Bangkok, 26 January 2017 – The Thailand Tourism Festival (TTF) 2017 officially opened yesterday by H.E. General Tanasak Patimapragorn, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, who was joined by H.E. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sport; Mr. Kalin Sarasin, Chairman of the Board of TAT; Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor; and Mr. Jakkapan PiwNgam, Deputy Governor of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
The opening ceremony, which took place on 25 January – the first of four days of fun in Bangkok’s Lumphini Park, offered a colourful spectacle of Thai dancing, music and culture.
H.E. General Tanasak said, “This fun-packed festival is one of the biggest events on the Thai tourism calendar and is always enjoyed by the local people. Visitors will get to enjoy many elements of Thainess and to enjoy a taste of the unique local experiences, festivals and foods that can be found all over the country. I hope everyone has a fun time.
“We also want to wish the happiest of new years to all visitors of Chinese ancestry and that the Year of the Rooster is a successful one for them.”
TTF 2017 saw Bangkok’s Lumphini Park transformed into a mini representation of Thailand with replicas of landmarks and examples of cultural events from the five major regions of the country – North, South, East, Central and the Northeast. There will be lots to see and do including food, handicrafts and shows.
There are nine other zones in the Park, which allow visitors to learn about the legacy of King Rama IX; try some of the amazing food from around Thailand and 50 of Bangkok’s best food outlets, and special zones set up by TAT giving people information about new tourism routes and unique local experiences people can try in Thailand.
TTF 2017 also has fun educational zones about Thailand’s geological past, adventure areas and a special selfies zone. TTF’s Chinatown zone will be the focus of Bangkok’s celebrations for Chinese New Year and boasts amazing light and lantern displays.
Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor said, “This is an important event for Thailand’s tourism industry, and we want Thais and foreigners to come and enjoy this lovely park and explore this miniature Thailand, which offers an overview of some of the adventures to be found in the country. We hope that everyone enjoys the festival and that it inspires them to explore Thailand in 2017.”
The Thailand Tourism Festival 2017 will be held from 25 – 29 January, at 14:00 to 22:00 Hrs. at Lumphini Park. Visitors are encouraged to arrive by the MRT underground Silom Station or the BTS Sala Daeng Station.