Bangkok, 3 October, 2016 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s first ever Expat Fair Thailand 2016 was a great success, with people of many nations coming along to mingle with the locals and enjoy great food, fun entertainment and the chance to discover unique Thai experiences.
Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor said we were pleased that so many people, expats, their families and Thais, came down to Fragrant Park at Bangkok’s BTS Thong Lo Station to enjoy the wide range of fun and food.
“It was a real eye-opener just to see the sheer variety of people from all corners of the world who call Thailand their home. This multicultural side of modern Thailand is what we were celebrating at the Fair through song, dance and cuisine, as well as the amazing attractions of the kingdom of course.”
The Expat Fair Thailand took place on 1 and 2 of October from 10.00 a.m. till 10.00 p.m. and there was food and drink being served all day from food trucks and stalls, alongside the entertainment which boasted a blend of local, international and traditional performers.
The Expat Fair Thailand 2016 got off to a colourful start with Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor; Mr. Chattan Kunjara, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications; Ms. Supranee Pongpat, TAT Executive Director of the Advertising and Public Relations Department, and several notable expats including former Miss Universe Natalie Glebova who symbolically shared their love of Thailand, by pouring bright red beads into a Thai heart.
Saturday’s entertainment included a colourful Japanese drumming display from Ryukyu Budan Shoryu Matsuri Daiko as well as Indian dancing and a concert from Luk Thung singer Ms. Christy Gibson and the Korean/Thai hip-hop group 316 who ended the evening with some dazzling dance moves.
On Sunday, crowds came to visit the Expat Fair Thailand 2016 and enjoyed more live music and entertainments. The evening came to a fun end with a joint concert from Luk Thung singers Mr. Jonas Anderson and Ms. Christy Gibson, which saw fans singing along with their favourite hits.
During the event, people got to learn a little about the expat experience in Thailand thanks to interviews with well-known foreigners who live in Thailand. These included talks with Ms. Natalie Glebova and Australian television personality, Mr. Andrew Biggs, who made the crowd laugh as he conducted a cooking show.
One of the most popular aspects of the Fair were the local Thai lifestyle activities; such as, rice growing, mask making, and ceramic bowl painting that represented the 12 Hidden Gems of Thailand, destinations where travellers can go and discover amazing stories and enjoy a unique Thai experience.