from now to the end of the month.

You can also call 02-624-5200 or visit the www.bemplc.co.th website for more information.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40022116

Tourists flock to Bueng Boraphet to catch a sea of beautiful lotuses

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2022

Tourists are descending on popular Bueng Boraphet in Nakhon Sawan to witness the beauty of blossoming pink lotuses covering an area of more than 100 rai amid cool-cold weather in November.

Bueng Boraphet, or Boraphet Marsh, is the largest freshwater swamp and lake in Thailand. It is spread across 200 square kilometres in Nakhon Sawan’s Muang district and is home to more than 200 species of wild animals, birds and plants.

“The lotuses started blossoming since early this month and are expected to fully bloom throughout the swamp areas in early December,” said a staffer at Bueng Boraphet Wildlife Sanctuary Office.

“Lotuses bloom in the morning from 6am to 9.30pm, so tourists are advised to come here early or risk missing a spectacular sight.”

The cold temperatures in the north of Thailand also draw thousands of migratory birds to Bueng Boraphet, making this time of the year a perfect period for birdwatching.

Private tour operators offer boat rides for tourists who want to admire the lotuses and wildlife up close. Prices start from 600 baht per hour for a 12-seater boat.

For inquiries, contact the Bueng Boraphet Wildlife Sanctuary Office via tel 056-009-717.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40022053

Koh Chang sees increased footfall as hotels, resorts woo tourists with discounts

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2022

Many Thai and foreign travellers flocked to Koh Chang in Trat province to avail of the discounts on rooms and foods offered by many hotel and resort operators to attract tourists during the high season.

Trat Tourism Association president Wichit Sukrasuyanon said on Sunday that the number of Thai and foreign visitors in Koh Chang has increased, especially during weekends when Thai tourists visited the island with their families or tour groups.

He said most tourists booked rooms near beaches, especially Aiyapura Resort and Spa, which is near Sai Khao beach, Coconut Beach Resort, near Chai Chet beach, and Chivapuri Resort, near Klong Kloi beach.

“Beaches in Koh Chang Island are crowded with tourists,” he said.

Apart from diving, kayaking and eating fresh seafood, tourists enjoyed fire performance show after sunset, said Coconut Beach Resort director Weerachat Khammeesri.

“Apart from promoting tourism, this show also helps generate income for performers,” he said.

He added that the resort is offering up to 50% discounts on rooms and foods to attract tourists during high season.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40022050

Japan and Singapore ‘top tourism destinations for Thai people’

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2022

Japan and Singapore are the most popular destinations for Thai tourists, Thai Airways International (THAI) revealed.

THAI’s chief of commercials, Korakot Chatasingha, said recently that the advance reservations for the New Year holidays has increased continuously by around 65% on average.

The most popular routes are to Japan with a cabin factor of around 70%.

Currently, the airline operates five routes to Japan:

• Bangkok – Tokyo (Narita Airport) two flights
• Bangkok – Tokyo (Haneda Airport) one flight
• Bangkok – Fukuoka one flight
• Bangkok – Nagoya one flight
• Bangkok – Osaka one flight

The airline is also planning to start a Bangkok – Sapporo route in December in response to tourists’ demand.

Korakot said, “Currently, Japanese routes are well-received by passengers, especially Thai people. After the Japanese government eased Covid prevention measures and allowed more tourists to enter the country, more passengers are interested in these routes, especially flights in winter, which are popular with Thai people.”

He explained that the Japanese government had set a limit for the number of people entering the country from August to September. In the first phase, only 190 seats per day were available and later increased to 600 seats per day.

After the limits were removed, tourism has been active again and the airline is confident that the cabin factor will increase gradually, as it is planning to increase the number of flights to Japan.

He said Singapore is another popular destination because it is a short flight and the country organises events and creates new tourist destinations to welcome them.

The cabin factor for the Singapore route is around 80%, increasing gradually. The airline has increased the number of flights from two flights per day to three, and will increase to four flights in December.

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