Thai builds cultural ties in China

To improve awareness of Thai culture in the East Asia region, the government will establish a Thai culture centre in China.

Ministry of Culture permanent secretary, Pritsana Pongthatsirikul, said during the recent visit of Chinese Minister of Culture Cai Wu that both sides had agreed to set up a centre to provide Chinese citizens information about Thai cultural heritage and traditions.

“The move will strengthen cultural ties between the two countries and in addition building robust bilateral trade relations.”

She added that the ministry appointed a working group of experts in Thai culture and representatives from state agencies to outline components of the cultural centre.

“So far the centre will feature a theatre for cultural shows, a library containing literature on Thai culture and a multi-purpose conference room.”

Currently, officials at the Thai embassy in Beijing are looking for a suitable location. Once they have it they will make a detailed proposal to the Cabinet to gain approval, together with a budget request for construction, Ms Pritsana explained.

Kasikorn Research Centre estimated that this year Chinese arrivals would reach 3.4 million representing an increase of 21.3% year-on-year and a potential revenue of Bt123 billion.

In the first quarter, the centre forecast 800,000 Chinese will travel to the kingdom improving 37.9% over the same period last year and circulating Bt29.6 billion, up 44.4% year-on-year spending.

In 2012, there were 2.7 million Chinese visits improving 12.51% from 1.7 million visits in 2011, according to Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ Department of Tourism data.

Sourced: ttrweekly