Bangkok, 20 September 2024 – The “Amazing Thailand, Mid-Autumn Night” event at Siam Paragon shopping complex shined a spotlight on the months-long “Nihao Month” to celebrate the upcoming 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China in 2025.
Presenting Thailand and China at the evening event included, Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Wu Zhiwu, Minister at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Kingdom of Thailand, and Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
The event featured impressive cultural shows celebrating Thailand-China cultural ties, a much-hyped appearance by famous Chinese actor Luo Yunxi, and special performances by popular Thai stars DaOu Pittaya Sae-chow and Mai Davika Hoorne.
Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said “Stimulating the international market is one of the key approaches to reviving tourism revenue, particularly the Chinese tourist market. Today’s event celebrates the time-honoured tradition of the Mid-Autumn Festival and strengthens cultural and tourism ties between Thailand and China. The event will indeed help pave the way for mutually beneficial tourism cooperation between two countries in the next decade and beyond.”
Mr. Wu Zhiwu, Minister at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Kingdom of Thailand, said “The Mid-Autumn Festival symbolises people coming together. The joint organisation of the “Amazing Thailand, Mid-Autumn Night” event between China and Thailand allows both nations to celebrate together as one close and warm family. This reflects the long-standing close relationship between the people of both countries.”
The “Amazing Thailand, Mid-Autumn Night” marked a grand welcome for 102 Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) from China to experience Thailand’s charms and ‘Five Must-Do’ activities in tailor-made routes up and down the kingdom. Also enjoying the special evening were 520 lucky winners from TAT’s social media activity.
Chinese heartthrob Luo Yunxi, much to the delight of the audience, made a special appearance and joined a mooncake-making session with Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, and Chef Chumpol Jangprai, Thailand Iron Chef. The multi-talented actor also shared his views on Thai tourism in a special talk with the TAT Governor.
Two of Thailand’s popular stars, DaOu Pittaya Sae-chow and Mai Davika Hoorne, also wowed the audience with dazzling performances. Adding to the fun atmosphere were Chinese cultural workshops, including Chinese paper lanterns, DIY crafts, and calligraphy, as well as Thai crafts workshops on weaving, traditional jewellery, and Thai herbal inhalers.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said “Through content shared with followers of the participating KOLs via various online platforms in China, we hope the special activities at the “Amazing Thailand, Mid-Autumn Night” will further promote Thailand as a cultural tourism destination for Chinese tourists.”
The “Amazing Thailand, Mid-Autumn Night” event formed part of a series of special events and promotions scheduled between this month and the next leading up to the year-long celebration to mark the 50th Anniversary of Thailand-China relations in 2025.
Other activities include various joint promotions between TAT and China’s leading travel platforms between this month and December, the Chinese Passport Special Deals from now until the end of next month, and two Thailand-China friendship caravan trips scheduled between this month and the next.
TAT has set a target for the Nihao Month festival to materialise into 250,000 arrivals from China during the upcoming Golden Week. Special events and promotions would help generate about 500 million reaches and further enhance the positive image of Thailand as the preferred destination for Chinese tourists.
From 1 January to 8 September 2024, Thailand welcomed 4,895,707 tourists from China, maintaining its position as the country’s top source of international visitors. This success is bolstered by a significant increase in flight capacity, with 8,588,274 seats available in 2024 – a 65% jump from the previous year, and the mutual visa exemption policy by the two countries.
Along with other key supporting factors such as the growth of new high-quality tourist groups, and TAT’s promotional activities like the “Amazing Thailand Road Show to China, Thailand is optimistic about reaching its ambitious target of 7.3 million Chinese visitors in 2024.
