Processions to depict Thainess

BANGKOK  Tourism Authority of Thailand will organise a grand procession to open the 2015 the Discover Thainess Festival, 14 to 18 January at Bangkok’s Lumpini Park.
Preside at the pre-event press conference Wednesday, Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said 2015 is an important year for all of ASEAN member countries as they embrace the first stages of a single economic community.
“Therefore we have to showcase the differences and character of our Thai way of life, culture and traditions to attract international tourists and encourage them to visit secondary venues and community based tourism.”
inside no 1“The 2015 Discover Thainess campaign will offer the chance for foreigners to appreciate the essence of ‘Thainess’ through the Thai way of life, Thai culture and Thai experiences. This distinctive character of “Thainess” is the magnet which draws tourists to explore and share their experiences with local Thai communities.”
The “2015 Discover Thainess” campaign incorporates the government’s national core values, among which are the promotion and preservation of Thai traditions and culture. The aim is to showcase the hospitable character of Thai people and the many cultural assets that make it a special tourist destination.
The grand opening celebration of the “2015 Discover Thainess” campaign will be held alongside the Thailand Tourism Festival, 14 to 18 January. The festival opens daily at 1600 and stage performances conclude by 2200.
TAT Board chairman, Kalin Sarasin, said a parade is schedule to take place 14 January 1700 with six processions.
Heading the 3.5 km processions will be a 12-metre replica of the regal Suphannahong, (golden swan), royal barge with 16 oarsmen. Other floats will follow displaying Thai fine arts through the story of the Ramakien, a Thai version of the Indian Ramayana.
The second procession will showcase grand festivities from all five regions in Thailand including elaborated-crafted floats depicting the Salung Luang (grand alms bowl) tradition from North Thailand, Songkran or Thai New Year from the central region, the tradition of the Wax Castle Procession from the Northeast, the Colours of Fruits and Fantasy from the East, and the Chak Phra, or hauling of the Buddha image from the South.
The third procession depicts Thai way of life such as Thai cuisine and the legacy of Thai silk, while the fourth procession will focus on Thai boxing, or Muay Thai.
The fifth procession “Siam Sanuk” will showcase various “Thai fun” elements, followed by the final procession “Smiles of Siam”, which will display the friendliness of Thai people to welcome tourists.
The processions will start from the National Stadium at the Pathumwan Intersection moving along Rama I Road to the Ratchaprasong Intersection before turning into Ratchadamri Road to conclude at Lumpini Park.
The opening ceremony is scheduled to be presided over by Prime Minister General, Prayut Chan-o-cha, which will be broadcasted live by the Television Pool of Thailand.
The 2015 Discover Thainess campaign is expected to help Thailand to attract 28 million international tourists and generate THB1.35 trillion in revenue by year-end over an estimated of 24.6 million visits that circulated THB1.15 trillion in 2014.

sourced:ttrweekly.com