Bangkok, 19 September, 2016 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is inviting everyone to the “Expat Fair Thailand 2016” to boost the image of Thai tourism, celebrate the vibrant expat community, and encourage everyone to travel more domestically, and enjoy Thailand’s many attractions.
Conceptualised under the “Food Fun Fair” theme, the event will be held from 1 to 2 October, 2016, at 10.00-22.00 Hrs., at Fragrant Park on Bangkok’s Sukhumvit 36 Road, which is easily reached from Thong Lo BTS Station.
TAT recognises that Thailand has a large and vibrant expatriate population many of whom have strong links with the kingdom and who express great love for Thailand and its people. The Expat Fair Thailand 2016 will celebrate these bonds and encourage expats, and Thai revellers at the fair, to travel more within Thailand and discover amazing stories and unique local experiences.
Mr. Sugree Sithivanich, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications said, “Thailand is increasingly becoming a multinational society with people from all over the world coming to work and making their home here. They love the Thai way of life, the friendly people and the vibrant culture.
“But many of these expatriates and their families work in the big cities, so we want to encourage them, and indeed everyone, to travel further afield and to discover some of the local experiences that can be enjoyed in every corner of the country.”
Everyone, local and international, is invited to the “Expat Fair Thailand 2016”, which is free to join. There will be food trucks selling international cuisine and cooking competitions to encourage people to try and make traditional dishes for themselves. So everyone should bring a hearty appetite as there will be variety of food to taste. Also, the 12 Hidden Gems area will introduce the emerging destinations in Thailand and invite visitors to do Thai hands-on activities.
Well-known and much-loved foreigners who have made their home in Thailand will be at the fair to reveal the things they like most about the kingdom. One of these will be the former Miss Universe, Ms. Natalie Glebova, who has many business interests here. Also making an appearance will be talented Australian linguist, author, and television personality, Mr. Andrew Biggs, who will give a fun interview in which he will talk about some of his experiences of living in Thailand.
There will also be music from honey-voiced, Mr. Jonas Anderson and Ms. Christy Gibson, expats who live in Thailand and popularised the Thai country style singing Luk Thung internationally. In addition, there will be displays of funky swing dance, Japanese drummers, Indian dance and expat hip-hop artists.
Thailand’s expats and locals wanting to take domestic trips should not miss the fair. There will be the chance to win air tickets to destinations all over Thailand. Nok Air is providing 40 tickets for those who participate in the activities, with 20 being given out on each of the two days.
“We think the Expat Fair is a great initiative of the TAT as it will showcase the breadth of talent that has made Thailand their second home,” he said, adding “and we also have to thank the Expats for bringing in so many eclectic dishes from far and wide that help make Bangkok one the world’s best culinary destinations.” said Mr. Patee Sarasin, CEO of Nok Air.
According to the figures from the Office of Foreign Workers Administration, some 143,000 expats are currently working legally in Thailand with some 70 per cent in management positions or higher.
Mr. Sugree said, “We want to reach out to the expats here to encourage international cultural exchanges and help them to “Discover Amazing Stories” in our Amazing Thailand.
“Certainly, strong relations with people who are living and working here can help build links and confidence in Thailand among expats and their families and friends back home. The Expat Fair Thailand 2016 will help create a positive vibe in our expat community and increase the confidence to explore the many amazing stories in the kingdom.”
From left: The MC; Mr. Patee Sarasin, CEO of Nok Air; Mr. Sugree Sithivanich, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications; Mr. Andrew Biggs, a renowned Australian expat and author in Thailand; and Mr. Jonas Anderson, a Swedish performer famous for his Thai folk singing. The four met at a press conference to announce the launch of the Expat Fair Thailand 2016.
From left: Mr. Patee Sarasin, Nok Air’s CEO; Mr. Andrew Biggs, a renowned Australian expat and author in Thailand; Mr. Sugree Sithivanich, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications; Mr. Jonas Anderson, a Swedish performer famous for his Thai folk singing; and Mr. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, TAT Executive Director for Advertising and Public Relations Department
Mr. Jonas Anderson, a Swedish performer famous for his Thai folk singing
K-Pop band 316, which has members from Korea and Thailand
