Bangkok, 17 November, 2016 – Thailand remains an ideal destination for sporting events and fixtures of all sizes as the kingdom promotes itself as a sports hub. The kingdom also remains a regional leader in staging cultural events and MICE meetings, and offering health tourism and eco-friendly activities.
The remarks about Thailand’s status as a dream destination were made by H.E. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports at the World Travel Market 2016 in London on 7 November. The Minister joined TAT Governor Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn in telling the world that Thailand was open for business as usual.
The Minister said that, “Even as the mourning period remains in place, businesses can continue to operate as usual, and entertainment will resume in Thailand from 14 November, 2016.”
She also said that all sports and MICE events will be going ahead as normal.
Thailand is positioning itself as the region’s ultimate destination for sports tourism and promoting the kingdom’s world-class sporting facilities and venues; as well as, citing its successful track record of hosting regional and international sporting events and tournaments. These include the 2014 Asian Beach Games, the 2015 Asian Cycling Championships, and the World Touring Car Championships 2015 (WTCC).
Sports events coming up in Thailand include:
- Air Race 1 (U-Tapao Naval Air Base, 19-20 November, 2016)
- Phuket Laguna Triathlon (20 November, 2016)
- Princess’s Cup (Bangkok, 25-27 November, 2016)
- 2016 Ironman 70.3 Thailand (Phuket, 27 November, 2016)
- Jet Ski World Cup (Pattaya, 2-4 December, 2016)
- Phuket King’s Cup Regatta (3-10 December, 2016)
- Chiang Mai Marathon (18 December, 2016)
- Bangkok Marathon (5 February, 2017)
H.E. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul also confirmed that Thailand’s cultural festivals would be going ahead, saying, “The New Year Countdown, Chinese New Year, Songkran, and the Thailand Tourism Festival are all going on.”
She also used her speech to promote Thailand as a centre of medical tourism mentioning the “Visit Thailand Enhance Your Healthy Life campaign that began in September 2016, and comprises three packages: a health check and dental services covering all ages in the family as well as a fertility treatment.”
Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) said, “Thailand is open for business and increasing numbers of people are coming here to enjoy world-class sports events and facilities.
“They know they’ll find state-of-the-art venues and high standards of professionalism.
“Thailand is a welcoming nation that can offer culture, adventure, medical care, shopping and hospitality and cater for events of all types.
“It really is the dream destination.
“This period of time has nice fresh weather to explore various tourist attractions, as well as enjoy the diversity of festivals and events throughout the Kingdom.”
