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“Shade of Blue Ocean” marks TAT’s 3rd year of “Upcycling the Oceans, Thailand” clean-up effort

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Tourism Authority of Thailand news first on FIR:

Bangkok, 25 December, 2019 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) marked the 3rd year of its “Upcycling the Oceans, Thailand” clean-up effort with a “Shade of Blue Ocean” activity, held on 20-21 December, 2019, at Commemoration Public Park, Ban Phe in the eastern coastal province of Rayong.

“Shade of Blue Ocean” marks TAT’s 3rd year of “Upcycling the Oceans, Thailand” clean-up effort

“The project is part of the TAT’s CSR strategy. It reaffirms our commitment to promoting responsible tourism and our leadership role in driving green initiatives. By instilling environmental consciousness among the tourists, tourism operators and local communities, we believe that it will help reduce tourism-related waste despite growing tourist numbers in the country.”

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor

“Shade of Blue Ocean” marks TAT’s 3rd year of “Upcycling the Oceans, Thailand” clean-up effort

The two-day ‘Shade of Blue Ocean’ activity was attended by over 500 participants comprising figures and representatives from TAT and partners, the local administration, communities, tourism businesses, volunteers, divers and the locals.

As well as the beach clean-up effort, participants also took part in experiential learning activities including the categorisation of waste for proper management and recycling processing, as well as gained more knowledge at the ‘Shade of Blue Ocean’ and ‘Responsibility Rayong’ panel discussions. The event’s venue was also decorated with materials made from recycled waste products along with an exhibition on DIY waste items. 

“Shade of Blue Ocean” marks TAT’s 3rd year of “Upcycling the Oceans, Thailand” clean-up effort

The “Shade of Blue Ocean” is part of the “Upcycling the Oceans, Thailand” project, which was launched in 2017 under collaboration between TAT, PTT Global Chemical (PTTGC) and the Ecoalf Foundation. The project aims to preserve the Kingdom’s sea and coastal areas as well as to promote upcycling plastic waste initiatives. 

Under the “Upcycling the Oceans, Thailand”, the mass underwater and beach clean-up pilot activity in Ko Samet, Rayong, held in September 2017, cleaned up 618.90 kilogrammes of waste. The follow-up activity in Phuket, held in January 2018, cleared 852.60 kilogrammes of waste off the beaches and underwater. 

“Shade of Blue Ocean” marks TAT’s 3rd year of “Upcycling the Oceans, Thailand” clean-up effort

One of the project’s three founding partners, PTTGC plays a leading role in campaigning for the transformation of plastic debris into polyester fibre and fabric to make fashionable clothing. Under its ‘circular living’ concept, the company is encouraging society to adopt a new and responsible approach to using plastic in a way that contribute to better living. 

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand

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Sands Resorts Macao and teamLab to Launch Groundbreaking, Immersive Museum at The Venetian Macao

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Sands Resorts Macao and art collective teamLab will launch a monumental digital-only museum at The Venetian Macao in January 2020.

The as-yet-untitled permanent museum will be housed in The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Expo Hall F, boasting 5,000 square meters of floor space. With eight meter-high ceilings throughout, space will be transformed by teamLab into an extremely complex, three-dimensional world with varying elevations, featuring constantly changing, immersive artworks. Currently, under construction, the museum will unveil new pieces.

What teamLab calls a “body immersive” museum, the new destination at The Venetian Macao will b

TAT promotes Michelin Guide Thailand 2020 restaurants in Chiang Mai

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Tourism Authority of Thailand news first on FIR:

Chiang Mai, 20 December, 2019 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched the highly-respected “MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2020” in the Northern capital of Chiang Mai, giving a major boost to the appeal of North Thailand as a gastronomy destination.

The popular guidebook, which is used as a reference by millions of food-lovers worldwide, was launched on 19 December, 2019, at a press conference held at Le Coq d’Or restaurant, Mueang district, Chiang Mai, presided over by Mr. Charoenrit Sanguansat, Governor of Chiang Mai province.

Included for the first time, the Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand section of the “MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2020” lists 17 restaurants with a “Bib Gourmand” rating and 33 restaurants rated “Michelin Plate”.

TAT promotes Michelin Guide Thailand 2020 restaurants in Chiang MaiMr. Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications (6th from left), and Mr. Wirun Phanthewi, Vice Governor of Chiang Mai (5th from right), along with other TAT’s officers and Chiang Mai’s tourism and culinary network.

Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor of Marketing Communications, congratulated all the rated restaurants and said it will go a long way towards promoting the gastronomic delights of Chiang Mai and its surrounding provinces, thus boosting earnings of the many small and medium sized enterprises, creating jobs and distributing income across multiple sectors of the economy.

Mr. Tanes noted that TAT first supported Michelin in launching the first Thailand guidebook in 2017, covering just Bangkok and its surrounding provinces. This was expanded to cover Phuket, Phang Nga and the Southern provinces in 2018, and has been further expanded this year.

“Bib Gourmand” rating is given to restaurants, which serve good quality food at medium-range prices. The 17 restaurants listed for Chiang include Choeng Doi Roast Chicken, Ginger Farm Kitchen Roasted Chicken Nimman Han to Jiang Mai, Huan Soontree, Huan Muan Jai, Khao Soi Mae Mani, Khao Tom Yong (Suthep Road Branch), Krua Ya Minaracha Rot, The House by Ginger Excellent beef Saiyud Kitchen and Mo Sai Kanom Jeen San Pa Khoi, grilled chicken, SP and Na Chantra.

The “Michelin Plate” rating is for quality restaurants, which use fresh and meticulously prepared ingredients at a lower price.

TAT promotes Michelin Guide Thailand 2020 restaurants in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is one of the most popular destinations for visitors thanks to its outstanding culture and history of the Lanna Kingdom for over 700 years. In the last few years, its natural and cultural attractions have been further enhanced by the emergence of many elegant restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets.

In January – October 2019, Chiang Mai province received tourism income of 84.203 billion Baht, up by 0.91 percent over the same period last year.

Thai tourists had an average expense of 3,562 Baht/person/day, up by 3.90 percent over the same period last year.  Foreign tourists had an average expense of 4,446 Baht/person/day or up by 4.81 percent over the same period last year. Food and beverage is the most important category of visitor expenditure.

Mr. Tanes said that the Michelin rating is a strong guarantee of Northern Thailand’s culinary standards.

He said, “Chiang Mai is a logical inclusion in the guide given it has such a thriving food scene, and since it is a major tourist attraction and travel hub connecting to emerging destinations in the North. The Michelin Guide will help to further elevate Chiang Mai’s culinary status.”

The Chiang Mai of today is an enchanting blend of the old and the modern, including when it comes to the city’s fantastic culinary scene. The diversity of food and eateries is impressive, ranging from high-end restaurants catering to the fine-dining crowd to small local joints serving Lanna-style dishes full of flavours and aromas.

Chiang Mai is also home to many Royal Project sites which, while helping to preserve the region’s agricultural heritage and traditions and providing better, more sustainable livelihoods for the local people, are a source of the freshest produce and ingredients for the city’s culinary foodscape.

For the millions of tourists who visit Chiang Mai each year, an impressive range of accommodation is on offer to suit all tastes and budgets. From quaint hostels and budget guesthouses nestled in side streets, to mid-range properties and five-star addresses located downtown, to amazing boutique hideaways in lush green surroundings.

All of these factors come together to make Chiang Mai a gastronomic tourism destination of wonderful diversity and quality.

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand

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TAT welcomes Batik Air’s maiden flight on Jakarta-Bangkok route

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Tourism Authority of Thailand news first on FIR:

Bangkok, 20 December, 2019 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to welcome Batik Air’s maiden flight on the Jakarta-Bangkok route, which touched down this evening at Don Mueang International Airport.

Starting today, Batik Air will operate a daily flight on the Jakarta-Bangkok route with the incoming flight ID7631 departing Jakarta at 17.40 Hrs. and arriving in Bangkok at 21.00 Hrs. The outgoing flight ID7630 leaves Bangkok at 22.00 Hrs. and reaches Jakarta at 01.25 Hrs. (the next day).

Mr. Klissada Ratanapruk TAT Executive Director for the ASEAN, South Asia and South Pacific Region, said: “Batik Air spreading its wings to Bangkok is great news. Its daily Jakarta-Bangkok flight will offer added options for air passengers between the two capitals, especially as the Southeast Asian region is seeing increasing intra-regional air access.

“Indonesia is also one of the important tourist markets from ASEAN to Thailand. According to the latest number for this year, Thailand has already welcomed 702,815 Indonesian tourists.”

Founded in 2013, Batik Air is operated under its parent company, Lion Air. The airline operates daily flights from its two main hubs in Jakarta, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport.

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand

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Thailand welcome its 38.26 millionth tourist to the Kingdom

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Tourism Authority of Thailand news first on FIR:

Bangkok, 20 December 2019 – Thailand welcomed its 38.26 millionth tourist to the Kingdom today, a record high for the country that surpasses last year’s 38.17 million arrivals.

Travelling from Mumbai, India, Miss Devanshi Deepak Kesaria along with three friends arrived on Spice Jet flight SG081 at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to a pleasant surprise. The group travelled to Thailand for the first time, with plans to enjoy travel experiences in Bangkok and Pattaya.

Thailand welcome its 38.26 millionth tourist to the Kingdom

After clearing immigration, she was invited to a welcome ceremony and was greeted by senior officials and VIPs from Thailand’s tourism industry, including the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Suvarnabhumi Airport, Immigration Bureau and Thai Airways International.

Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, said, “On behalf of TAT, I am delighted that Thailand remains the preferred destination among world travellers and has once again achieved a new record high number of arrivals this year with already 38.26 million arrivals as of 20 December.

“But good news is still to come. Thailand is expected to welcome the 39 millionth tourist on 27 December, or in a week from now.”

A ‘Luckiest Visitor’ jacket was presented to Miss Devanshi in addition to a certificate commemorating the occasion, round-trip economy air tickets for two between her original destination and Thailand valid for one year, and a five-night accommodation voucher.

She also received gifts and souvenirs from representatives from Suvarnabhumi Airport, the Thai Tourist Police, and Immigration Bureau. She was then whisked away to their hotel in Bangkok in an exclusive airport limousine provided by Thai Airways International.

Thailand welcome its 38.26 millionth tourist to the Kingdom

TAT and the public and private sector partners initiated the “Thailand’s Luckiest Visitor, The Amazing Smashing Success” project back in June 2015, starting with welcoming the 13 millionth tourist. The project has since been carried on every year.  

In Main Photo (from left to right):
Mr. Klissada Ratanapruk, TAT Executive Director for ASEAN, South Asia and South Pacific Region;
Mr. Kittipong Sarnsomboon, Director of Brand and Marketing Communication Department for Thai Airways International;
Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications;
Miss Devanshi Deepak Kesaria, the 38.26 millionth visitor to Thailand;
Mr. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, TAT Deputy Director for International Marketing – Asia and the South Pacific;
Pol. Gen. Prasart Kemaprasit, Deputy Commander, Immigration Bureau 2;
Mr. Kittiya Kontong, Executive Vice President and Deputy General Manager of Suvarnabhumi Airport;
Mr. Tapun Majumdar, Security Supervisor, Spice Jet Limited​

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand

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Welcome the New Year with Amazing Thailand Countdown 2020

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Tourism Authority of Thailand news first on FIR:

Bangkok, 19 December 2019 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is organising its annual ‘Amazing Thailand Countdown 2020’, one of the biggest events TAT stages in various destinations across the country, to bid farewell to 2019 and welcome 2020 with Thai style and panache. 

TAT Governor Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn said, “TAT’s Amazing Thailand Countdown 2020 emphasises TAT’s tourism marketing direction that supports the Thai government’s initiative to promote emerging destinations around the Kingdom to achieve a better distribution of tourist revenue between the urban and rural areas.

“This helps even out the seasonality factor between traditional high and low seasons whilst also encouraging more weekday travel to reduce pressure on the weekends.”

This year TAT is staging its traditional festivities in six emerging destinations comprising Sukhothai, Kalasin, Lop Buri, Ratchaburi, Sa Kaeo, and Phatthalung, in addition to Bangkok.

TAT expects that during the New Year period from 28 December, 2019 to 1 January, 2020, Thais will make 3.16 domestic tourism trips and generate 1.18 billion Baht in revenue for the local economy. 

Inbound tourism is expected to attract 690,000 visitors, generating 1.2 billion Baht because of the rebound of the Chinese and Indian markets plus 380 new flights. In addition, TAT has been very proactive in its international marketing efforts backed by stimulus measures from the relevant organisations including a 50% discount on airport landing fees for international flights from 1 December, 2019, to 30 April, 2020, cross-border tourism on the Thai-Malaysian and Thai-Lao borders during weekends and holidays, plus the e-visa service and exemption of visa-on-arrival fee until 30 April, 2020. 

TAT’s New Year activities in six destinations are expected to produce 225,000 visits to the areas, generating 500 million Baht. 

Highlights in the six emerging destinations include:

Amazing Night Sukhothai Countdown 2020 (29-31 December 2019) at Sukhothai Historical Park

Three days of ‘light up the night’ decorations in combination with contemporary music performances and classical Thai dances. Watch the last sunset of the year at Sukhothai Historical Park’s most photographed spot, enjoy DIY workshops on Sukhothai’s arts and crafts, and shop for local handicrafts. Visitors can also enter a lucky draw for the chance to win prizes, and savour Sukhothai’s variety of delectable food and desserts. Join the countdown event on 31 December plus firework displays against the backdrop of the historical landmarks. On the New Year, all are invited to join locals in a Buddhist mass merit-making activity for blessing.

Amazing Thailand Countdown 2020 at Kalasin (30 December 2019 to 1 January 2020) at Rim Kaeng Don Klang Public Park

The province of Kalasin in Thailand’s Northeastern region or Isan is known for its fertile and picturesque landscapes, lush natural attractions, exceptional hand-woven silk and palaeontological treasures of immense significance that date back over 100 million years. These attractions are at the heart of its countdown event with daily light shows, photography and selfie corners including a number of stuffed dinosaurs, a colourful paper lantern tunnel, and a two-metre-high traditional flag. There is also a local fair selling handicrafts and Thai cuisine, as well as a variety of games. There are also two days of stage performances and music concerts from 30 to 31 December, 2019, that concludes with the countdown plus fireworks displays to ring in the New Year 2020.

Amazing Thailand Countdown 2020 at Lop Buri (30 December 2019 to 1 January 2020) at Pibulwitthayalai School 

Under the theme of ‘wearing traditional Thai attire to the New Year countdown, the venue comprises three zones. The Lop Buri Story zone tells the history of the province through a photographic exhibition and daily light displays. The Lop Buri Gastronomy zones features a wide variety of the province’s best food and desserts. The Lop Buri Craft zone showcases arts and crafts created by the locals. Stage performances and music concerts from 30 to 31 December, 2019, including the countdown plus fireworks displays to welcome in the New Year 2020.

Amazing Thailand Countdown 2020 at Ratchaburi (24 to 31 December 2019) at Ratthaprachaphatthana Dam

Eight days of daily light displays and an illuminated tunnel plus a landmark of illuminated gift boxes and photographywith selfie corners. Enjoy a local fair selling handicrafts and Thai cuisine. The event culminates with stage performances and music concerts on 30 and 31 December, 2019, that concludes with the countdown plus fireworks displays to ring in the New Year 2020. The event promotes the use of natural materials for food and drink containers instead of single-use plastic items.

Amazing Thailand Countdown 2020 at Sa Kaeo (30 December 2019 to 1 January 2020) at the Indochine Shopping Mall

Highlights include the Thai-Cambodian friendship cultural shows and concerts by artists and bands from both kingdoms from 30 to 31 December, 2019, with the countdown plus fireworks displays to welcome in the New Year 2020. Daily light shows plus photography and selfie corners as well as lucky draws, plus a fair selling local handicrafts and Thai cuisine from vendors in Sa Kaeo and nearby provinces. 

Amazing Thailand Countdown 2020 at Phatthalung (30 December 2019 to 1 January 2020) at Coliseum Intersection

Two days of light shows, decorated with local fishery items plus a Giant Christmas tree made from local materials. Iconic photography and selfie corners of a giant Junk with a huge fishing net. Daily activities include a traditional ‘golden mortar’ circle dance, cultural performances and music concerts, lucky draws and games, cooking demonstrations and a fair selling local handicrafts and Thai cuisine. The opening ceremony on 30 December, 2019, features a ‘Norah Parade’ (Phatthalung is the birthplace of Southern Thailand’s Norah folk dance tradition). The countdown celebration on 31 December, 2019, features Norah folk dance and Pone drum performances and an illumination tunnel. New Year’s Day 2020 starts with a mass merit-making ceremony of Buddhist alms offering plus a CSR opportunity donating grass to water buffaloes. 

In addition, TAT is supporting the ‘Happy New Year ASEAN 2020’ at Mae Sai, Chiang Rai on 31 December, 2019, in collaboration with Chiang Rai province and the Thai-Myanmar Culture and Economic Association. Taking place at the Thai-Myanmar Border Checkpoint in Mae Sai district, the event features cultural performances from Thailand, Myanmar and Lao PDR. plus pop concerts by singers and bands from all three nations.

Moreover, TAT is supporting activities at many other countdown events around the country, including:

Thailand Siam Street Fest 2019 (20 – 22 December 2019) at Siam Square, Bangkok. The event features four zones of activities – Street Show, Street Food, Street Market and Street Art.

Amazing Thailand Countdown 2020 at ICONSIAM (31 December 2019). A full list of the festivities is available here

AIS Bangkok Countdown 2020 (31 December 2019) at CentralWorld. Light shows, fireworks displays and stage performances. Details of the light shows are available here.

World Magical Celebration 2019 (6 – 31 December 2019) at Siam Paragon. Enjoy a balloon carnival, international entertainment shows and countdown celebration.

Ratchaprasong Lighting and Countdown Festival 2019 (1 December 2019 – 5 January 2020). Light decorations and displays at the skywalk façade, skywalk decoration, photo points and boulevard at the Ratchaprasong Intersection.

Festive New Year Celebration 2019 (Emporium EmQuartier Winter Wonderland 2019) (20 November 2019 – 5 January 2020). The event features photography landmarks, a 20-metre-high Christmas tree, colourful and joyful light displays, music performances and inflatable mascot parade.

Countdown 2020 at The Street Ratchada (22 November 2019 – 31 December 2019). Activities include a ‘Hip Party’, CG and Lighting, plus countdown celebration.

Patong Beach Countdown 2020 (27 – 31 December 2019) at Patong Beach, Phuket. Music mix by world-class DJs, Simon Cabaret show, and Siam Niramitr show.

Udon Thani Countdown 2020 (30 – 31 December 2019) at UD Town Shopping Mall. Music performances by Thai singers and bands plus lighting displays.

Khon Kaen Countdown 2020 (25 – 31 December 2019) at Khon Kaen City Park. Music performances by Thai singers and bands plus countdown celebration with fireworks displays.

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand

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TAT updates travel advisory regarding air quality concerns in Bangkok

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Tourism Authority of Thailand news first on FIR:

Bangkok, 19 December 2019 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to advise tourists and visitors to take precautions as necessary when in outdoor areas in the Thai capital and its surrounding provinces.

This followed the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s reports of smog returning to the city with the levels of particulate matter of 2.5 microns or less in diameter (PM2.5), which rose above safe levels in various districts. They include Bang Khen, Laksi, Phasicharoen, Bang Sue, Pathumwan, Bang Kho Laem and Khlong San.

Thailand’s air quality and situation reports

Tourists can monitor the overall air quality of Thailand provided daily by the Pollution Control Department, Ministry of Public Health, by logging on to the website (link) or download the mobile application “Air4Thai” on App Store (link) or Google Play (link).

Thailand’s tourism and transport services

All tourism-related services in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces as well as all destinations across Thailand are operating as usual.

These include ongoing tourism activities and services in beach resort destinations; such as, Phuket, Krabi and Trang, and in the East; such as, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat. Meanwhile, Northern Thai destinations; such as, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan and Sukhothai are enjoying pleasant weather.

All events and festivals remain as scheduled, including the TAT’s Amazing Thailand Countdown 2020 in Bangkok and six other destinations – Sukhothai, Kalasin, Lop Buri, Ratchaburi, Sa Kaeo, and Phatthalung – as well as the countdown events planned in destinations up and down the country.

The Krungsri Ayutthaya Kizuna Ekiden 2020 on 12 January and the Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok 2020 on 2 February are also on schedule. All transport services, including air, rail, road and water transport are also operating as usual. All airports as well as all domestic and international flights are operating as usual.

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand

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Traditional Thai massage listed as an UNESCO ‘intangible cultural heritage’

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Tourism Authority of Thailand news first on FIR:

Bangkok, 18 December 2019 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is proud that traditional Thai massage (‘Nuat Thai’) has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for 2019.

This is second such UNESCO honour following the addition of ‘Khon’, Thailand’s masked dance drama, last year.

Traditional Thai massage listed as an UNESCO ‘intangible cultural heritage’Thai Massage at Phothalai Spa in Phothalai the Thai Wellness Center, Bangkok

TAT Governor Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn said, “Nuat Thai, or traditional Thai massage, is one of the many cultural experiences that travellers from around the world can come to enjoy in Thailand. Should they choose, they can also study this traditional healing art and hopefully learn how to master it in Thailand. 

“TAT remains committed to promoting and raising awareness about Thailand’s cultural heritage to the world.” 

As a non-medicinal remedy and manual therapy, Nuat Thai involves bodily manipulation that helps rebalance the patient’s body, energy and structure to treat illnesses believed to be caused by the obstruction of energy flow along ‘sen’, lines understood to crisscross the human body. 

This manipulation is intended to normalise the four body elements: earth, water, wind and fire. To open up blocked routes, Nuat Thai therapists perform a combination of manipulations using their hands, elbows, knees and feet, together with herbal hot compresses to reduce inflammation. 

  • Traditional Thai massage listed as an UNESCO ‘intangible cultural heritage’Spa at Pattaya, Chon Buri
  • Traditional Thai massage listed as an UNESCO ‘intangible cultural heritage’Spa at Pattaya, Chon Buri

Presently, Nuat Thai is classified into two main types: Nuat Thai therapy and Nuat Thai for health promotion. Nuat Thai has its roots in self-care among Thai commoners of the past; every village had massage healers whom villagers would turn to when they had muscle aches from working in the fields. 

Traditional Thai massage listed as an UNESCO ‘intangible cultural heritage’The Activities of Songkran Festival at Phra Chetuphon Wimolmangklararam Ratchaworamahawihan Temple or Wat Pho, Bangkok

Over time, these experiences evolved into a formal system of knowledge, and Nuat Thai has now become an income generating occupation. 

In 1985, the Project for the Revitalisation of Thai Massage was launched to revitalise and maximise knowledge about Nuat Thai, and an initiative to form an alliance of Nuat Thai practitioners who come together annually was also added.

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand

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BMA turns Yaowarat, Silom, Khao San roads into ‘walking streets’ this December

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Tourism Authority of Thailand news first on FIR:

Bangkok, 12 December, 2019 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is delighted that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is turning Yaowarat, Silom and Khao San Roads into ‘walking streets’, starting this weekend, during 13-16 December, 2019.

Yaowarat Walking Street (Chalermburi Intersection to Ratchawong Intersection)

On 13-15 December, 2019, from 19.00 – 24.00 Hrs. On Friday, 13 December and Saturday, 14 December, one lane in each direction will be reserved for street food vendors. On Sunday, 15 December, the entire road, including Soi Plangnam, will be closed to through traffic to make way for food stalls from well-known eateries and restaurants with music performances, art and craft shops, and many other fun and entertaining activities.

BMA turns Yaowarat, Silom, Khao San roads into ‘walking streets' this DecemberChinese New Year Festival at China Town on Yaowarat Road, Bangkok

Silom Walking Street (Sala Daeng Intersection to Nararom Intersection)

Starting on Sunday, 15 December, 2019, from 12.00-22.00 Hrs., the Silom Walking Street will take place every third Sunday of each month and will run until May 2020. Some of the highlights, besides food from well-known eateries and restaurants, are music performances, cabaret shows, art and craft shops, as well as many fun activities.

Khao San Walking Street

BMA turns Yaowarat, Silom, Khao San roads into ‘walking streets' this DecemberShopping at Khao San Road, Bangkok

Starting on Monday, 16 December, 2019, from 17.00-02.00 Hrs. (next day), the Khao San Walking Street will be extended to include Tanao and Sip Sam Hang Roads from 16 January, 2020. Here, a stage will be set up in front of the Chana Songkhram Police Station for arts and cultural performances; such as, Khon masked dance and Thai boxing matches. Other activities will include art and craft workshops, Thai cooking demonstrations, and food from well-known eateries and restaurants in the Khao San area.

According to the BMA, the ‘walking streets’ in the three areas will be organised every weekend to promote tourism in Bangkok.

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand

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South African Tourism appoints Trade Relations Officer

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Sherwin Arends joins South African Tourism (SAT) as Trade Relations Officer, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role following 12 years’ experience working within the travel industry.

Originally from Cape Town, Sherwin moved to the UK six years ago after travelling the world as a member of cabin crew for Qatar Airways. His most recent role was Senior Product Executive for Audley Travel.

Sherwin will be tasked with building and maintaining relationships with key travel trade contacts in the UK and Ireland while utilising South African Tourism’s research and insights to ensure the agents are provided with all the tools and support to confidently sell South Africa.

Sherwin says: “I’m very passionate about my birth country and proud of my South African heritage so I am thrilled to be joining the South African Tourism team in the UK. I’m looking forward to showcasing South Africa as a leading tourist destination, with a focus on promoting the well-known areas and experiences and helping to uncover and educate the trade on the destination’s hidden gems.”

Tolene van der Merwe Hub Head for the UK & Ireland at South African Tourism says: “We are delighted that Sherwin will be joining our growing team. His wealth of industry knowledge combined with his personal experience of South Africa will be invaluable as we collectively promote the destination to holidaymakers through the UK and Irish trade.”

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