National —
On October 29th, 2024, Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, announced the “Thailand Winter Festival 2024,” organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) alongside public and private sector partners.
Themed “7 Wonders of Thailand,” the festival will take place from November through December, showcasing Thailand’s attractions and stimulating both local and international tourism, particularly during the high season and winter season which officially started on October 29th.
Sorawong emphasized the festival’s focus on fostering domestic travel while revitalizing Thailand’s winter tourism and Northern provinces affected by recent floods. The festival is also designed to elevate Thailand as a global event hub by promoting Thai cultural festivals internationally.
The TAT predicts the festival will contribute over 300 billion baht to Thailand’s economy, boosting the annual tourism revenue target of 2.78 trillion baht, despite challenges from global flooding and economic crises. Key highlights include:
- Loy Krathong Festival (November 13th-16th): National festivities featuring a “Colors of Water” celebration at Phadung Krung Kasem Canal, Bangkok.
- Countdown Events: Festive celebrations from Christmas through New Year’s Eve across Thailand.
- Sports Events: Including Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok (December 1st), Hoka Chiang Mai Trail (December 5th-8th), Chiang Mai Marathon (December 22nd), and Bangsaen 42 (November 3rd).
- Cultural Events: Celebrations of Thai heritage, such as the Elephant Festival in Surin (November 14th-25th).
- Food Festivals: Featuring Thailand’s diverse flavors with events like Bangkok’s Food Festival (December 11th-15th) and the Isan to the World Festival in Khon Kaen (December 26th-29th).
- Music Festivals: Major music events including Wonderfruit (December 12th-16th) in Chonburi and Rolling Loud Thailand (November 22nd-24th) at Legend Siam, Pattaya.
- Lighting and Illumination: The Vijit Chao Phraya light show (November 16th – December 15th), with impressive light and drone displays along the Chao Phraya River.
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool anticipates strong interest from both Thai and international tourists, projecting an 80% recovery in flight arrivals. While average spending per trip has decreased slightly, overall visitor frequency remains high.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.