This new initiative is to take Thai tourism to another level - The new campaign "Thieo Thai Khreuk Khreun Settakit Thai Kheuk Khuk" aims to give an extra boost to the homeland's tourism industry which will contribute to the nation's economic uplift.
This coincides with the Authority's attempts in achieving 5% growth targeted for the domestic market in 2008.
The campaign was officially launched today at the Offices@CentralWorld located in the heart of Bangkok, with H.E. Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat, Minister of Tourism and Sports presiding over the opening ceremony.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the launching event, Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, unveiled that "As a response to the Royal Thai Government's policy designating the years 2008-2009 as the "Visit Thailand Year", and with a consideration over a boost in the domestic tourism market as a means to minimize the impact from the worldwide economic meltdown, TAT has come up with a new tourism promotional campaign under the concept of "Thieo Thai Khreuk Khreun Settakit Thai Kheuk Khuk" that focuses on encouraging Thai tourists to travel domestically which in turn will help spur Thailand's economy and generate more income to local grassroots".
The campaign, which literally means bustling Thai tourism, burgeoning Thai economy, is designed to offer a greater aspect of domestic tourism values that bring not only enjoyment and broadened life experiences, but also a positive impact on the country's current economic climate, and more importantly, an aspiring pride for Thai citizens in contributing to stimulating the economy.
In a bid to drive awareness and interest among the public towards the campaign, the likes of celebrities Pong Lang Sa On, Lydia, Aum — Amarin Nitipon, Nam Phueng – Nattharika Thammapreedanant and a group of young actors from the movie ‘Dream Team' were present at the launch to entertain and proudly express their commitment as Thai citizens aspiring to contribute to the country's economic boost.
Significantly, spending on tourism will help distribute domestic income across the country, as well as drive the currently slowdown economy effectively, benefiting both Thailand's economic system and overall atmosphere.
The campaign presents hundreds of tourism activities and events compiled under the concept of "Roi Phat Pun Khao Tourism Mission" which serves as a unified channel to offer different tourism products in the same direction. In doing so, TAT hopes the concept will facilitate local visitors in selecting and making a decision on a mission that best suits their interest, with highlights in 5 key missions that are expected to attract major interests of locals including:
Colourful Water – Great Loi Krathong Festival — a mission that aims to promote the Loi Krathong Festival as one of the world events, as well as promote water tourism throughout the month of November. Various festive activities will be held in several parts of the country such as Loi Krathong Festival in Bangkok, Loi Krathong and Candle Festival in Sukhothai, Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai, Loi Krathong Sai Festival in Tak, Loi Krathong in the Ancient City in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya and Royal Celebration Lantern Festival: the Colour of the South in Songkhla.
Visiting 100 I-san Villages — Prompting to promote tourism in Thailand's northeastern region following TAT's Visit I-san Year 2008-2010 roadmap which focuses on cultural tourism in the region, as well as better familiarize visitors with the Northeastern way of life, this campaign presents a selection of 100 traditional I-san villages that have outstanding stories, identities, ways of life, traditions, local products, as well as cultures and significant tourist attractions. This is to add new alternatives of travel attractions for Thai tourists.
Ratchaphreuk Exposition in Honour of His Majesty the King — A great outdoor flora exposition organized in conjunction between TAT and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives with the aim to honour His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej during the period of 116 days, starting from the national Mother's Day to Father's Day. The flora show is also set to mark the official opening of the Royal Ratchaphreuk 2006 Garden.
Running on 1-10 December, 2008, at the Ratchaphreuk Garden in Chiang Mai, this outdoor exposition will stun visitors and the general public with an exquisite showcase of varieties of beautiful, rare exotic plants and flowers. Entertainment and spectacular performances such as musical and traditional dramatic arts shows from Thailand's four regions, country folk music, grand Thai Khon performance and jazz band performing the musical compositions of His Majesty the King will be on show every day from 18.00 – 22.00 hrs.
The Wonders of Suphan Buri — As Suphan Buri is a historically significant destination housing the kingdom's arts and cultural heritage, TAT has taken a further step by rolling out a new campaign to promote tourism in the province. Visitors can enjoy a diversity of interesting attractions in different aspects, from history, arts and culture, and tradition to splendid nature. The campaign also introduces the Dragon Descendants Museum situated at the City Pillar Shrine. The museum was built to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Thailand-China diplomatic relationship back in 1996.
Amazing Fun Golf — Another highlighted mission where tourism meets a popular sport like golf. It aims to promote world-class golf courses in each region across Thailand, as well as beautifully scenic landscapes ideal for golfers, associates and travelling family members. TAT has created routes for connected travel for golfers' families by developing After Par - a handbook recommending tourist attractions, accommodation, as well as restaurants to ensure the most comprehensive travel experience and healthy family relationship.
TAT has also organized the TAT Amazing Fun Gold 2008 tournament, a new style of golf tournament held in six golf courses across the nation, with the last tournament to be taking place at the world-class Santiburi golf course in Chiang Rai on 30 November, 2008. Winners from each of the 6 legs will compete in the grand final at the Alpine Golf and Resort Bangkok in December 2008 to win the big prize of four golf equipment sets from Taylor Made Adidas Golf worth over 400,000 Baht.
To further reinforce its attempts to encourage domestic tourism, TAT has also planned to organize celebrity-oriented travel packages which will inspire a trend among Thais to take travel trips following their celebrity idols. Thai mega superstar Bird – Thongchai McIntire is set to attract family and working tourists, while folk sensation Pong Lang Sa On will match with visitors in the provinces. Other celebrities from various industries will later be invited to join in this campaign.
Mrs. Juthaporn added that TAT expects the "Thieo Thai Khreuk Khreun Settakit Thai Kheuk Khuk" will help push the domestic tourism market forward to meet the growth target of 5%, or 87 million visits which contributes to 388 billion baht in total gross revenue. Moreover, it hopes the campaign will effectively encourage Thai tourists to understand that domestic tourism is a significant and powerful factor driving the country's economy and income distribution among the local communities at the same time.
