TAT’s new “2015 Discover Thainess” tourism campaign gets off to a colourful start

BANGKOK - Thai colour and culture filled the streets of Bangkok last week when the “2015 Discover Thainess” tourism campaign kicked off with a series of parades through the city’s biggest shopping districts. Meanwhile, the 35th Thailand Tourism Festival (TTF), held from 14 to 18 January, showcased a taste of all the regional delights that can be found year round by Thai travellers and foreign visitors alike.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik said, "the parades were part of the opening ceremonies for our new global tourism campaign that aims to promote the kingdom’s distinct cultural elements that make it uniquely Thai. This spectacular event was presided over by Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha and was attended by thousands of locals and tourists who watched the colourful floats go by and revelled in the fun atmosphere.”

Six spectacular processions, stretching nearly four kilometres through the city were held to celebrate the start of TAT’s new “2015 Discover Thainess” tourism campaign. The processions showcased different aspects of Thai art, culture and hospitality. Thousands of tourists and locals lined the route to see the stunning and brightly coloured floats and enjoy the performances and shows.

The highlight of the opening parade was a 12-metre replica of the famous Royal Barge Supannahong, complete with regal oarsmen. Following in its wake were scores of talented dancers, performers, puppeteers and acrobats, all dressed in sumptuous costumes and accompanied by skilled musicians.

The parade was designed to give people a little taste of the many events and traditions that can be enjoyed up and down the country at different times of the year. Regional festivals and cultural practices were showcased while the famous “Smiles of Siam” were a reminder of the famous hospitality of the Thai people.

Meanwhile, the lush environs of Bangkok’s Lumpini Park were transformed into a microcosm of Thailand with all the main regions, North, South, East, Central and Northeastern, being represented. To showcase the local culture and festivals of each area, vibrant shows were staged, regional cuisines cooked and a range of crafts were on display. Visitors could enjoy floating markets, shadow puppet shows and exciting dance and martial arts displays.

This was the 35th incarnation of the TTF and the biggest yet. Visitors came from all over the world to enjoy a sample of the kingdom’s attractions and enjoy the glorious weather of the cool season while parades and vibrant displays of Thailand’s unique attractions whetted their appetites to see even more.

To give visitors a taste of travel in Thailand, the TTF distributed special passports that needed to be stamped in order to get fun free gifts. People were then able to explore the fair to see how the many different people of Thailand live and experience different elements of their culture.

The central stage at the festival was a showcase for the best of Thailand’s arts, traditions and crafts. Age-old traditions were displayed alongside more contemporary performances to ensure that all visitors were able to experience the colourful and varied spectrum of the kingdom’s culture.

sourced:traveldailynews.asia