By Li Xinyi, Reported from Bangkok
To revitalize tourism, the Thai government has named 2012 the “Miracle Year of Amazing Thailand.” Yesterday (the 29th), the opening ceremony was held at the IMPACT Exhibition Hall in Muang Thong Thani. The event will run for four consecutive days until April 1, from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. The venue features seven major thematic zones showcasing Thailand’s unique culture, including simulated traditional markets and floating markets, live demonstrations of handicrafts and textile making, royal Thai cuisine, and free Thai massage experiences. In addition to displaying special products, the event also offers sales services, and admission is free for all visitors.
The Miracle Year of Amazing Thailand officially kicked off yesterday and will continue until April 1. (Photo by Li Xinyi, Sightseeing Family)
The venue is divided into seven exhibition areas, each dedicated to one of Thailand’s seven wonders. The first booth you see upon entering showcases products from the Thai Royal Project. The Royal Project was initiated by the Thai monarchy to improve the livelihoods of people in remote villages by helping them develop and sell products based on their local specialties, with profits reinvested into the communities. Each royal family member oversees their own set of projects—King Rama IX alone was responsible for three to four thousand such initiatives. Among the Royal Project products, the most well-known in Taiwan are the popular royal milk tablets. Other offerings include woven crafts, pottery, dairy products, and agricultural goods, among many others. Items on display at the venue include handwoven cowhide bags, Thai silk tote bags, and ceramic plates. A handmade cowhide bag is priced around 2,400 THB, a Thai silk tote bag around 260 THB, and ceramic plates range between 100 to 300 THB.
Visitors can also sample Thai royal desserts at the event. (Photo by Li Xinyi, Sightseeing Family)
Thai cuisine is world-renowned. At the floating markets and traditional bazaars, visitors can enjoy traditional snacks such as Thai iced tea and sweets, while refined royal dishes are displayed near the lotus pond. Additionally, Thailand’s weaving, carving, silverware, essential oils, rare birdcage art, as well as cultural heritage performances like masked dances, musical instrument recitals, and Muay Thai boxing, are all showcased on-site. There is also a highly popular free Thai massage service. Through this tourism promotion, the Thai government not only reaffirms that the country’s tourism industry has fully recovered from the impact of floods but also aims to attract 19.55 million visitors to Thailand in 2012. For more details, please visit: www.tourismthailand.org.
The event brings the full flavor of Thailand to life, even recreating a floating market scene on-site. (Photo by Li Xinyi, Sightseeing Family)
● Read More: A Relaxing 5-Day, 4-Night Itinerary in Bangkok and Hua Hin, Thailand
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