The Thailand Tourism Festival (TTF), the country’s largest travel and tourism showcase event, includes a vast range of activities to promote the preservation of Thai culture, traditions and local way of life.
A comprehensive cultural showcase highlights the unique aspects and way of life in each of the regions of the Thai kingdom. Spectacular stage performances and live demonstrations of local arts and crafts add a colourful festive feel to the event.
Additionally, another 598 booths representing hundreds of professional travel and tourism operators and service providers from all regions of Thailand offer quality tourism products and services and travel specialists help individual travellers and families to plan their trips,
while food stalls in the Regional Cuisines zone offer a tantalizing 'Taste of Thailand' featuring a great variety of delicious signature dishes, gastronomic delights, both savoury and sweet, for which each of the regions are known.
The 2010 Thailand Tourism Festival features the following exhibition categories: hotels and resorts, airlines, car rental, travel agents, tour operators, travel and tourism-related products and services, including Thai crafts and souvenirs. Travel or tourism-related state agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will also be located in the exhibition zone.
For first-time visitors to Thailand, TTF provides an excellent introduction to the Thai kingdom. A visit to the fair is also a quick and convenient way to get the latest updates on new tourism products and services, as well as to compare prices and shop for the best bargains and attractive deals — all in one stop.
Given the popularity of the event with Thai travellers, especially families, travel and tourism operators and service providers, particularly small and medium enterprise (SMEs) which are noted for their unique one-of-a-kind niche product offerings, turn up in strength.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
 |
A Bai Sri Su Kwan blessing ceremony and grand procession representing the various regions of Thailand to mark the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) |
|
Traditional and contemporary performances on the main stage |
|
Villages of the five regions of the kingdom |
|
Green tourism |
|
Health tourism |
|
Eco-Adventure Travel |
|
Travel and tourism zone featuring a multi-media exhibition and interactive media |
|
Celebrating TAT’s 50th Anniversary: History and Achievements |
|
Regional Cuisines zone |
MAIN STAGE PERFORMANCES
From 10.30 – 21.00 daily
PROGRAMME
Please click to view
VILLAGES OF THE FIVE REGIONS OF THAILAND
This comprehensive cultural showcase highlights the unique aspects and way of life in each of the regions of the Thai kingdom. Exhibits, cultural presentations and live demonstrations in this zone offer insight into local customs and traditions.
|
Traditional Crafts and Souvenirs
Thai artisans are noted for their tradition of artistic excellence and superb craftsmanship. Enjoy live demonstrations of various traditional village crafts from communities throughout Thailand and shop for some of the finest hand-crafted items brought together under one roof at the Thailand Tourism Festival.
A total of 221 booths will be presenting a vast selection of the finest village products from each of the sub-districts (tambon) promoted under the government sponsored OTOP — One Tambon One Product — campaign. |
| |
|
|
|
NORTHERN THAI VILLAGE
Theme: Land of Priceless Cultural Heritage and Natural Forests
Write your wishes on a northern Thai ‘tung’ ceremonial flag associated with your year of birth.
Doing so is considered to be an auspicious gesture. The 'tung' flag is traditionally used to mark the boundaries of a temple or sacred site. All of the ‘tung’ flags collected from TTF 2010 fair will be taken to Lampang province and hung at Wat Pongsanuk – winner of the 2008 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation. Learn more about this historic landmark at the Northern Thai Village.
Enjoy a live demonstration of hilltribe folk games and other traditional folk entertainment such as Lanna-style marionettes and shadow puppets that are now rarely seen. Learn about the Akha swing ceremony or learn to draw or write Lanna script. |
| |
|
|
NORTHEASTERN THAI OR ISAAN VILLAGE
Theme: The Cradle of Learning and Civilization
Enjoy a spectacular showcase of Isaan folk art and culture and native cuisine set against the backdrop of Nam Tok Long Ru waterfall, one of the famous landmarks of Ubon Ratchathani province.
Live demonstrations include the Bai Sri Su Kwan blessing ceremony performed to welcome guests, Isaan folk music and moh lam stage drama.
Other highlights include the crafting of and traditional I-San musical instruments such as the ponglang, kaan and pin, pottery from Dan Kwian, copper products from Ban Pa Aow village, silverware, naturally-dyed cotton fabrics, mud-dyed cotton fabrics, and weaving with kok reeds. |
| |
|
CENTRAL THAILAND
Theme: Diversity
Mountains, beaches, coastal resorts, history, art and culture, the way of life on land and along rivers and waterways, or along the coastal areas make up the fabric of life of the Central Plains.
Journey back in time and catch a glimpse of scenes from the ’80s. Siam Zone presents a mock-up of Siam Square complete with its famous movie theatres and roller skating rink along with vignettes of other famous districts of Bangkok such as bustling Sampeng near Chinatown, Pahurat – Bangkok’s Little India, and Bang Pu seaside resort. |
| |
|
|
Central Lively Zone brings together a variety of crafts and memorabilia that include Muay Thai dolls, miniature dolls, chula kites, multi-colour pha khao ma plaid multi-purpose loin cloths, Nang Yai shadow play, basketry, Ban Bu handcrafted ornamental silver bowls, straw birds and herbs.
The re-creation of the Rong Tong Shrine traditional market and ngan wat traditional temple fair offers further glimpses of the culture and way of life of the Central region. This is also reflected in the various architectural styles of the Central Plains, its floating markets and walking streets, traditional shophouses and other nostalgic aspects of the Thai way of life in times past.
Stop by the Information Zone for tourist information on Central Thailand. |
| |
|
THE EASTERN SEABOARD
Theme: Colours of the East
The seven provinces of the Eastern Seaboard are often referred to as the ‘Jewels of the East Coast’. Historic landmarks, such as the Sunthorn Phu Memorial and Phra Apaimanee Memorial in Rayong and the Koh Chang Naval War Memorial in Trat, all depict the great legends of the eastern provinces in times past.
Tourism destinations and attractions of the Jewel Coast are also re-created to portray the vivid colours of the provinces – river-rafting, the ‘active’ beaches of the Eastern Seaboard, the Sdok Kok Thom and Lalu Khmer-style sanctuaries of Sa Kaeow, the Chao Phraya Apaiphubet Herbal Medicine and Ancient Hospital in Prachin Buri province, a fruit market set against the backdrop of an orchard, coastal fishing villages and the bustling provincial markets of Ban Pae and Nong Mon in Chon Buri. Both are popular stops for visitors to shop for fresh and processed food to be presented as gifts to family members and friends as a souvenir of their trip to Chon Buri province. Live demonstrations of traditional village crafts include gemstone cutting and polishing in Chanthaburi province, mortars and pestles in Ang Thong province, traditional Thai herbal preparations and remedies and bamboo crafts for which the Eastern provinces are known.
SOUTHERN THAI VILLAGE
Theme: Land of Beautiful Lush Forests, Clear Seas and Land of Three Cultures
A replica of the highly revered Phra Borommathat Nakhon Si Thammarat stupa,
the historic landmark and spiritual centre of Nakhon Si Thammarat province, the Mae Lim Ko Nieo Chinese shrine and the mosques (masjid) in Pattani are all important landmarks of the southern provinces.
Scenes from everyday life are re-created. Witness a live demonstration of rubber tapping, monkeys picking coconuts, famous traditional markets of the south from past to present and a morning get-together known to the locals as ‘sapa kafae’ (coffee parliament) — a daily routine in which residents gather to discuss politics and current affairs over cups of strong coffee, freshly-brewed Southern-style.
The Southern provinces are also noted for their delicious native cuisine with famous dishes such as khao yam herbal rice and roti chachak. Local food items, such as cashew nuts, pineapple, dried coconut are also popular as gifts and souvenirs. Enjoy live demonstrations of local crafts such as batik-painting, krajood or bulrush weaving, Theptaro wood-carving and ornamental flowers handcrafted from fish scales.
The Aslimala musical ensemble, Nang Thalung shadow play, Rabam Chon Kai cockfighting dance, and folk dances such as Rong-ngeng, Taree kipas and Norah completes the cultural showcase.
Ecotourism and Adventure Travel
For nature lovers, Thailand offers a tremendous diversity of natural habitats that includes land-based eco-systems, forests and mountainous landscape, waterfalls and streams, mangrove forests as well as marine eco-systems. Learn more about environmentally-friendly travel options available and the ‘7 Greens’ best practices for environmentally-friendly travel and responsible tourism that will help to minimize our carbon footprint and help reverse the effects of global warming. Find out about new environmentally-friendly travel attractions and enjoy the special presentations highlighting rock-climbing, abseiling, playboat kayaking and kayaking techniques such as the Eskimo Roll.
Health Tourism
This special activity zone promotes a better understanding of health tourism. Visitors will be able to witness or experience a live demonstration of traditional Thai massage and the regional variations of this ancient healing technique. In addition to live demonstrations of food for health and yoga for health, health and wellness professionals will also be on-hand to provide health tips and advice.
MAIN STAGE PERFORMANCES
From 10.30 – 21.00 daily
PROGRAMME
Please click to view
Map to Impact Muang Thong Thani Exhibition Centre
Please click to view
| PROGRAMME JUNE 9 – 13, 2010 |
PERFORMANCES ON THE MAIN STAGE
10.30 – 21.00 daily |
| JUNE 9 |
| 10.30 – 11.30 |
Thai Dramatic Arts: An Academic Perspective and the presentation of recent creative works |
| 11.30 – 12.30 |
Nakhon Si Thammarat province Mini Light-and-Sound presentation |
| 12.30 – 13.30 |
Music of the ’70s to the Present by Thousand Way |
| 17.00 – 17.30 |
Opening Ceremony |
| 17.30 – 18.00 |
Travel documentary |
| 18.00 – 21.00 |
The veterans of Thailand’s music industry present a musical journey featuring a collection of songs about travel and various travel destinations. |
| JUNE 10 |
| 10.30 – 11.30 |
Thai Dramatic Arts: An Academic Perspective and the presentation of recent creative works |
| 11.30 – 12.30 |
Chiang Mai province Mini Light-and-Sound presentation |
| 12.30 – 13.30 |
Flute performance by Professor Tanisorn Sriklindee |
| 13.30 – 14.00 |
Show by Tuxedo Magic Theatre from Pattaya |
| 14.00 – 14.30 |
Art of Self Defence: Live demonstration by Mae Mai Muay Thai |
| 14.30 – 17.30 |
Cultural performances from the Four Regions of the Kingdom presented by the College of Performing Arts from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Lop Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Chanthaburi, Roi Et, Kalasin, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phattalung |
| 17.30 – 18.00 |
Travel documentary |
| 18.00 – 21.00 |
Timeless Thai folk songs performed by legendary Thai artists |
| JUNE 11 |
| 10.30 – 11.30 |
Thai Dramatic Arts: An Academic Perspective and the presentation of recent creative works |
| 11.30 – 12.30 |
Press conference on Green Tourism and the Preservation of Thai Cultural Heritage |
| 12.30 – 13.30 |
Invitation to Travel by popular Thai comedians |
| 13.30 – 14.30 |
Concert by Bangkok Xylophone |
| 14.30 – 17.30 |
Ponglang Festival featuring the lively music of Isaan, the northeastern region of Thailand presented by the Roi Et College of Performing Arts vs. the Kalasin College of Performing Arts vs. the Nakhon Ratchasima College of Performing Arts |
| 17.30 – 18.00 |
Travel documentary |
| 18.00 – 21.00 |
Weti Thai (Thai Stage) folk songs performed by Chao Phraya University in Nakhon Sawan vs. Folk songs from the Chingcha Sawan TV show performed by Wisutkasatri School in Samut Prakan |
| JUNE 12 |
| 10.30 – 11.30 |
Thai Dramatic Arts: An Academic Perspective and the presentation of recent creative works |
| 11.30 – 12.30 |
Sukhothai province Mini Light-and-Sound presentation |
| 12.30 – 14.30 |
Thailand Grand Sale launch |
| 14.30 – 17.30 |
Cultural Performances from the Four Regions of Thailand presented by the College of Performing Arts from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Lop Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Chanthaburi, Roi Et, Kalasin, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phattalung |
| 17.30 – 18.00 |
Travel documentary |
| 18.00 – 21.00 |
Thai Folk Song Contest featuring songs from the Chingcha Sawan TV show performed by Thung Saliam Chanupatham School in Sukhothai vs. famous New Generation Thai folk song performers Urn The Star, Tai Tannawat and Ying Titikarn |
| JUNE 13 |
| 10.30 – 11.30 |
Thai Dramatic Arts: An Academic Perspective and the presentation of recent creative works |
| 11.30 – 12.30 |
Human Puppets performance presented by Hua Cheow Chalerm Phrakiat University |
| 13.30 – 14.30 |
Tiffany Show from Pattaya vs.
Mask-Changing Magic Show performed by Khon Thai |
| 14.30 – 17.30 |
Cultural Performances from the Four Regions of Thailand presented by the College of Performing Arts from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Lop Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Chanthaburi, Roi Et, Kalasin, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phattalung |
| 17.30 – 18.00 |
Travel documentary |
| 18.00 – 19.30 |
Thai folk music performance by Siriporn Ampaipongse – the Queen of Thai folk music |
| 18.00 – 21.00 |
Thai Folk Song performance by P’Sadet and Maeng Por Chonticha |
|
