Bangkok, 19 December 2019 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is organising its annual ‘Amazing Thailand Countdown 2020’, one of the biggest events TAT stages in various destinations across the country, to bid farewell to 2019 and welcome 2020 with Thai style and panache.
TAT Governor Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn said, “TAT’s Amazing Thailand Countdown 2020 emphasises TAT’s tourism marketing direction that supports the Thai government’s initiative to promote emerging destinations around the Kingdom to achieve a better distribution of tourist revenue between the urban and rural areas.
“This helps even out the seasonality factor between traditional high and low seasons whilst also encouraging more weekday travel to reduce pressure on the weekends.”
This year TAT is staging its traditional festivities in six emerging destinations comprising Sukhothai, Kalasin, Lop Buri, Ratchaburi, Sa Kaeo, and Phatthalung, in addition to Bangkok.
TAT expects that during the New Year period from 28 December, 2019 to 1 January, 2020, Thais will make 3.16 domestic tourism trips and generate 1.18 billion Baht in revenue for the local economy.
Inbound tourism is expected to attract 690,000 visitors, generating 1.2 billion Baht because of the rebound of the Chinese and Indian markets plus 380 new flights. In addition, TAT has been very proactive in its international marketing efforts backed by stimulus measures from the relevant organisations including a 50% discount on airport landing fees for international flights from 1 December, 2019, to 30 April, 2020, cross-border tourism on the Thai-Malaysian and Thai-Lao borders during weekends and holidays, plus the e-visa service and exemption of visa-on-arrival fee until 30 April, 2020.
TAT’s New Year activities in six destinations are expected to produce 225,000 visits to the areas, generating 500 million Baht.
Highlights in the six emerging destinations include:
Amazing Night Sukhothai Countdown 2020 (29-31 December 2019) at Sukhothai Historical Park
Three days of ‘light up the night’ decorations in combination with contemporary music performances and classical Thai dances. Watch the last sunset of the year at Sukhothai Historical Park’s most photographed spot, enjoy DIY workshops on Sukhothai’s arts and crafts, and shop for local handicrafts. Visitors can also enter a lucky draw for the chance to win prizes, and savour Sukhothai’s variety of delectable food and desserts. Join the countdown event on 31 December plus firework displays against the backdrop of the historical landmarks. On the New Year, all are invited to join locals in a Buddhist mass merit-making activity for blessing.
Amazing Thailand Countdown 2020 at Kalasin (30 December 2019 to 1 January 2020) at Rim Kaeng Don Klang Public Park
The province of Kalasin in Thailand’s Northeastern region or Isan is known for its fertile and picturesque landscapes, lush natural attractions, exceptional hand-woven silk and palaeontological treasures of immense significance that date back over 100 million years. These attractions are at the heart of its countdown event with daily light shows, photography and selfie corners including a number of stuffed dinosaurs, a colourful paper lantern tunnel, and a two-metre-high traditional flag. There is also a local fair selling handicrafts and Thai cuisine, as well as a variety of games. There are also two days of stage performances and music concerts from 30 to 31 December, 2019, that concludes with the countdown plus fireworks displays to ring in the New Year 2020.
Amazing Thailand Countdown 2020 at Lop Buri (30 December 2019 to 1 January 2020) at Pibulwitthayalai School
Under the theme of ‘wearing traditional Thai attire to the New Year countdown, the venue comprises three zones. The Lop Buri Story zone tells the history of the province through a photographic exhibition and daily light displays. The Lop Buri Gastronomy zones features a wide variety of the province’s best food and desserts. The Lop Buri Craft zone showcases arts and crafts created by the locals. Stage performances and music concerts from 30 to 31 December, 2019, including the countdown plus fireworks displays to welcome in the New Year 2020.
Amazing Thailand Countdown 2020 at Ratchaburi (24 to 31 December 2019) at Ratthaprachaphatthana Dam
Eight days of daily light displays and an illuminated tunnel plus a landmark of illuminated gift boxes and photographywith selfie corners. Enjoy a local fair selling handicrafts and Thai cuisine. The event culminates with stage performances and music concerts on 30 and 31 December, 2019, that concludes with the countdown plus fireworks displays to ring in the New Year 2020. The event promotes the use of natural materials for food and drink containers instead of single-use plastic items.
Amazing Thailand Countdown 2020 at Sa Kaeo (30 December 2019 to 1 January 2020) at the Indochine Shopping Mall
Highlights include the Thai-Cambodian friendship cultural shows and concerts by artists and bands from both kingdoms from 30 to 31 December, 2019, with the countdown plus fireworks displays to welcome in the New Year 2020. Daily light shows plus photography and selfie corners as well as lucky draws, plus a fair selling local handicrafts and Thai cuisine from vendors in Sa Kaeo and nearby provinces.
Amazing Thailand Countdown 2020 at Phatthalung (30 December 2019 to 1 January 2020) at Coliseum Intersection
Two days of light shows, decorated with local fishery items plus a Giant Christmas tree made from local materials. Iconic photography and selfie corners of a giant Junk with a huge fishing net. Daily activities include a traditional ‘golden mortar’ circle dance, cultural performances and music concerts, lucky draws and games, cooking demonstrations and a fair selling local handicrafts and Thai cuisine. The opening ceremony on 30 December, 2019, features a ‘Norah Parade’ (Phatthalung is the birthplace of Southern Thailand’s Norah folk dance tradition). The countdown celebration on 31 December, 2019, features Norah folk dance and Pone drum performances and an illumination tunnel. New Year’s Day 2020 starts with a mass merit-making ceremony of Buddhist alms offering plus a CSR opportunity donating grass to water buffaloes.
In addition, TAT is supporting the ‘Happy New Year ASEAN 2020’ at Mae Sai, Chiang Rai on 31 December, 2019, in collaboration with Chiang Rai province and the Thai-Myanmar Culture and Economic Association. Taking place at the Thai-Myanmar Border Checkpoint in Mae Sai district, the event features cultural performances from Thailand, Myanmar and Lao PDR. plus pop concerts by singers and bands from all three nations.
Moreover, TAT is supporting activities at many other countdown events around the country, including:
Thailand Siam Street Fest 2019 (20 – 22 December 2019) at Siam Square, Bangkok. The event features four zones of activities – Street Show, Street Food, Street Market and Street Art.
Amazing Thailand Countdown 2020 at ICONSIAM (31 December 2019). A full list of the festivities is available here
AIS Bangkok Countdown 2020 (31 December 2019) at CentralWorld. Light shows, fireworks displays and stage performances. Details of the light shows are available here.
World Magical Celebration 2019 (6 – 31 December 2019) at Siam Paragon. Enjoy a balloon carnival, international entertainment shows and countdown celebration.
Ratchaprasong Lighting and Countdown Festival 2019 (1 December 2019 – 5 January 2020). Light decorations and displays at the skywalk façade, skywalk decoration, photo points and boulevard at the Ratchaprasong Intersection.
Festive New Year Celebration 2019 (Emporium EmQuartier Winter Wonderland 2019) (20 November 2019 – 5 January 2020). The event features photography landmarks, a 20-metre-high Christmas tree, colourful and joyful light displays, music performances and inflatable mascot parade.
Countdown 2020 at The Street Ratchada (22 November 2019 – 31 December 2019). Activities include a ‘Hip Party’, CG and Lighting, plus countdown celebration.
Patong Beach Countdown 2020 (27 – 31 December 2019) at Patong Beach, Phuket. Music mix by world-class DJs, Simon Cabaret show, and Siam Niramitr show.
Udon Thani Countdown 2020 (30 – 31 December 2019) at UD Town Shopping Mall. Music performances by Thai singers and bands plus lighting displays.
Khon Kaen Countdown 2020 (25 – 31 December 2019) at Khon Kaen City Park. Music performances by Thai singers and bands plus countdown celebration with fireworks displays.
