A Boat That Floats on Story and Spirit

Gliding elegantly along the Mae Ping River, cradled in the sounds of live traditional music, the Dibba Yana Chitta—or “Heavenly Boat” — is one of northern Thailand’s most spectacular vessels. Designed by Ajarn Chalermchai Kositpipat, famed for Chiang Rai’s White Temple, the boat’s figurehead is hand-carved into a mythical creature representing the passage of humans along the river to heaven—an expression of the artist’s lifelong devotion to preserving Thai identity through visual storytelling. With just 18 seats, this exclusive cruise blends sacred artistry with fine Thai dining. Each season, a new tasting menu is curated by leading Michelin-starred chefs, beginning with Chef Piyachart “Boy” Phudtawong of Saneh Jaan. Operated by Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, the experience is an immersion in culture — a passage through Chiang Mai’s artistic, spiritual, and culinary heritage.

The Wisdom of Trees: Chiang Mai’s Natural Archive

Spanning 12 lush acres in Chiang Mai’s San Phi Suea Subdistrict, Changthong Heritage Park is more than a garden—it’s a living archive of Thailand’s rare and historic green heritage. Visitors explore serene waterfalls, shaded woodlands, and a pioneering landscape that blends moss-filled paths with sustainable design, where century-old trees continue to thrive. The park is the vision of Boonrak Thanacharoenroj, a leading landscape designer with over 30 years of experience in transplanting and curating Thailand’s grandest trees. Under his stewardship, the park has become a sanctuary for more than 400 rare plant species — many native to Northern Thailand.

Changthong Heritage Park invites families, students, and nature enthusiasts alike to engage with Thailand’s botanical heritage — rooted in history and growing toward a sustainable future.

Ban Kang Wat: A Sanctuary for Handmade Stories

Nestled against the slopes of Doi Suthep near Chiang Mai, Ban Kang Wat is a lively artist village where every doorway reveals a craft in motion. Artists display their work in colourful showrooms and craft markets, while workshops invite visitors to explore ceramics, accessories and jewellery, watercolour, woodcut printing, papermâché, and more. Within a vibrant space, Note A Book invites guests to try their hand at journal-making, with local bookmakers guiding them through choosing cover materials, hand-binding pages, stitching patterns, and adding personal touches like hand-lettered titles.

A gentle reminder from the workshop: “When you read, you’re reading the writer’s heart—but when you write, you’re reading your own.”

Wisdom and Wellness Experience

Located in the Tai Khern community of San Kamphaeng District, Sahrey Chanta offers visitors a meaningful connection to nature and Northern Thailand’s cultural heritage. Guests can enjoy the healing power of food with a variety of nourishing dishes, cold-pressed juices, kombucha, and organic teas—including locally grown Assam tea and fragrant rose tea. The space also offers workshops and sessions as part of the experience, such as flower tea blending, yoga, and therapeutic massages. On-site shops offer a curated selection of spa and organic wellness products.

A homestay programme invites deeper engagement with the local community, offering a slower, more reflective pace of life. Sahrey Chanta was founded by Chiang Mai natives and siblings, Jumpol and Anchan Chaiwong, who were inspired to give back to and nurture their hometown.

The post How Chiang Mai people keep heritage alive appeared first on TTR Weekly.

The three-day Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2025 concludes today, 6 June, having succeeded in delivering a carbon-neutral event championing meaningful travel through Thailand’s ‘Five Must-Do’ experiences and celebrating Lanna’s heritage.

“TTM+ 2025 signals a new chapter for Thai tourism,” said Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong. “It’s a launchpad for sustainable ideas, a global marketplace for local businesses, and a powerful showcase of Thailand’s cultural depth and creative potential.”

He added: “TTM+ is instrumental in reshaping Thailand’s tourism supply chain for greater efficiency and competitiveness. By raising service standards and highlighting authentic experiences, the event delivers measurable economic value. Its global media reach strengthens Thailand’s image and supports the recovery of international tourism in 2025.”

Now in its 22^nd edition, TTM+ 2025 features a programme blending business, culture, and innovation. It opens with curated Pre-Tours, the Thailand Product Update, and the TTM Talk. Delegates then participated in business appointments, networking lunches, and cultural experiences, including the signature “Chiang Mai Night”. The event concludes this evening, 6 June, with a business networking Happy Hour to foster deeper international partnerships.

TTM Talk returned under the theme “The Soul of Thailand: 3F Essentials,” spotlighting the cultural foundations of Thai soft power — Flavours, Fulfilment, and Fabrics. 

This year, the event welcomed 406 international buyers from key markets, including Europe, East Asia, Southeast Asia, the Americas, and Australia — as well as emerging regions like Eastern Europe, the Middle East, South America, and Southern Africa. 

TTM gained a substantial influx of 143 first-time buyers, accounting for 35.27% of the total attendees. Leading countries represented include China, Thailand, India, the UK, Australia, Hong Kong, Italy, Spain, and South Korea. Buyers range from outbound tour operators and travel agents to online travel agencies (OTAs), private travel designers, and airline representatives, all selected for their readiness to promote Thailand in diverse markets.

On the supply side, the event featured 450 Thai tourism operators — up 4.65% from 2024 — and included 50 winners of the Thailand Tourism Awards, as well as 30 representatives from hidden-gem cities. Of these, 119 are new participants, while 331 have previously joined the event. Among them, 134 sellers are certified under TAT’s STAR programme for sustainable tourism and 51 under the CF Hotels initiative. 

Exhibitors spanned primary and emerging destinations and are organised by sector, including accommodations, health and wellness, attractions, travel services, and transportation.

To promote regional cooperation, TAT has invited National Tourist Organisations (NTOs) from the Greater Mekong Subregion, Southeast Asia, and selected provinces in China — expanding strategic tourism partnerships across the region. The event also welcomed 111 media from Thailand and overseas.

TAT expects TTM+ 2025 to generate over 13,000 scheduled business appointments and more than THB4.29 billion in tourism revenue. Beyond commercial outcomes, the event aims to leave a meaningful impact—on people, the planet, and the future of Thai tourism.

“TTM+ 2025 sparks momentum across the tourism ecosystem,” said TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool. “It connects opportunity with action — driving revenue, expanding networks, and empowering Thai SMEs with the skills and exposure they need to thrive on the regional and global stage.”

Sustainability remains the cornerstone of the annual TTM+, with the Chiang Mai edition officially recognised as a Carbon-Neutral Event. 

With support from the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), the event measures and offset its emissions. In collaboration with Central Tham and Recycle Day, waste was sorted, recycled, or donated — with surplus food and materials provided to local communities. Bamboo installations and event furniture will be repurposed for schools or used sustainably. 

In addition, 110 hotels featured at the event operate under the Carbon Footprint Hotels (CF-Hotels) platform, ensuring transparency and accountability — demonstrating Thailand’s leadership in green tourism practices.

The post TTM+ wins carbon-neutral status appeared first on TTR Weekly.

TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications Nithee Seeprae outlined the country’s tourism strategy, product developments, and a firm commitment to a sustainable, high-value future during the session.

“Thailand’s tourism direction for 2025 is clear—we’re creating high-value experiences rooted in culture, wellness, and sustainability,” said Nithee. “This is not just about growth in numbers, but about enriching every journey and ensuring tourism benefits both visitors and local communities.”

In line with the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025, the government has introduced new measures to enhance the visitor experience, including relaxed alcohol regulations and a streamlined online Digital Arrival Card. A broader range of immersive tourism products is also being developed to encourage longer stays and deeper cultural engagement.

The product update highlighted a strong focus on wellness tourism, particularly experiences inspired by Lanna heritage. Visitors can engage all five senses through traditional treatments: Tok Sen massage, herbal aroma therapies, and locally sourced wellness cuisine that reflects regional identity.

TAT’s wellness and medical tourism strategy also spotlights regional strengths. In Northern Thailand, yoga, folk dance, and Lanna-inspired spa treatments are available at destinations such as Fah Lanna Spa and ZiRa Spa. 

The central region combines traditional and integrative therapies at The Soul in Saraburi and ChivaRak Wellness in Phetchaburi. Along the Gulf of Thailand, spas such as MASON and SPA Cenvaree blend tropical serenity with time-honoured Thai healing.

Gastronomy remains a pillar of Thailand’s tourism identity. The Michelin Guide Thailand 2025 features over 400 listings, including 50 in Chiang Mai. Sorn has become the country’s first restaurant to earn three Michelin stars. Under the “Wellness on a Plate” initiative, Thai cuisine now merges health, sustainability, and local ingredients—exemplified by venues like Blackitch in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai continues to cement its role as a leading cultural and sustainable destination. The upcoming Lannatique by AWC, launching later this year, will offer a new lifestyle experience combining art, culture, gastronomy, and eco-conscious design. Also launching in November, the Blue Jasmine Rail Journey will offer a nine-day luxury route from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, with curated cultural and culinary stops across five provinces.

Thailand’s national green agenda is gaining ground. Sixteen destinations are now part of the Green Destinations framework, with Nan Old Town earning Asia’s only Gold Award this year. TAT also introduced the Krabi Prototype — a scalable model for low-carbon, community-based tourism. Initiatives in Ko Ngai and Thung Yee Peng villages exemplify how conservation and tourism can work in harmony.

To maintain safety and traveller confidence, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports continues to strengthen emergency response systems and implement robust safety protocols across the country’s tourism infrastructure.

A dynamic calendar of cultural and tourism events will drive year-round engagement. Highlights include nationwide Pride Month celebrations, the Phi Ta Khon Festival in Loei, and international music festivals such as Summer Sonic Bangkok, Rolling Loud Thailand in Pattaya, and Wonderfruit in Chon Buri. Traditional celebrations like the Phuket Vegetarian Festival and the Festival of Lights — featuring Loi Krathong and Vijitr Chao Phraya — will lead into the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2026.

Sports tourism also plays a significant role in Thailand’s soft power strategy. Key events include the ONE Championship Muay Thai series, the FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship, the Amazing Thailand Marathon in Bangkok, and the 33rd SEA Games, which will proudly host in December.

This year’s TTM+ 2025 welcomed 406 international buyers — 35.27% of whom were first-time participants — and 450 seller booths, including 50 Thailand Tourism Awards winners and 30 exhibitors from hidden-gem cities. The event is expected to generate over 13,000 business appointments and approximately THB4.2 billion in tourism revenue. 

Thailand has welcomed over 14 million international visitors so far this year. The top source markets are China, Malaysia, India, Russia, and South Korea. 

The post TTM+: TAT unveils high-value experiences appeared first on TTR Weekly.

The digital guidebook targets environmentally conscious travellers and kicks off with two popular train routes: Bangkok to Phetchaburi and Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Last week, the initiative was introduced at a KTC Touch event in Bangkok, supported by strategic partners including KTC, Netflix, and Airbnb, to promote sustainable travel and enrich Thailand’s tourism landscape.

TAT’s Director of Tourism Products, Eurblarpo Sriphirom, emphasised that train travel aligns with TAT’s sustainable tourism goals. With over 120 years of history in Thailand, rail travel produces lower carbon emissions than cars or planes, providing an eco-friendly and culturally rich travel experience. 

The E-Guidebook #MyRailJourney offers a comprehensive planning tool for travellers to map their journey. It includes train schedules, travel times, and recommended equipment for activities along the way. The guide encourages “slow travel,” allowing tourists to enjoy scenic routes and connect more deeply with destinations.

Adding to the project’s reach, KTC World Travel Service (KTC) actively promotes responsible tourism products like train tickets and electric vehicle rentals. KTC head Patthira Ananchotiphat said the travel company aims to elevate travellers’ experiences by supporting local businesses and promoting lesser-known communities.

Interested travellers can now download the E-Guidebook #MyRailJourney at https://tourismproduct.tourismthailand.org/2024/10/23/rail-journey or contact the TAT hotline at 1672 Travel Buddy for more information. The guidebook is only available in Thai language.

The post Travel by train in Thailand appeared first on TTR Weekly.

It’s part of a broader initiative to grow Thailand’s appeal as a premier destination for international tourists during the Thailand Grand Tourism Year 2025.

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool commented: “TAT is committed to advancing our tourism marketing efforts through a 360-degree partnership approach, integrating all sectors both domestically and internationally. This MOU with Visa represents a collaborative effort to enhance tourism through financial innovation, enabling visitors to travel and manage their financial transactions seamlessly.”

Using Visa’s data analytics, TAT aims to develop targeted tourism campaigns and significantly expand digital payment acceptance points, ensuring greater convenience in tourists’ spending. 

TAT is confident that this collaboration with Visa will be crucial in boosting tourism capacity and increasing spending among international visitors, particularly from 23 key markets, which account for over 80% of total foreign arrivals and revenue.

Visa Thailand Country Manager Punnamas Vichitkulwongsa added: “We are excited to deepen our valued partnership with TAT, leveraging our global expertise in payments innovation and data analytics. As global travel surges, international visitors increasingly demand a seamless, cashless payment experience akin to those in their home countries. This collaboration bolsters local businesses, unlocks new opportunities for tourism stakeholders, and drives sustainable economic growth for Thailand. 

Standouts in the TAT-Visa partnership

The MOU establishes a collaborative framework focused on four main initiatives:

Strategic Marketing Programmes: TAT and Visa will collaborate on implementing the “Five Musts” programme, which includes Must Taste, Must Try, Must Buy, Must Seek, and Must See. This programme will showcase Thailand’s top restaurants, attractions, and unique experiences to enhance tourist engagement and satisfaction.

Visa Expansion and STAR Project: The partnership aims to expand Visa’s acceptance in key provinces to improve the tourism infrastructure. This initiative will offer tourists a convenient and secure payment experience, fostering local business support and community development.

Collaborative Communication and Campaigns: Through co-promoted campaigns, TAT and Visa will join forces to boost awareness and attract global tourists.

Data Analytics and Consulting: Visa’s data analytics capabilities will be crucial in shaping tourism campaigns such as the Winter Sale, Summer Sale, and Thailand Grand Sale. By analysing spending patterns, both organisations aim to refine marketing strategies and drive tourist engagement throughout the year.

This TAT-Visa partnership underscores shared commitment between both partners to redefining Thailand’s tourism landscape through innovation, enhancing the kingdom’s position as a world-class travel destination.

For more information on destination Thailand, head to the website: https://www.tourismthailand.org/home

The post TAT Visa partnership for Thailand tourism appeared first on TTR Weekly.

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool commented: “We are honoured that Bangkok has been included in National Geographic’s much-anticipated annual list of awe-inspiring destinations. Bangkok’s inclusion reflects its vibrant atmosphere, world-renowned street food, majestic temples, and bustling markets, making it a unique city for visitors seeking adventure and relaxation.”

This accolade joins numerous awards Thailand has received over the years, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a leading global travel destination.

According to National Geographic, following a rigorous nomination, research, and reporting process, Bangkok was selected as one of the Best of the World 2025 by National Geographic’s travel experts and Nat Geo Traveller’s international editorial teams.

In its official announcement at NatGeo.com/BestOfTheWorld, titled “The 25 Best Places in the World to Travel to in 2025,” which went public on 22 October 2024, National Geographic highlighted Bangkok as a must-visit destination to “explore a temple reborn.”

The feature praised Bangkok as “an intoxicating blend of old and new,” where glittering skyscrapers intermingle with luxury shopping malls. The city is also lauded for its growing status as an art and design hotspot, with cultural events like the Bangkok Art Biennale and the Bangkok International Film Festival, particularly in the Bang Rak neighbourhood.

National Geographic also emphasised Bangkok’s significance as a gateway to Thailand’s rich cultural heritage, drawing attention to Wat Chaiwatthanaram, a 17th-century Buddhist temple just outside the city. Located in Ayutthaya and described as one of Thailand’s most important monuments, the temple has been undergoing extensive restoration after suffering damage from flooding in 2011. Recent efforts, including 3D laser scanning and constructing a flood wall, aim to preserve the temple and transform it into an educational site highlighting Thailand’s cultural heritage.

(Source: TAT)

The post Bangkok on Best of the World List appeared first on TTR Weekly.

The festival is a vital calendar event for those of Chinese ancestry but also appeals to a broader audience interested in adopting a healthy vegetarian diet. 

For those not engaged in spiritual rituals, the festival offers a chance to enjoy traditional and fusion vegetarian dishes. Additionally, it promotes sustainability by reducing the environmental impact of livestock farming, boosting demand for locally sourced ingredients, and fostering community engagement.

The festival is an annual tradition introduced by Chinese immigrants and is now one of Thailand’s most popular festivals. One legend goes back 400 years to China during the Manchu invasion, where followers dressed in white and abstained from meat to strengthen their resolve to resist the Manchus. Another legend connects the festival to the Taoist worship of the Nine Emperor Gods, observed from the first to the ninth day of the waxing moon in the ninth lunar month. During this time, participants avoid meat to purify both body and mind.

Today, the festival is celebrated in Thai Chinese communities across various provinces, with notable festivities in Bangkok’s Yaowarat  (Chinatown) and Phuket Island. Other provinces, such as Nakhon Sawan, Ranong, Songkhla, Chumphon, Narathiwat, and Phang Nga, also hold ceremonies at different shrines. This year, the festival will convene daily from 2 or 3 October to 11 October, depending on the venue.

Bangkok Vegetarian Festival: A Celebration of Community and Vegetarian Cuisine in Yaowarat.

In Bangkok, this year’s Vegetarian Festival at Yaowarat in Samphanthawong district will be held for 10 days, from 2 to 11 October, in honour of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua on the occasion of His Majesty’s sixth-cycle, or 72nd, birthday anniversary. The festival is a community-driven event that promotes health, mental strength, and family bonding, aligning with the city’s policy of fostering community activities and preserving cultural traditions for future generations.

Highlights of the event include processions to summon deities, an official opening ceremony on 3 October featuring the distribution of 1,110 dishes of auspicious fried noodles prepared by the Yaowarat Master Chefs, and a parade showcasing vibrant lion and dragon dances. Attendees can also enjoy a diverse array of delectable vegetarian dishes from over 100 vendors.

Exploring Cultural Richness and Rituals at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival will convene from 3 to 11 October at various districts throughout the island. Known as ‘Jia Chai,’ this festival was recognised by the Ministry of Culture as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2018, classified under Social Practice, Ritual, Tradition, and Festival of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The festival sees more than 40 shrines hosting traditional rituals, including the Kathu Shrine, Jui Tui Shrine, Bang Niew Shrine, Tha Ruea Shrine, and Sapam Shrine. Beyond observing a vegetarian diet to purify the body and mind, festival highlights include street processions to summon deities, ceremonial bridge-crossing, fire-walking rituals, and farewell ceremonies. With around 40,000 participants, the performance of these sacred rituals showcases Phuket’s cultural heritage and local identity, bringing the festival into the global spotlight.

Those travelling to Phuket during the festival can savour various vegetarian dishes, from famous street food vendors to Michelin-starred establishments. Vegetarian versions of Phuket’s local dishes, such as Loba Jeh, Hokkien Mee, Oh Tao Jeh, Mee Hoon Gaeng Pu Jeh, and Pad Sataw Jeh, are among the must-try dishes.

Connecting Tradition and Sustainability

Thailand’s Vegetarian Festival goes beyond a religious observance to purify the body and mind. Participating in the festival also connects with sustainability in several ways. During the nine-day event, participants adopt plant-based meals, reducing meat consumption and the environmental impact of livestock farming. The festival boosts demand for locally sourced produce, supporting farmers and lowering the carbon footprint from long-distance transport. It also preserves traditional practices passed down through generations while fostering a strong sense of community. Additionally, waste management is a focus, with the Phuket Vegetarian Festival recycling organic and plastic waste. Lanterns, flags, and decorations are reused, and participants reduce single-use plastics and embrace eco-friendly practices.

The post A Cultural Feast: Thailand’s annual Vegetarian Festival  appeared first on TTR Weekly.

Presenting Thailand and China at the evening event included, Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Wu Zhiwu, Minister at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Kingdom of Thailand, and Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

The event featured impressive cultural shows celebrating Thailand-China cultural ties, a much-hyped appearance by famous Chinese actor Luo Yunxi, and special performances by popular Thai stars DaOu Pittaya Sae-chow and Mai Davika Hoorne.

Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said “Stimulating the international market is one of the key approaches to reviving tourism revenue, particularly the Chinese tourist market. Today’s event celebrates the time-honoured tradition of the Mid-Autumn Festival and strengthens cultural and tourism ties between Thailand and China. The event will indeed help pave the way for mutually beneficial tourism cooperation between two countries in the next decade and beyond.”

Mr. Wu Zhiwu, Minister at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Kingdom of Thailand, said “The Mid-Autumn Festival symbolises people coming together. The joint organisation of the “Amazing Thailand, Mid-Autumn Night” event between China and Thailand allows both nations to celebrate together as one close and warm family. This reflects the long-standing close relationship between the people of both countries.”

The “Amazing Thailand, Mid-Autumn Night” marked a grand welcome for 102 Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) from China to experience Thailand’s charms and ‘Five Must-Do’ activities in tailor-made routes up and down the kingdom. Also enjoying the special evening were 520 lucky winners from TAT’s social media activity.

Chinese heartthrob Luo Yunxi, much to the delight of the audience, made a special appearance and joined a mooncake-making session with Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, and Chef Chumpol Jangprai, Thailand Iron Chef. The multi-talented actor also shared his views on Thai tourism in a special talk with the TAT Governor.

Two of Thailand’s popular stars, DaOu Pittaya Sae-chow and Mai Davika Hoorne, also wowed the audience with dazzling performances. Adding to the fun atmosphere were Chinese cultural workshops, including Chinese paper lanterns, DIY crafts, and calligraphy, as well as Thai crafts workshops on weaving, traditional jewellery, and Thai herbal inhalers.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said “Through content shared with followers of the participating KOLs via various online platforms in China, we hope the special activities at the “Amazing Thailand, Mid-Autumn Night” will further promote Thailand as a cultural tourism destination for Chinese tourists.”

The “Amazing Thailand, Mid-Autumn Night” event formed part of a series of special events and promotions scheduled between this month and the next leading up to the year-long celebration to mark the 50th Anniversary of Thailand-China relations in 2025.

Other activities include various joint promotions between TAT and China’s leading travel platforms between this month and December, the Chinese Passport Special Deals from now until the end of next month, and two Thailand-China friendship caravan trips scheduled between this month and the next.

TAT has set a target for the Nihao Month festival to materialise into 250,000 arrivals from China during the upcoming Golden Week. Special events and promotions would help generate about 500 million reaches and further enhance the positive image of Thailand as the preferred destination for Chinese tourists.

From 1 January to 8 September 2024, Thailand welcomed 4,895,707 tourists from China, maintaining its position as the country’s top source of international visitors. This success is bolstered by a significant increase in flight capacity, with 8,588,274 seats available in 2024 – a 65% jump from the previous year, and the mutual visa exemption policy by the two countries.

Along with other key supporting factors such as the growth of new high-quality tourist groups, and TAT’s promotional activities like the “Amazing Thailand Road Show to China, Thailand is optimistic about reaching its ambitious target of 7.3 million Chinese visitors in 2024.

The post Amazing Thailand lights up Nihao Month appeared first on TTR Weekly.

TAT Jakarta Office director Sirinard Chatsupakul said: “The Amazing Thailand Road Show to Indonesia 2024 is an important business-to-business marketplace for TAT and Thai tourism suppliers to meet with our Indonesian tourism partners. The event showcased a multitude of exceptional travel experiences in Thailand and encouraged Indonesians to travel to more destinations up and down the kingdom.”

The roadshow began on 17 September in Medan and travelled to Jakarta the following day, concluding in Bali on Friday, 20 September.

A Thai delegation of 18 tourism suppliers covering hotels, airlines, local tour operators, attractions, and golf courses joined the roadshow. They met more than 100 Indonesian travel agents from the three cities for B2B networking sessions, a Thailand product update and a banquet with lucky draws.

The programme presented TAT’s “Amazing Thailand: Your Stories Never End” marketing communication theme, underscoring the concept of ‘Five-Must Do’ experiences in Thailand.  

These include Must Taste – savour the iconic and diverse flavours of Thai cuisine; Must Try – engage with the traditional culture and local experiences; Must Buy – discover unique Thai Fashion and locally crafted products; Must Seek – explore Thailand’s new and hidden gems destinations; and Must See – experience the energy of Thailand through its festivals.

The presentations covered destinations and routings carefully selected for the Indonesian market by the TAT and tourism partners. They included Bangkok and Beyond, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Phang-Nga, Krabi, Hat Yai and its surrounding areas, and Ko Samui.

The Indonesian market to Thailand has shown promising growth over the past year. In 2023, the number of Indonesian tourists to Thailand totalled 760,938. In the first eight months of 2024, the number reached 570,386, and by the end of the year, it is expected to hit the 900,000-mark.

The expectation is based on TAT’s proactive marketing activities in the market and favourable factors, including Indonesia’s robust economy, which has driven strong demand for outbound travel among Indonesians and the rebound of air connections between Thailand and Indonesia.

The post TAT travels to Indonesia for roadshow appeared first on TTR Weekly.

According to the TAT press statement, the event formed part of the “Ignite Thailand’s Tourism” vision to “elevate Thai soft powers globally.”

HE Tessa Sullivan, Honorary Consul for Thailand in Melbourne, together with Nithee Seeprae, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, Parichart Boonclai, TAT Executive Director of the Marketing Services Department, and Thainchai Pisitwuttinan, President of Rajadamnern World Series (RWS) and Board Director of Rajadamnern Stadium presided over the event. 

“Witnessing the world-famous martial art of Muay Thai is one of the reasons why tourists visit Thailand to experience the sport in its country of origin,” said  Nithee Seeprae, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications. “For Muay Thai fighters, the Amazing Muay Thai Road to Rajadamnern 2024 offers them a unique experience and a chance to compete in the final round at the famous Rajadamnern Stadium.”

Renowned as the world’s first Muay Thai stadium, Rajadamnern Stadium is revered as a sacred ground for Muay Thai. It is a place where champions are made, and legends are born. Many Muay Thai fighters vie for a chance to fight at this iconic venue.

The winner of the four special fights held at the Melbourne Pavilion won the right to compete in the final round at Rajadamnern Stadium on 20 December. The much-anticipated event will comprise four thrilling matches between Muay Thai rising stars from the three preliminary rounds in Cádiz, Spain (27 July); Melbourne, Australia (31 August); and Prague, the Czech Republic (30 November).

To add to the exhilarating atmosphere, TAT staged the ‘Thai Festival’ at the same venue to inspire Australians and visitors alike to visit Thailand through a showcase of Thai soft powers, including food, fashion, fights, and festivals. The event attracted over 1,500 spectators.

Nithee commented: “Apart from the Muay Thai fights, spectators were treated to Thai food and cultural performances plus the opportunity to shop for Thai fabric and special Muay Thai products. With the theme of Loi Krathong festival, visitors had a chance to float the Krathong and enjoyed the ‘Five Must-Do’ things, which portrayed the vast scope of opportunities for unique travel experiences in Thailand.”

For more information and news from the TAT visit: https://www.tatnews.org/

The post Muay Thai: The Road to Rajadamnern appeared first on TTR Weekly.