BANGKOK – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently arranged a successful familiarization tour of Thailand for 84 writers, bloggers and photographers from around the world to showcase some of the Royal Projects and the best of Thai culture. Called 84 Perspectives of Thailand, the trip was organised as part of the TAT’s Women’s Journey Thailand campaign, which runs throughout the month of August 2016.
Members of the media and influential bloggers were invited to Thailand to explore the charms of the kingdom, during 1-5 August, 2016. They were divided into four groups to travel to the Northern, Southern, Northeastern and Central regions where they got to visit some of the initiatives and projects inspired by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. They also saw some of Bangkok’s most important attractions including the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Phra Kaeo, the Queen’s Gallery, and the Arts of the Kingdom at Dusit Palace’s Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall.
Mr. Sugree Sithivanich, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications said, “The 84 Perspectives of Thailand trip gave some of the world’s creative writers and photographers the chance to enjoy an intimate understanding of the different regions of Thailand and the sheer diversity of culture and heritage found there. And by giving our visitors a look at projects initiated and inspired by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, they were able to better understand some of Thailand’s grassroots communities and the important work carried out by the Royal Family to boost the welfare of the people.”
The 84 Perspectives of Thailand’s writers and photographers enjoyed first-hand many new experiences in the four regions, including the amazing stories of Thai fabric, brief glimpses into the country’s conservation efforts to protect the kingdom’s natural heritage, from forests and mangroves to beaches and Thailand’s rich marine resources. More importantly, they also enjoyed local and unique Thai experiences in each region.
The delegates who went to North Thailand visited Chiang Mai and Lampang and saw the Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden and the Nong Hoi Royal Project Development Centre as well as local temples. They also got to visit markets and enjoy urban cycling. Visitors to the Northeast were able to see the important work at Phu Phan’s research and development centre and see indigo fabrics and ceramics being made.
The visit to Thailand’s Southern region took place in Phuket and Phang-nga and allowed visitors to watch the release of sea turtles and mangrove planting while also enjoying local hospitality in a homestay. The Central Region was represented by Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan where visitors saw the Ban Khao Tao handicraft weaving works initiative and visited local agricultural projects and spas.
The trip ended with a farewell party held at the Nai Lert Park Heritage Home in Bangkok where the 84 delegates were able to enjoy one of the most memorable aspects to any visit to Thailand – the sumptuous cuisine. As well as a meal prepared by Thai chefs and a party at which everyone was able to have fun with new friends, the international writers and bloggers were treated to an evening of traditional Thai musical performances and were invited to share memories of their trip and their perspectives on Thailand.
