Bangkok, December 28, 2012: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and travel-related offices of the Thai public and private sectors today jointly organized a welcoming ceremony for the group of international tourists that pushed Thailand’s tourist arrivals for 2012 to over 21 million people. The country is fast moving the number of 22 million. With this super growth, TAT is confident that the year 2013 will see 24.5 million arrivals and an income of 1.149 million million baht.

At 11.45 hrs. today at the Arrival Hall of Suvarnabhumi Airport, Mr. Suraphon Svetasreni, TAT Governor, together with top executives from Thai Airways International, Airports of Thailand Public Co., Ltd. and representatives of Thai tourism associations, held a lively ceremony to greet tourists by giving away Nong Sukjai mascot dolls to arriving passengers. Recipients emerging from the baggage claim area were surprised but delighted by the ceremony. There were photo opportunities with the executives by the Thai media, which came in force to cover the historic occasion.

Mr. Suraphon said, “This activity was held to mark a major milestone for the Thai tourism industry. We registered a 15% increase in arrivals over 2011 and we are confident of generating at least 965,000 million baht for the country, a healthy 24% rise over last year. Our statistics showed that Thailand welcomed 19,761,794 international tourists from January to November this year, which was an increase of 13.57%. The top ten countries that sent tourists to Thailand were China, Malaysia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, India, Laos, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Singapore. The main growth markets are from Asia. Both Suvarnabhumi Airport and Phuket International Airport showed a good increase in the first half of December of 35% and 47%, respectively. These figures bolster our confidence in achieving 22 million arrivals very soon.”

The trend for 2013 looks to be positive should the travel situation remain as stable as it is now. TAT expects international arrivals to hit 24.5 million (11% increase) and revenue generated to be 1,149,000 million baht (19% increase). The main contributing markets will likely be Asian countries and the launching of the ASEAN Community in 2015 will spur even further growth.

New Delhi, December 2012- With the immense success of SATTE 2012, Amazing Thailand will once again showcase the best of Thailand during SATTE 2013 from 16-18 January 2013 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Amazing Thailand will occupy a bigger space at Booth No 1159, Hall No. 11. There will be a wide variety of products and services, ranging from cultural & entertainment options to golf, theme parks to health & wellness, from tour operators to airlines as well as luxury villas and resorts. All in all, there will be 54 sellers, totaling up to over 100 delegations, coming from different parts of Thailand including Bangkok and other beach destinations. The aim is not only to update the Indian travel trade with new offerings from Thailand but also at the same time introduce new locations and products that suit the potential Indian traveler.

During the 3-day event, TAT has arranged for professional therapists from a luxury wellness spa “Rarinjinda” in Thailand, for both buyers and sellers to experience Thai traditional massage, which is a good way to relax and relieve tension and stress.

TAT has achieved our set target for 2012, bringing the total number of Indian travelers to Thailand to 1 million, making Amazing Thailand the champion destination for Indian outbound market. TAT has also received accolades from Indians for:

1. The Most Favourite Country from Conde Nast Traveller Award, 2012
2. The World’s Best Country from Travel + Leisure, 2011
3. The World’s Best Wedding Destination from Travel & Leisure, 2011
4. The Most Popular Wedding Destination from Hospitality India & Explore the World Magazine, 2012
5. The Best Destination for Value (International) from Lonely Planet magazine, 2012
6. The Best Destination International for Film -Making from Cinemascape, 2012

Ms. Runjuan Tongrut, Director, TAT New Delhi, added, “All our co-exhibitors from Thailand are looking forward to meet with potential buyers and partners during the 3-day event. SATTE is one of the best platforms for buyers and sellers to network and discuss business opportunities. This year, Thailand offers more variety and posh products that suit Indian luxury travellers. We hope and wish for 2013 to be a better year with a target of 10% increase in number of travellers and 20% in revenue. We sincerely welcome you all to Amazing Thailand Pavilion, at booth no 1159, Hall No.11 right at the entrance. See you at SATTE 2013.”

Bangkok, 26 December2012 -TAT will be supporting New Year 2013 Countdowns throughout Thailand in order to stimulate year-end tourism, with the goal of generating revenues of approximately 13,100 million Baht. These activities will be held under the rubric of “Pray for More Blessings and Good Fortune” together with “Four Ways to Good Fortune in Life” to welcome in the new year.

TAT Governor Mr. Surapol Sewtaserani announced that the New Year’s Eve events of 31 December 2012 to 1 January 2013 will be celebrated under the overall theme, “Miracle Thailand Countdown 2012.”

TAT is supporting eight eventsthroughout Thailand: in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pattaya, Khon Kaen, Hat Yai and Phuket with the objective of promoting world-class New Year’s countdownactivities. These celebrations will be held in tandem with numerous countries worldwide.

Mr. Surapol announced the following details for the 2013 New Year Countdowns in Thailand:

1. Bangkok Countdown 2013 at the Ratchaprasong Intersection from 31 December 2012 to 1 January 2013: Enjoy musical performances, a variety of entertainment activities, and fireworks displays.

2. Chiang Mai Countdown 2013: Enjoy concerts, entertainment activities, fireworks displays and a countdown to welcome the New Year on the 31^st and 1^st in the Thapae Road/Tha Phae Gate area.

3. Pattaya Countdown 2013: Enjoy Christmas activities with festive lights and decorations along the streets with performances from Grammy singers and fireworks displays every night. Held from 25-31 December 2012 in the Tourism Port area (Laem Bali Hai) in South Pattaya, Pattaya City, Chon Buri.

4. Night Paradise Hat Yai and Countdown 2013: Held in the Nipat Uthit 3 Rd. area and Senhanusorn Rd. in Hat Yai, Songkhla, from 30 December 2012 to 1 January 2013. Enjoy concerts by popular stars and the dazzling fireworks display.

5. Colorful Phuket Countdown 2013: Held in the Sanam Chai area in the Phuket municipality, Phuket from 29-31 December 2012. Enjoy the festivities with the backdrop of Fantasy World decorations in Light and Wonderland with musical performances and a variety of entertainment activities and a grand fireworks display.

6. Phuket Electric Music of Dance Festival 2013: Held in the Karon Beach Area in Phuket municipality, Phuket, from 31-31 December 2012. Celebrate among world-class electronics concerts and an electronic music artist contest.

7. Khon Kaen Countdown 2013: Held in the Srichan Rd. area (Pratu Muang-San Lak Muang Intersection) from 29 December 2012 to 1 January 2013. Peruse the exciting activities on a road full of festivities and concerts performed by famous artists with a food offering ceremony for Buddhist monks and much more.

8. Three-Country Miracle Countdown 2013: Held in the border town of Mae Sai, Chiang Rai Province from 30 December 2012 to 1 January 2013. Featuring contemporary music performances and cultural arts from three countries – Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos – including trade booths and local cuisine, musical fireworks displays, and diverse international entertainment.

In addition, TAT will be hosting New Year’s activities throughout the month of January with the event, “Pray for More Blessings and Good Fortune.”

TAT has created thesenew ways to commemorate three auspicious occasions for the Thai people in 2012:The eighty-fifth birthday of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadet, the eightieth birthday of HRH Queen Sirikit, and the fifth cycle (sixtieth birthday) of HRH Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn.

Pick up a guidebook at TAT’s main office or call for more information at 1672 nationwide; or download the manual at www.amazingcountdown.com.

Phuket, Thailand - 25 December, 2012 - Inspired by the success and appeal of electronic music festivals globally, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in collaboration with the Department of Intellectual Properties (Ministry of Commerce), and Karon Municipality have once again arranged the Phuket Electronic Music and Dance festival 2012. This exciting event will take place in conjunction with the Karon Beach New Year 2013 Countdown.

The objective of the festival and competition was announced to promote electronic music in Thailand, to encourage talented young Thai electronic artists and to modernize the electronic music industry in Thailand.

Musical events such as this festival attract music lovers from beyond Thailand’s borders, and are a powerful promotion tool to build tourist confidence in Thai destinations; accordingly, all the relevant authorities are using their massive online network to attract visitors for the New Year’s festivities.

The goal of Phuket Electronic Music and Dance Festival 2012 / Karon Beach Countdown 2013 and Creative IP DJ Hunt 2012 is to promote electronic music in Thailand and encourage talented young Thai electronic artists to participate in the electronic music industry in Thailand. The top 3 Winners of the IP DJ Hunt contest will receive 20,000 Baht, 10,000 Baht and 5,000 Baht, respectively, as well as prizes from Pioneer DJ.

The 2-day festival will showcase an exciting line up of more than 30 international and Thai DJs. Top Thai DJs include J Monthon, who is also a presenter for IP DJ Hunt; DJ Domination, winner of the Best Video DJ of the World Contest in Dubai 2012; and Pay and White, who is currently in the Top 10 World Chart of Crystal Palace.

The Creative IP DJ Hunt will take place on Karon Beach starting at 1700 hours on the 30th of December with the Awards and Opening ceremony set to kick off at 2100 hours. All are cordially invited to join the New Year 2013 Countdown Ceremony on Karon Beach starting at 2330 hours. Entrance to the event is totally free.

Fashion TV, the world’s number one fashion and lifestyle channel, also a co-organizer of the event, has invited more than 50 international fashion models to join the countdown on stage. Highlights of the event will be aired on Fashion TV to more than 500 million views around the world.

For more information, please email us at info@phuket-music-festival.com or visit us on Facebook.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has unveiled a package of online marketing strategies designed to take advantage of the rapidly-growing social media networks and attract millions more viewers and visitors to Thailand in 2013.

Speaking at the December 13 launch, Mr. Suraphon Svetasreni, Governor, Tourism Authority of Thailand said that the TAT’s online marketing strategies plan for 2013 would be one of the cost-effective means of reaching the growing legions of consumers for whom mobile gadgets have become an indispensable part of life.

He said the dual-language social media tools would include a broad variety of “infotainment” tactics, combining both information and entertainment messages targeted at domestic and international visitors.

The TAT has been well ahead of the game in taking advantage of the marketing opportunities made available by these new mediums, Mr. Suraphon said. “Our job is to promote the country’s tourism attractions and drive business for our private sector. Online technologies allow us to do both efficiently and effectively.”

The plan will see TAT boosting cooperation with leading online channels such as Facebook, Google (Street View), Trip Advisor and Zizzee.

At present, there are over 1 billion Facebook users worldwide or 44% of worldwide internet users worldwide. By 2013, facebook users are estimated to grow to 1.5 billion worldwide (not including other social network such as twitter, Instagram, Google+, YouTube, Pinterest etc.

In 2012, the TAT main website www.tourismthailand.org recorded more than 130 million page views and 20 million visitors. Across all the social media channels, the TAT sites recorded more than 530 million impressions and 50 million visitors.

TAT also launched a new online community called “Amazing Thailand On Line” app which has chalked up 80 million users worldwide. The sticker has recorded more than two million downloads.

Trip Advisor is claimed to be the world’s biggest website with real-time advice for travellers and reviews of products and services. TAT has gained the rights to take reviews from Trip Advisor and publish them on TAT main website; this will help to improve the quality of information and also increase the number of website visitors and pageviews of www.tourismthailand.org  website.

With Google, the TAT is using the “Google Street View” which allows users to explore places around the world through 360-degree, panoramic view, and street-level imagery. At present, it can be used to view the three most popular tourist destinations of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket.

Bangkok has been rated the world’s second best city for tourist shopping and the third best city in terms of value for money, according to a global survey of 75,000 travellers covering 40 cities by the TripAdvisor travel site.

Tokyo was the most highly decorated world city ranked number one for best taxi services, friendliest taxi drivers, best public transportation, cleanest streets, and safety. Singapore also rated highly in several categories related to safety, cleanliness and transport infrastructure.

However, Bangkok rated best in two very important categories of the visitor experience, shopping and value for money. Said Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Suraphon Svetasreni, “This is a very important result for us because it underscores the success of our marketing campaign. We have always sought to position Thailand as a shopping paradise, thanks to our value for money factor and extensive diversity of products and services.”

The exact results were as follows:

Thailand recorded a 31% increase in tourism receipts in 2011 over 2010, according to Ministry of Tourism and Sports figures. The total earnings of 776 billion baht (US$25.45 billion) were also well above the original target of 716 billion baht (US$23 billion). Visitor spending per capita per day in 2011 averaged 4,187 baht, of which 24% (1,001 baht) was spent on shopping, the second highest expenditure item after accommodation.

The growth in total number of visitors, projected at 20.5 million in 2012 and 22.45 million in 2013, is being matched by increased average length of stay and average daily expenditure, further underscoring the role of tourism as one of the most important economic sectors and contributor to job creation and nationwide income distribution.

Overall, the expenditure figures show that the recent strengthening of the baht against the US$ is having little impact and Thailand remains good value for money for visitors across the board. The availability of a broad range of products from the latest designer goods to traditional Thai arts and crafts is further enhanced by the VAT refund scheme.

 Bangkok, Thailand - 18 December, 2012

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in conjunction with Krung Thai Bank (KTB) and the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), has introduced the “Miracle Thailand Card” to Indian travelers.

The card, which works just like a debit card, can be purchased for 100 Baht from any KTB currency exchange kiosk or bank branch, the TAT Revenue Collection Office, or the ATTA.

 Cardholders are rewarded with shopping discounts of up to seventy percent on over 400 brands from the top malls in Bangkok, such as Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, The Emporium, Paradise Park, MBK Center, The Mall, and many others. Users also receive ten percent off purchases from the King Power duty-free shop, ten percent discounts on tickets to see Siam Niramit, the spectacular and award-winning stage show featuring Thai Arts and Culture, and 400 Baht off the usual 1,150 Baht entry fee to the Siam Park City amusement & water park (when purchasing four tickets or more).

 Also included in the promotion is the additional benefit of Personal Accident Insurance for cardholders.

Sethaphan Buddhani, Director of the TAT office in Mumbai, says, “The purpose of this project is to provide tourists from all over the world the convenience to travel, and avail the special offers and discounts from the top shopping malls in Thailand. The cardholder will also be given a Personal Accident Insurance for the first seven days of entry within the country. No advanced cash is required for first aid medical expenses at any 260 high-standard hospitals throughout Thailand.”

 Contact information: