Thai Tourism Ministry unveils New Year activities

[webfact]

Min of Tourism and Sports unveils New Year activities

BANGKOK, 18 December 2015 (NNT) - The Ministry of Tourism and Sports will hold various New Year activities designed to promote the uniqueness of Thailand.

Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul revealed that her ministry will hold special activities for the public, under the theme “Thai Way Buddhist Way.” One of the activities will be conducted during the New Year countdown with a praying ceremony held at Wat Arun Ratchawararam, as well as other notable temples across the country.

In addition, activities for Thailand Countdown 2016 will be a visual showcase of important sites along the Chao Phraya River from Krung Thon Bridge to Rama IX Bridge. Similar events will also be held in Chiang Mai, Phuket, Khon Kaen and Chiang Rai provinces.

In Bangkok, the BTS and MRT mass transit systems will extend their hours on New Year's Eve to 2:00am on January 1, 2016.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s three major phone carriers will also hold the "Thailand Only Selfie Contest 2016" to showcase people's best impressions of the country's tourist destinations. The contest will be open for submission from December 5, 2015, to January 5, 2016.


-- NNT 2015-12-18

[jacky54]

Apart from the odd western monk I never heard of visitors coming to Thailand to pray

[Thailand]

Thailand is certainly in need of some prayers.

[waldroj]

These clowns have a little more planned for Wat Arun than a simple praying ceromony. See http://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/temple-of-dawn-highlighted-as-a-new-iconic-landmark-for-thailand-countdown-2016-together-with-various-festive-celebrations-across-the-country/

So typical of junta-head and his cronies, little or no thought has been given to where spectators will be able to view this spectacular from, and where they might park their cars.

[Srikcir]

TAT might want to avoid promoting “Thai Way Buddhist Way” in the muslim South. Maybe there it could instead promote "Malay-Thai Way Islam" instead.

[Orac]

Apart from the odd western monk I never heard of visitors coming to Thailand to pray

As it is only a couple of weeks away I would assume they are thinking of Thai tourists though, knowing this lot, they will probably start advertising this overseas in a month or two.

[anon467848]

TAT clutching at straws yet again... is their prediction of a gazillion tourists for next year not looking feasible

Edited December 18, 2015 by merlin2002

[DM07]

Oooooooooooh...now I am really excited! Praying on New Years Eve! Soooooooo Buddhist! Sooooo Thailand! So coooooool!

[thelonius]

TAT might want to avoid promoting “Thai Way Buddhist Way” in the muslim South. Maybe there it could instead promote "Malay-Thai Way Islam" instead.

or perhaps prayuths' mantra, "My way or the Highway"

[upena]

But, Thais aren't Buddhist. They are Thai Buddhist - completely different

[NongKhaiKid]

She forgot to include an increase in drunk driving, carnage on the roads and horrendous traffic jams on Sun 03 January with everyone heading towards Bkk at the end of the holidays

[meatboy]

also there will be pick up and mini bus races on the streets,drunk drivers only.

walking street will have a parade of theives,muggers,and men dressed as women.

there will be races in the evening for bikes and vehicles without lights.

and there will be a prize awarded to the baht bus that can get the most school children on.

dont miss this once a yr,activities..

Edited December 19, 2015 by meatboy

[JAG]

I expect that song sung to the Tune of "Auld Lang Syne" will be played endlessly.

In fact, given that "Auld Lang Syne" is sung all over the world at New Year, I look forward to breathless excited announcements that it is proof that much of the world is celebrating the government's herculean efforts to bring happiness to the people!