Bangkok, 21 September, 2022 – Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports together with the public and private sectors from Songkhla province organised the three-day ‘Hello Hatyai 2022’ event from 16-18 September, 2022, to promote Hat Yai as a preferred tourist destination for Malaysians.
H.E. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said “Hat Yai has long been a popular destination for Malaysian tourists, and the ‘Hello Hatyai 2022’ event was held to celebrate and further strengthen the relationship between the people of Hat Yai and their close neighbour.”
The event took place on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Malaysia, and the establishment of the strategic partnership between the neighbouring countries.
The grand opening of ‘Hello Hatyai 2022’ on 16 September – which coincided with the annual Malaysia Day holiday in Malaysia – was attended by H.E. Mr. Phipat Ratchakitprakarn, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports; Mr. Muhammad Ridzuan Abu Yazid, Consul General of Malaysia in Songkhla, Thailand, and Lt. Gen. Sakorn Thongmuni, Hat Yai Municipal Mayor; as well as officials and figures from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Songkhla Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Council of Songkhla, Tourists Business Federation of Songkhla, and Hat Yai-Songkhla Hotels Association.
Throughout the three days of ‘Hello Hatyai 2022’, there were various activities and entertainment that included light and sound performances, art and culture exhibitions, and live music from leading Thai artists. A ‘Walking Street’ featured more than 100 participating restaurants, and a ‘Car Boot Sale’ saw over 100 products and special promotions on offer from hotels, restaurants, and department stores.