The Soft Power Strategy Committee is to request about 270 million baht from the government for the promotion of this year’s Songkran Festival, in an attempt to make it part of the country’s soft power. It is expected that the event will attract more foreign visitors to Thailand and generate about 35 billion baht revenue, according to Dr. Surapong Suebwonglee, secretary of the committee.

 

He said that the money will be used to fund activities related to Songkran in Bangkok and elsewhere, as well as a promotional campaign which is expected to kick off in February, ahead of the festival in April.

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai party and vice chair of the Soft Power Strategy Committee, presided over the launch of “Bangkok Design Week 2024 yesterday, which showcases various designs and creative works by Thai designers and artists from across the country.

 

Full story: Thai PBS 2024-01-29

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

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38 minutes ago, webfact said:

the money will be used to

line the pockets of politicians......

No words for this kind of promotion. Only good for the pocketfilling officials...Or are they going to advertise now Internationally? I will watch  the news 

I thought Thailand was predicting low rainfall this year?  Hope they like paying more for rice and other items.  Coconuts increased 40% past couple weeks.  Lady blamed no rain and fewer coconuts.

thought it was so famous but still needs all that money to promote it , sorry grease the wheels...   any oversight or audit ?  nahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Songkran used to be really celebrated everywhere in Thailand in old days, like 30 years ago with people were

really happy to celebrate this occasion, not so much now though with the new generations and proliferation

of social media and all the gadgets...

 

3 minutes ago, ezzra said:

Songkran used to be really celebrated everywhere in Thailand in old days, like 30 years ago with people were

really happy to celebrate this occasion, not so much now though with the new generations and proliferation

of social media and all the gadgets...

 

I think it will be a big deal in Pattaya this year!

2 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

I think it will be a big deal in Pattaya this year!

Yeah with mostly foreigners participating as usual... 

6 hours ago, webfact said:

The Soft Power Strategy Committee is to request about 270 million baht from the government for the promotion of this year’s Songkran Festival, in an attempt to make it part of the country’s soft power.

I think the number of expats who vacate Pattaya during Songkran will outnumber the of arriving foreign tourists.

I hate SongKran and all the idiots squirting and throwing water. The first time was a bit of fun, now it is just a giant bore. I guess I am officially a grumpy old man. 

27 minutes ago, Jumbo1968 said:

I think the number of expats who vacate Pattaya during Songkran will outnumber the of arriving foreign tourists.

I won't be here during the official festival....I'm off to less stupid climes.

There is nothing to promote...Everyone knows about Songkran.....Boy I would love to see a flow chart on where this money goes....