H.E. Mr. Weerasak Kowsurant, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, today visited a new exhibition currently on display at the Bangkok National Museum to celebrate 130 years of Thai-Japanese diplomatic relations. “The History of Japanese Art: Life and Faith’ is the first-ever art exhibition in Thailand that showcases a collection of antiques and artworks from all eras of Japan, from the pre-historic Jōmon period to the historic Edo period. The exhibition features a total of 130 antiques and artworks, including three rare objects that are also listed as national treasures and 25 cultural heritages. The exhibition is aimed at promoting Japanese culture in Thailand, as well as to helping to strengthen the bond between Thailand and Japan even further. During the visit, H.E. Mr. Weerasak also inspected facilities for people with disabilities to ensure that universal access to all visitors. “The History of Japanese Art: Life and Faith’ is being held at the Bangkok National Museum from now until 18 February. TAT News

Seventeen winners of the inaugural ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Awards (ASTA) received recognition at a dedicated awards event at the end of the ASEAN Tourism Forum, 26 January in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. The new awards will now take place every two years as partial fulfilment of the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan 2016-2025, much of which seeks to advance sustainable tourism objectives. The nine winners in the Rural Sustainable Products category were Sothy’s Pepper Farm in Cambodia, Desa Wisata Nglanggeran in Indonesia, Tree Top Explorer in Lao PDR, KOPEL Kinabatangan Wildlife Corridor in Malaysia, the Pindaya Region in Myanmar, Walk on the Wild Side in the Philippines, Kranji Countryside in Singapore, the Kao Yao Noi Community Based Ecotourism Club in Thailand, and the Stay with Tay Ethnic Village in Viet Nam. The eight winners in the Urban Sustainable Products category were Wat Phnom Historical and Cultural Site in Cambodia, the Nusa Dua in Indonesia, Phousi Mountain in Lao PDR, the KL Forest Eco Park by KL Tower in Malaysia, the Kayin State’s Natural Limestone Caves in Myanmar, the Palina Greenbelt River […]

Mrs. Srisuda Wananpinyosak, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas), said TAT is pleased to provide full support to the event, as it reflects TAT’s ongoing efforts to promote Thai local experiences and drive income to local communities, all geared towards tourism sustainability. Khon Kaen, located in Thailand’s Northeast Region, or Isan, is a primary gateway to the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS). The province is known for its rich traditional Isan culture and history, where visitors can experience the lifestyle of the local people, enjoy delicious food, explore pre-historical artefacts and antiques, and learn about the famous Matmi silk production. Mrs. Srisuda said: “All these impressive aspects of Khon Kaen make it the perfect venue to host this prestigious PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2018. Delegates attending this event can engage with local communities, an important part of unique Thai local experiences. “This is in line with the TAT’s latest communication concept, ‘Open to the New Shades’, that encourages visitors to discover Thailand and its diversity in a new light: Thai Gastronomy; Arts and Crafts; Nature […]

Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, delivered the following speech at the Thailand Media Briefing, held on 24 January, 2018, as part of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2018, at Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Centre (CMECC) Sawasdee khrap and good afternoon distinguished guests, members of the media, ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of Thai tourism industry, I would like to welcome you all here at the thirty-seventh ASEAN Tourism Forum, the sixth time it will be held in Thailand but the first time in Chiang Mai as part of the policy to promote secondary destinations, create more jobs in the rural areas, ensure a better distribution of tourism earnings and highlight Thailand’s linkages with the Greater Mekong Sub-region countries. With the theme “ASEAN-Sustainable Connectivity, Boundless Prosperity”, the event is designed to promote tourism to and within the ASEAN region. This year, we are proud to mark the first ATF after commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of ASEAN in 2017. We are delighted to have participated strongly in the “Visit ASEAN@50” campaign with a series of carefully […]

TRAVEX 2018 officially opened for business today under the ATF 2018 theme of ‘Sustainable Connectivity, Boundless Prosperity’ with Mr. Kalin Sarasin, Chairman of the Board of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, presiding over the ceremony. An auspicious ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Thai tourism industry leaders and VIPs welcomed buyers and sellers to the TRAVEX floor. The two-day event showcases ASEAN’s premier travel marketplace as the region is poised to receive a record number of arrivals during 2018. The Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Centre quickly becomes a hive of activity after the opening ceremony with buyers and sellers getting down to business on day one. TAT News

The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2018, hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), is pulling out all the stops with a gala ceremony highlighting Thai gastronomy and the rich culinary history of Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand. The delectable creations of 10 top Thai chefs hailing from 10 outstanding restaurants is set to excite the palates of attending delegates and promises to be the highlight of the opening event. Each of the highly gifted chefs will showcase their signature dishes. These include: Orange ginger glazed duck breast by Chef May Thongthong from Monkey’s Kitchen; Slow poached red claw crayfish by Chef Chokamnuay Chanajaturathard from Siripanna Villa Resort and Spa; Grilled banana leaf wrapped lamb shoulder by Chef Nan Mankongtiphan from Cuisine de Garden; Grilled Northern-style curried rack of lamb by Chef Sarayuth Kaewyone from RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort; Royal Project winter fruit with feta and mozzarella by Chef Daeng Kaewwannee from the Northern Chef’s Club; Pan grilled salmon with Northern chili dip by Chef Nat Phumpaijitr from Duangtawan Hotel; Longan smoked salmon steak by Chef Pisit Jinopong from Dhara […]

ATF 2018 is opening with a buzz of excitement as sellers and country booths put on final touches while buyers hustle to fill last minute appointments. The ASEAN products booth is expected to prove popular for providing a platform for the selling and buying of regional tourism products and services by ASEAN member countries. While ‘Thailand Prestige’ highlights Thai local experiences through the country’s rich culinary tradition in line with its marketing focus on Thai gastronomy tourism. Country booths shine the spotlight on dazzling displays by Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia and Myanmar to name just a few, with each highlighting individual country tourism products and services that are poised for a busy three days during TRAVEX. The biggest international brands in global travel are preparing corporate booths to impress and entertain clients as size does matter when it comes to making a good impression. ASEAN Tourism Forum

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has highlighted Thailand’s “unbeatable geographic location” at the heart of ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific region” as a major reason why visitor arrivals will continue to grow strongly in the years ahead. Mr. Tanes Petsuwan (above picture), TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, said: “Thailand has the best connections within the entire region. There are approximately 30 overland border checkpoints open for travel by international visitors with Cambodia, Lao PDR., Myanmar and Malaysia, as well as four Friendship Bridges with Lao PDR., and one with Myanmar with more being planned. “The Asian Highway is growing rapidly and will provide extensive road connectivity beyond the neighbouring countries to both China and India. Rail travel is going to be the next generation of land transport infrastructure to emerge, with high-speed links now in the design and planning stage.” Mr. Tanes noted that Thailand’s international airports serve 135 scheduled and chartered airlines. Low-cost airlines from Vietnam, China, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong are boosting their frequencies to Bangkok as well as other popular tourism […]

Delegates attending ATF 2018 enjoyed a fabulous feast showcasing Thailand’s ascending gastronomic greatness during a spectacular Gala Opening ceremony held at Royal Flora Ratchaphruek botanical gardens in Chiang Mai. This stunning setting served as the perfect backdrop for an outstanding evening that was short on speeches and long on superb modern Thai cuisine. Chiang Mai northern Thai gastronomy served as the culinary inspiration for ten celebrity Thai chefs, who stole the show with an eclectic mix of artistic dishes that highlighted the diversity of locally sources ingredients. It served as a fitting tribute to the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) marketing focus on Thai gastronomy tourism, which highlights Thai local experiences via the country’s rich culinary traditions. The evening began with a dramatic flag procession of all ten ASEAN member states that welcomed respected tourism ministers and VIPs to the event. It reflected the regional solidary shared around ASEAN supporting the ATF 2018 theme of ‘Sustainable Connectivity, Boundless Prosperity’. ASEAN Tourism Forum

The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2018 offers buyers and media a unique opportunity to discover Chiang Mai city with a fresh new perspective by taking advantage of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) pre- and post-event tour options. Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said the TAT is pleased to offer a diverse free portfolio of Thai local experiences that focus on that highlight prior to the start of the ATF, then expands the programme to post events into paid excursions that cover all of Thailand’s regional diversity as a travel hub for the region. “The richness of Thai local experiences moves beyond Chiang Mai after the ATF 2018 closes. Then buyers and media can explore the Andaman coast, experience the richness of Northern Isan near the border with Lao PDR., or traverse Chiang Rai to discover its charm and many cultural attractions. “Those interested in Southern Thailand and Northern Malaysia might consider the ‘Southern Tropical Paradise’ post-event tour (Satun – Langkawi – Penang), or emerge oneself in the ‘Ancient of the East’ experience with its unique destination combinations of Chanthaburi, […]