Visitor numbers to Thailand for 2015 rose from 25 million to 26 million in just 10 days

26 millionth tourist_01 — H.E. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports (7th from left), Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas (6th from left), Mrs. Pataraporn Sithivanich, TAT Executive Director for the Americas Region (5th from left), Ms. Anoma Wongyai, TAT Director Phuket Office (4th from left), Phuket’s Vice Governor Dr Prajiad Aksornthammakul (3rd from right), Mr. Suvadhana Sibunruang, THAI’s Director Brand and Advertising Department (9th from left), Mr. Amnuay Sarachart, Deputy Director of the AOT Phuket Office (10th from left) and Mrs. Kasorn Wichitrattanakul, True Corporation Deputy General Manager – Regional Management UPC 8-Upper South (2nd from right) during the ceremony to welcome Mr. Tommy Jeppsson (8th from left) who is Thailand’s 26 millionth tourist for 2015.

Phuket, 20 November, 2015 – Visitor numbers to Thailand for this year surged from 25 million to 26 million in just 10 days as the kingdom counts down to the month of grand celebrations in December.

The 26 millionth tourist, Mr. Tommy Jeppsson from the Kingdom of Norway who is also one of Thailand’s Luckiest Visitors for 2015, arrived in Phuket today, and was pleasantly surprised to receive a grand welcome ceremony presided over by the country’s top tourism official, H.E. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, and joined by representatives from leading tourism organisations and businesses.

26 millionth tourist_03 — A small talk between H.E. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul (middle), Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa (right), TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas, and Mr. Tommy Jeppsson at Phuket International Airport.

H.E. Kobkarn said, “We would like to thank you all the supporters of Thailand for having confidence and select our country as their travel destination. November and December are among the most pleasant times to visit Thailand. During this period, tourists can enjoy cool breeze in most part of the country, azure sea with blue sky in the south, and there are numerous festive activities and happenings throughout the country. But of course, in a country as diverse as Thailand, tourists can enjoy their journey at any time of the year.”

The festival of lights or Loi Krathong will take place on 25 November, with locations throughout Thailand scheduling days of celebrations during next week. December, meanwhile, is the month of many celebrations, especially the highly anticipated ‘Bike for Dad 2015’ in honour of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on the auspicious occasion of his 88^th Birthday Anniversary.

Mr. Tommy Jeppsson, the 26 millionth tourist said, “I have chosen Phuket as the travel destination for the winter break to enjoy the nice weather, amazing Thai food and culture, and beaches and natural attractions.” He received two economy-class return tickets from his/her original destination to Thailand, valid for one year, a voucher of five-night stay at a luxury accommodation, a mobile phone with a 4G sim-card and seven-day Internet usage for use during the trip, and the “Thailand’s Luckiest Visitor” certificate from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Airports of Thailand, the Immigration Bureau, Thai Airways International and True Corporation.

The “Thailand’s Luckiest Visitor” activity, launched in June this year, is in conjunction with “2015 Discover Thainess” campaign that aims to encourage the number of international tourists to visit Thailand in order to explore the endless charm of Thailand, the diversity of destinations, full flavours of Thai cuisine, fascinating uniqueness of the traditions and culture, as well as the friendliness of its people which brings about a memorable journey that sets the travelling experience apart from other countries.

Thailand aims to welcome 28.8 million international visitors for this year.

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