Bangkok, 14 December, 2015 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, the People’s Republic of China, and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Kingdom of Thailand, hosted a reception dinner and certificate presentation ceremony at the China Cultural Centre in Bangkok in recognition of 60 conquerors of the special “15,000 Miles from Altai to Suvarnabhumi” Thai-Sino culture and tourism friendship caravan.
The special friendship caravan took place from 14 November to 20 December, 2015, totalling 37 days and 36 nights, to commemorate the three important occasions – the 40th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Thailand and China, the 60th birthday anniversary of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, as well as the 55th anniversary of TAT.
H.E. Mr. Visanu Krue-ngam, Deputy Prime Minister said, “We would like to welcome and express our appreciation to all participants of this friendship caravan for making the auspicious occasions become even more significant. This event has been a part of our grand celebrations, which brought happiness to the Thai people, and it is one of the most gracious ways to enter the ASEAN Economic Community. We believe this historic event will further strengthen bilateral relations between China and Thailand in many more years to come.”
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H.E. Mr. Ning Fukai, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China of the Kingdom of Thailand said, “The Chinese and Thai people have been bound as brothers and sisters for a long time. This road trip friendship caravan has proved that a long distance has never been an obstacle for our friendship. The impressive journey has turned into history and helped open up a new chapter of Thai-Sino diplomatic relations.”
The trip covered the unique Silk Road route, starting in China from the Altai Mountains to Lao PDR., entering Thailand via the northern region (Chiang Rai), and travelling down to explore the 10 provinces of the North, 19 provinces of the Central Region and 7 provinces of the Northeast of Thailand.
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During the friendship caravan trip, all participants had the chance to visit important tourist attractions of each city en route. Their journey was shared on the TAT Central Region Facebook Page TAT_Tiewpakklang.
Mr. Sugree Sithivanich, Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications of TAT said, “Other than strengthening the tourism cooperation between Thailand and China, the caravan was also aimed to introduce new travel routes linking countries in the ASEAN Economic Community as well as to reiterate awareness and promote the positive image of Thailand’s Discover Thainess Year in 2015.”
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From the starting point in Altai, Xinjiang, China, the conquerors marvelled through historic routes, featuring ancient civilisations and charming World Heritage Sites. Passing through Lao PDR., they entered Thailand at Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai, and travelled across all 36 Thai provinces, visiting and experiencing majestic temples, quaint villages and impressive local way of life as well as many other memorable activities.
