TAT showcases “Thainess” at the Bon Odori Festival in Bangkok

BANGKOK - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has showcased the spirit of “Thainess” with the presentation of two elegant Thai classical dance shows during the Bon Odori Festival, held last Saturday (20 December, 2014) at the Thep Hatsadin Stadium, Bangkok.

Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik, TAT Governor said, “The event was organised by the Japanese Association in Thailand in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in Thailand, Japan Airlines and Japanese businesses to mark the auspicious occasion of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 87th birthday anniversary (on 5 December) and to foster closer cooperation on tourism and culture between Thailand and Japan.”

The Bon Odori Festival 2014 in Bangkok featured the impressive “Odori” dance, one of Japan’s age-old folk arts, with dancers wearing varied kimonos or yukatas and dancing to the rhythm of the traditional Taiko drumming performance. During the four-hour event, visitors also had the chance to enjoy the beautiful Japanese-style fireworks display, a lucky draw and shopping opportunities for products as well as food and beverages from Thailand and Japan.

TAT has provided its full support to the event by arranging two Thai classical dance shows by some 100 dancers from the Kalasin College of Dramatic Arts as a way of reiterating the awareness of Thai culture in the Japanese market. We estimated that around 10,000 people had attended the event.

Japan is one of Thailand’s largest tourist markets. In 2013, Thailand welcomed 1.53 travellers from Japan (up 11.84 per cent year-on-year), generating 57.72 billion Baht revenue (up 15.61 per cent year-on-year). Between January and November 2014, Thailand already recorded a total of 1,134,290 Japanese tourists.

Mr. Thawatchai added, “We hope that by participating in the Bon Odori Festival 2014 in Bangkok, TAT has played a part in helping to preserve the traditions and cultures of both Thailand and Japan. We also hope that the elegant Thai classical shows presented at this event will help to portray the spirit of “Thainess” and stimulate more travel to Thailand among the Japanese people, both in Thailand and Japan.”

The Bon Odori Festival in Bangkok was first organised by the Japanese Association in Thailand in 1987, and has since been held in December of every other year with the objective of offering the opportunity for the Japanese people residing and holidaying in Thailand, as well as the Thai people, to enjoy a traditional Japanese celebration.

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