Bangkok, 27 August, 2018 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) together with the Royal Photographic Society of Thailand (RPST) has with great pleasure unveiled 124 winning entries in a nationwide photography competition that aimed to capture the kingdom in all its beauty.
The 124 photographs, selected from a total of 10,656 photographs entered into the competition that ran this past April, were presented at an awards ceremony held in Bangkok on Friday, 24 August.
The 13 winning photographs were selected by none other than Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha.
To commemorate the winning photographers, H.E. Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat, Minister of Tourism and Sports (above picture, back row, centre) presided over the award ceremony held on 24 August, 2018.
TAT Governor, Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, said: “The 13 winning photographs will be featured in the TAT’s 2019 calendar, in its wall, desk and digital versions. Each is a stunning snapshot of Thailand’s beauty and uniqueness, and as such will also be weaved with great effect into our extensive promotional material to stimulate year-round travel.”
Open to the general public, the photography competition featured different categories under which entries could be submitted. These included nature and gastronomy, which are among the key focuses of the TAT’s Amazing Thailand: Open to the New Shades communication concept that encourages tourists to experience the kingdom from new and existing perspectives.
The other categories were maritime tourism, historical tourism, community-based tourism, sports tourism, activities and festivals and man-made attractions.
The 13 photographs selected, each of which received a cash prize of 50,000 Baht and a congratulatory plaque from TAT, were:
- Thung Salaeng Luang National Park, Phetchabun
- Sam Phan Bok, Ubon Ratchathani
- Wat Bang Thong, Krabi
- Ko Wai, Mu Ko Chang National Park, Trat
- Richelieu Rock, Mu Ko Surin National Park, Phang Nga
- Tha Kha Floating Market, Samut Songkhram
- Wat Phuket, Nan
- Khlong Roi Sai (100 canals), Surat Thani
- Ban Nai Thung, Nakhon Si Thammarat
- Ban Pak Kra, Phatthalung
- Rap Bua Festival, Samut Prakan
- The Gulf of Thailand, Phetchaburi
- Khlong Haeng, Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, Krabi
There were also 11 first-runner-up photographs chosen, each receiving 30,000 Baht, and 100 photographs that received a consolation prize of one year’s free subscription of TAT’s Osotho Magazine, the popular monthly publication that focuses on travel and lifestyle experiences throughout Thailand.
All 124 photographs that earned recognition in the competition will go on exhibition at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre from 4 to 16 December, 2018, which the general public is warmly invited to visit.
