Bangkok, 19 December, 2018 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is counting down to 2018 with spectacular Amazing Thailand Countdown celebrations in five regions across the Kingdom, with Lampang, Sakon Nakhon, Rayong, Phuket and Kanchanaburi ringing in the New Year.
![Amazing Thailand Countdown 2018](https://www.tatnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Amazing-Thailand-Countdown-2018-PressConf.jpg)
Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn (above picture, centre), TAT Governor, said: “The Amazing Thailand Countdown 2018 celebrations is carefully coordinated to reflect TAT’s latest marketing concept of ‘Open to the New Shades’ and the action-packed Amazing Thailand Tourism Year 2018.”
The Amazing Thailand Countdown 2018 concept will place emphasis on five unique activities: discovering new attractions or experiences, exploring a variety of local and international dishes, shopping for locally-made products, sharing wonderful experiences with family and friends, and helping local communities to thrive through sustainable tourism.
“The activities of the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2018 reflect unique Thai local experiences in four main categories: Saneh or Charm (as embodied by the Thai people, Thai arts and crafts, etc.), Sanook or Joy (cultural festivals, sports events, etc.), Sabai or Relaxing (Thai massage, beach holiday, etc.), and Sut Saep or Delicious (street food / fine dining / Michelin star restaurants),” Mr. Yuthasak added.
In the North, the TAT’s Amazing Thailand Countdown 2018 is scheduled to take place in Lampang, where the city’s famous horse-drawn carriages will be brightly and beautifully adorned with lighting decorations.
Over in the Northeast, or Isan, the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2018 at the Ming Mueang Ground in Sakon Nakhon province has been designed under the theme of ‘Cool Isan’ highlighting street performances and local food and products including three amazing black animals – chickens, pigs, and cattle – of Phu Pan raised under the Royal Initiatives.
The Eastern coastal province of Rayong will see its popular seaside town of Ban Phe glowing with decorative lights on fishing boats. The event will be set in a cosy ambiance by the sea, and will feature 90’s and EDM live music along with local food by community chefs, DIY activities at several interesting workshops, and a clean-up activity.
In the South, Phuket’s historic Old Town will come alive with brightly decorated Sino-Portuguese buildings and a variety of joyous activities including traditional Peranakan cultural shows and parades, a carnival, concerts and retro market fairs. The Amazing Thailand Countdown 2018 celebrations will take place at the watch tower and Standard Chartered Building. The clean-up activity will be held in the morning of 1 January, 2018.
In the Western Region, TAT is organising the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2018 celebrations at the historic ‘Bridge over the River Kwai’ in Kanchanaburi province. Among the highlights is a special train crossing over the famous bridge just after the New Year has been rung in.
Mr. Yuthasak concluded, “The Amazing Thailand Countdown 2018 celebrations scheduled in five provinces across all regions of the country will be held in a most charming way and introduce visitors to unique Thai local experiences. We hope that the event will ignite a glimpse for a sustainable future. This is a perfect way to begin the year 2018, as Thailand enters a new era of sustainable tourism.”
The Amazing Thailand Countdown 2018 will take place from 30-31 December 2017, from 16.00 Hrs. to 24.00 Hrs. In Lampang, the event will start from 22 December 2017.