Bangkok, 11 February, 2020 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is inviting local and international tourists to dance themselves fit at the “Zumba Dance on the Beach @ Hua Hin” event on 15 February, 2020, from 14.00-19.30 Hrs. at Hua Hin Beach, in front of Centara Grand Beach Resort and Villas Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Under the theme of “Zumba Leisure Dance for Life”, the event offers health and fitness aficionados, as well as everyone, a great opportunity to dance to an upbeat Latin tempo and burn calories with a team of Thailand’s famous Zumba instructors. Participants will also be encouraged to help protect the environment with a beach clean-up effort that will take place on the same afternoon.
Other activities include music concerts and DIY workshops including face paint, artistic photo, and sand in a bottle candle.
The post TAT stages Zumba Dance On The Beach @ Hua Hin appeared first on TAT Newsroom.
Asean, Us To Further Strategic Partnership For Mutual Benefit
JAKARTA, 14 February 2020 – ASEAN and the United States reiterated commitment to strengthen their strategic partnership for mutual benefit at the 11th Meeting of the ASEAN-U.S. Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) held at the ASEAN Secretariat today.
At the meeting, ASEAN and U.S. officials noted that the longstanding partnership has expanded to cover a wide spectrum of areas under the three ASEAN Community pillars. Taking stock of ASEAN-U.S. cooperation, officials from both sides noted that the ASEAN-U.S. Plan of Action (2016-2020) has fully implemented its final year. The two sides looked forward to the finalisation of the new Plan of Action (2021-2025) which will continue to support ASEAN’s efforts in the promotion of peace, security and prosperity in the region.
In discussing priority areas of cooperation, ASEAN and the U.S. agreed to further deepen collaboration in the areas of maritime security; transnational crime including trafficking in persons, drugs and wildlife; cybersecurity; women in peace and security; trade and investment; digital economy; energy; connectivity; disaster management and humanitarian assistance; human capital development; youth engagement; and educational exchanges.
ASEAN officials looked forward to U.S.’ continued support for ASEAN’s community-building efforts, including its development cooperation programmes such as the Inclusive Growth in ASEAN through Innovation, Trade and E-Commerce (IGNITE) and the Partnership for Regional Optimization within the Political-Security and Socio-Cultural Communities (PROSPECT). Noting the importance of these development cooperation programmes, ASEAN and U.S. officials will work towards a Regional Development Cooperation Agreement that will contribute to further deepening cooperation between the two sides.
In underscoring the commitment of ASEAN and the U.S. to strengthen their strategic partnership, officials from both sides looked forward to the convening of the ASEAN-U.S. Special Summit, on 14 March 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada to chart the future direction of the relations.
The meeting was co-chaired by Ambassador Ekkaphab Phanthavong, Permanent Representative of Lao PDR to ASEAN and Melissa J. Brown, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Mission to ASEAN. The meeting was also attended by the Permanent Representatives of ASEAN Member States or their representatives, as well as officials from the ASEAN Secretariat and the U.S. Mission to ASEAN
BANGKOK(NNT) – The government is to introduc major measures to help the tourism sector and the economy affected by the COVID-19 virus situation.
Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak announced today that the government will be issuing additional tourism and economic promotional measures to help those affected by the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The measures will include tax breaks; domestic tourism promotions; financial assistance to affected hotels, tour agencies, and related service businesses; and an expenses reduction campaign for affected employees.
The Minister of Finance Uttama Savanayana said today he will be instructing the Bank of Thailand and the Thai Bankers’ Association to take care of the financial status of affected companies by offering special services such as loan payback extensions, soft loans or low-interest loan offers, as well as developing tax measures, to encourage employers to continue employing their staff without laying anyone off.
He said the expenses cutting measure will be made through phase 4 of the Chim Shop Chai campaign to encourage general spending for consumption, while a domestic tourism promotion campaign will come out as a campaign, allowing those 60 years old or older to refer their travel expense receipts to their children, who can claim the expenses as tax discounts.
The DPM has asked all sectors to reach conclusions on these measures in March, to be further proposed to the Cabinet for approval in time for the measures to take effect in April. He said these short-term measures are all compliant with fiscal discipline.
Tourist numbers from February 1-9 were down 43.4 per cent, said Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, and among Chinese visitors 86.5 per cent.
The drop in Chinese tourist numbers from January to April alone could cost the Thai economy $3.05 billion, according to The Tourism Authority of Thailand, not counting the revenue loss of other nationalities choosing to stay away.
Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn expects tourist arrivals to plunge by 50 per cent in the first half of this year because of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
A 50% reduction in tourist numbers in the first half would mean cutting the yearly prediction from 40 million entries in 2020 to 20 million.
The tourism and export sectors have been hit hard by the outbreak of COVID-19 in China, with a growing number of cases found in Thailand and the region.
This has led to the latest TCC Confidence Index for January 2020 showing a continuous decline from the previous year.
From zero dollar tour to zero booking
Arrivals booked by the Association of Thai Travel Agents dropped 99% from China and 71% overall for the first ten days of February compared with the same period last year, reports Reuters.
The sharp plunge in Chinese tourism income intensifies the pressure on Thailand’s economy, which already felt a squeeze on exports, severe drought in the…
BANGKOK (NNT) – The International Economic Policy Committee has held a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak to consider the pros and cons of Thailand joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for a Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), as well as gathering public input. Outcomes from this meeting will be proposed to the Cabinet for consideration within this April.
The Department of Trade Negotiations’ (DTN) Director General Auramon Supthaweethum, said today that as a member of the CPTPP, Thailand may gain an additional 0.12 percent GDP growth worth 13 billion baht, however Thailand may lose 0.25 percent economic growth if it chooses not to join the partnership, resulting in a loss of about 26 billion baht.
She said the CPTPP will provide opportunities for Thai products to hit new markets in countries without existing FTA agreement with Thailand, such as Canada and Mexico, while certain products such as rice, rubber, canned pineapple, vehicles, and electronic appliances would benefit from the new partnership.
The DTN is collecting related information to propose to the Cabinet for consideration before this April, which should allow enough time for the government to prepare should it decide to move forward with CPTPP negotiations, at a ministerial meeting of member states scheduled for August.
Several major Thai banks have drastically reduced their GDP growth forecast for 2020 citing the coronavirus epidemic, drought and fiscal delays.
The coronavirus epidemic, the delayed fiscal budget and the ongoing drought are estimated to shave nearly 280 billion baht off GDP, taking economic growth down to a range of 1.7-2.1%, according to TMB Analytics.
TMB Analytics forecast foreign tourist arrivals of 38.7 million in 2020.
The research unit earlier predicted economic growth would come in at 2.7% this year.
Earlier, the Tourism Authority of Thailand predicted a fall of 2 million tourists from China, the biggest source of visitors, this year.
Last year, Thailand welcomed a record 39.8 million foreign tourists, with Chinese visitors at nearly 11 million. Spending by foreign tourists accounted for 11% of GDP last year.
Siam Commercial Bank’s Economic Intelligence Center (EIC) has offered the most pessimistic view yet of Thailand’s 2020 economic growth, slashing its forecast from 2.7% to 2.1% after taking into account the coronavirus epidemic and the delayed fiscal budget.
The biggest impact from the outbreak of the novel coronavirus on Thailand’s tourism sector will be seen this month and next, the research unit said.
The number of foreign travellers is estimated to drop for three straight months in the better-case scenario, four in the base-case scenario and six in the worst-case assumption, resulting in a contraction of 2.5%, 4.6% or 8.1% in 2020, the EIC said.
Growth may be less than 2%, says Bank of Thailand
The economy may grow by less than 2% this year while exports are likely to contract, mainly…
New Thai Chinese Chamber Of Commerce Head Outlines Policies
BANGKOK (NNT) – The new President of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Narongsak Puttapornmongkol, is promoting a policy supporting joint investment, connecting the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). He has expressed confidence that Chinese investment in Thailand will grow, as the chamber is preparing measures to aid businesses impacted by the new coronavirus.
The 27th Chairman of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, said today that he intends to elevate relations between the two countries, especially in terms of trade and investment, and wants to link the EEC in Thailand and China’s BRI. Mr. Narongsak said he will support investment through Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voiced confidence investment by China in Thailand will increase this year, noting his chamber will discuss clarification of foreign investment regulations with the government.
On the impact of the coronavirus, Mr. Narongsak said the epidemic will weigh on the Thai economy during the first two quarters, especially on the tourism sector. One in four travelers to Thailand is from China, or about 42 million people. Nonetheless, he said Thailand will be able to handle the situation, pointing out infection rates in the kingdom have already begun to drop. He believes however, that it will take three to four months to fully recover from the effects of the virus.
Despite China being Thailand’s second largest destination for exports, accounting for 904 billion baht in 2019, or 11.8% of total export value, Mr. Narongsak said the coronavirus will have little impact. He also believes the tourism sector will recover quickly from this situation.
The chamber is now preparing measures to aid businesses impacted by the virus and is coordinating with exporters with stock pending export, so that shipments can be made to China. New markets are also being sought to further aid operators.
Charming Phrae Showcases Thai History And Culture From A Bygone
For those curious what life in Thailand was like several generations ago need to look no further than Phrae. It is a historical and cultural time capsule and spotlights the country’s fascinating past.
Known for its longstanding history in the Thai teak industry, present day Phrae in the north of Thailand still has a unique cityscape of beautiful stately mansions surrounded by elegant green gardens, all remnants of past glory.
While it remains a sleepy Northern province in the embrace of mountains, it is literally and figuratively a hidden gem. It’s essentially a small town with really big charm that these days is often considered a stop-off by visitors on their way to Nan. However, Phrae is an ascending destination in its own right, a unique place that offers a charming and authentic blend of beautiful architecture, historic religious sites, traditional lifestyles plus a blend of Northern and Northeast Thai (Isan)-style cuisine.
Flight back into time
If time travel were possible then it would start on an ATR-72 flight from Bangkok’s Don Murang International Airport to Phrae Airport, a tiny single runway one baggage belt throwback that allows visitors to disembark and pick up their luggage in minutes. Something about turboprop aviation that harks back to the glory years of early air travel seems to fit the destination to a tee. From the airport, it is only a matter of minutes to Phrae old town where the majority of the town’s accommodation and attractions are located.
Visitors on a late morning flight from Bangkok will find it perfect timing to go straight to have lunch at any of the local restaurants that could have been prepared and served by a Thai great-grandmother. Do try an eclectic mix of Northern culinary delights (think Khao Soi and Nam Phrik Ong), juxtaposed with a selection of Som Tam variations that would make any visitor from Isan proud. Visitors hungry for ‘old-school’ Thai food will love dining in Phrae.
Sacred temples, museums, teak trade and ‘Gingerbread Mansions’
Temple enthusiasts shouldn’t skip Wat Phrathat Cho Hae. Even if it is located around nine kilometres from Phrae’s old town, it is well worth a visit. The temple is believed to have been built between 1336 to 1338 to store various relics of the Lord Buddha, including both hair and parts of his left elbow.
Wat Phrathat Cho Hae
Wat Phrathat Cho Hae
Wat Phrathat Cho Hae
Wat Phong Sunan
Wat Phong Sunan
Wat Phra Non
Wat Phra Non
Wat Chom Sawan
Wat Chom Sawan
Wat Chom Sawan
Wat Chom Sawan is a more recent addition built during King Rama V the Great’s reign between 1900 and 1912. This sacred teak wood structure is an exquisite mix of Burmese and Northern Thai architecture with an impressive display of gold leafed pillars reaching up to a vaulted ceiling lined with intricately carved teak panels.
Khum Chao Luang Museum showcases the glory days of the area’s teak trade in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as the furniture, decorations, household items and period photographs provide insight into an important part of local history.
While Wongburi Mansion is considered another of the best-known reminders of that past glory. Built by a rich logging family, the teak house is also a museum and allows visitors a peek into the lives of the well-to-do at the time.
Khum Chao Luang Museum
Khum Chao Luang Museum
Khum Chao Luang Museum
Khum Chao Luang Museum
Khum Chao Luang Museum
Wongburi Mansion
Wongburi Mansion
Wongburi Mansion
Wongburi Mansion
Wongburi Mansion
Museum of Forestry Training Centre
Museum of Forestry Training Centre
Museum of Forestry Training Centre
Museum of Forestry Training Centre
Museum of Forestry Training Centre
The Museum of Forestry Training Centre documents Phrae’s central role in the Thai teak trade for over 100 years. It also features a wide variety of period pictures, inventions, and equipment related to the teak timber business.
Last but not least, one activity not to be missed is learning how to make Mo Hom, Thailand’s classic indigo farmer shirts and pants. From weaving to dyeing, Phrae is a great place for visitors to see the whole process of Mo Hom production.
Mo Hom
Mo Hom
Mo Hom
Mo Hom
Carbon free transport on a push bike is a great way experience Phrae old town
Most of these historic buildings that paint a picture of the story of Phrae are located within the old town, making it pretty easy to explore all of them by bike (or walking for those looking for exercise). Many of the town’s many guest houses and homestays offer bikes for free in addition to the several rental shops in town.
Still, if visitors don’t need or want the workout, there are guided tours in the back of a three-wheeled rickshaw in addition to the twice daily complementary tram tours.
For those looking for a real local Thai experience, Phrae delivers that and so much more. There’s no better time than now to visit before the rest of the world catches on and gets there first.
The Yom River flows through Phrae
Visitors can learn how to make traditional Lanna flag at Wat Chom Sawan
The twice daily tram tours
Northern culinary delights
Phrae Airport
And for those looking for an impressive scenery, Phae Mueang Phi Forest Park, a short drive outside of town, is a must-vist natural attraction. It has been described as a geological curiosity. Some 2 million years of erosion has resulted in a landscape of intriguing red sandstone rock formations which, although only covering a small area, isn’t the kind of landscape you see every day.
Also known as the Forest City of Ghosts or Spirit Grove, this sacred forest park has a legend attached to it that tells of a woman who came across gold and silver deposits in the area and tried to take them home with her. This apparently offended the spirits there, and the woman became more and more lost and was only able to find her way home after she put the deposits back.
Phae Mueang Phi Forest Park
Phae Mueang Phi Forest Park
Phae Mueang Phi Forest Park
The post Charming Phrae showcases Thai history and culture from a bygone era appeared first on TAT Newsroom.
