Thainess is TAT’s 2015 mascot

BANGKOK, 6 January 2015: The Tourism Authority of Thailand has scheduled the grand opening celebration of the “2015 Discover Thainess” campaign for 14 January, with a parade and performances to be held in the centre of Bangkok.

Tourism Authority of Thailand governor, Thawatchai Arunyik said: “We would like to invite all tourists and tourism industry stakeholders to take part in the extravagant celebrations marking the launch of the “2015 Discover Thainess” campaign.”

“We have scheduled events that are specially designed to showcase “Thainess”, or the distinct character of the Thai people and our unique culture.”

The grand opening celebration of the “2015 Discover Thainess” campaign starts at 1800, 14 January in front of the Siam Discovery Centre.

A spectacular parade will start, 1700 from the National Stadium at the Pathumwan Intersection and wind its way along Rama I Road to the Ratchaprasong Intersection before turning into Ratchadamri Road and conclude at Lumpini Park.

The “2015 Discover Thainess” campaign incorporates the current Thai government’s 12 national core values, aimed at promoting and preserving Thai traditional values and culture.

Thainess is a term for the hospitable character of the Thai people and the many cultural assets of Thailand that make it an outstanding tourist destination.

The grand celebration heralds the hosting of the Thailand Tourism Festival 2015 that will take place 14 to 18 January 2015, at Lumpini Park.

In 2015, TAT estimates tourist arrivals could increase 13% to around 28 million and earn an estimated revenue of THB1.35 trillion up 16%. The figures are rough forecasts based on the assumption tht 2014 attracted slightly more than 25 million visits. Firm figures for December have still to be calculated.