“Discover Thainess” tourism campaign to continue in 2016

The Discover Thainess Committee, during its meeting on 8 January 2016, chaired by Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, decided to allow the National Tourism Policy Committee to continue the "Thainess” tourism year. This campaign aims to showcase the hospitable character of the Thai people and the many cultural assets of Thailand that make it a unique tourist destination.

The meeting heard a report that the campaign in 2015 was very successful, as it attracted 29.88 million international tourist arrivals. Thailand earned 2.23 trillion baht from tourism income in 2015. Out of this amount, 1.44 trillion baht came from foreign visitors and 790 billion baht from local tourists.

The campaign has also encouraged Thai people to take pride in their culture and be aware of the importance of the Thai way of life. In particular, young people have become more interested in Thai identity.

The Prime Minister said that the tourism industry is likely to continue to improve and that good management should be introduced. He urged all sectors to help preserve natural resources and the environment, especially at various tourist sites.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is joining hands with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration in launching the 36th Thailand Tourism Festival, to be held from 13 to 17 January 2016 at Lumphini Park in Bangkok.

The five-day Thai tourism showcase is aimed at attracting local residents and tourists from all corners of the world.

The festival will provide a platform to raise awareness of Thai culture, traditions, heritage, and simple ways of life. It will also stimulate travel driven by the unique identities of multicultural communities across Thailand.

 Following the success of the Thailand Tourism Festival 2015, the Thailand Tourism Festival 2016 will not only highlight colorful festivals and vibrant local fairs from all parts of the country all year round, but will also underline the beautiful Thai way of life, along with world-famous Thai hospitality.

TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said that TAT plans to elevate this festival to an international level and to develop a further understanding of environmental mindfulness among Thai tourists. 

Campaigns will be launched for no littering, no drinking alcohol, and no smoking at tourist sites. Thai people will also be encouraged to be good hosts and join in the country’s sustainable tourism development, so that Thailand retains its position as the leading destination in ASEAN.

It is expected that thousands of local residents and international visitors will come along and take part in discovering the latest in Thailand’s tourism offerings during the five-day event.