Initiated by the Tourism Authority of Thailand(TAT), the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale (ATGS) has been held annually since 1998 to boost tourism and visitor expenditure, further building the image of Thailand as a major shopping destination, and contribut to job creation and distribution of income nationwide.
BANGKOK – Thailand’s popular two-month-long annual Grand Sale is back this year, to be held between 15 June to 15 August 2015 in seven popular tourism cities nationwide. This year, for the first time, the Northeastern provincial city of Udon Thani, has joined the list.
More than 15,000 merchants in 93 department stores & shopping complexes as well as shopping/dining zones will be offering discounts of between five to 80% in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket, Udon Thani, and Hat Yai.
VISA has backed the event as an exclusive partner since 1999. It promotes local and international spending volume by giving special privileges and rewards for VISA cardholders beyond the standard discount offers. For example, all those who spend 5,000 Baht or more on any VISA card will be entitled to get a special gift. Initiated by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale (ATGS) has been held annually since 1998 to boost tourism and visitor expenditure, further building the image of Thailand as a major shopping destination, and contribut to job creation and distribution of income nationwide.
The sale is open to both Thais and international visitors, all of whom are eligible to take part in the draw prizes. The Grand Prize is “365 day Travel to Thailand” which includes free travel to Thailand on Thai Airways and a stay at any hotel in the Centara Group.
Visitors will be able to pick up the ATGS Privilege Map upon arrival at the TAT counters at any of the international airports. At the main gateway Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport, the TAT information counter is located on the arrival concourse at Gate 3.
The website (www.thailandshoppingparadise.com) includes a Shopping Tips feature to help visitors get better deals, understand the VAT refund process and avoid buying sub-standard products. A special section has also been created to promote the locally-made OTOP products, income from which goes a long way towards boosting rural income and supporting local artisans.
This year, the TAT has also created a number of suggested Sample Routes to help visitors plan their daily activities:
Bangkok
Shop, Dine & Pray Route
-Hotel Breakfast
-Pray at 7 deities along Ratchaprasong District
-Lunch at CentralWorld with variety shopping
-Dine & Shop at BIG C Rajdamri
Weekend Shopping Route
-Morning Shopping & Dinning with Traditional Thai Style at JJ weekend Market
-Afternoon Shopping Brand Names (Thai & Inter) at Central Ladprao
-Dinner at AsiaTique-Enjoy Small Shops shopping
Mid-night Sale Route
-Siam Paragon or Central Department Store
-Refresh Yourself at Mc Donald’s 24 Hour service at Amarin Plaza
Chiang Mai
-Baan Tawai
-Borsang (Umbrella printing)
-Shopping at Niman-Heaminh Road or New Shopping venues
-Night Bazaar Shopping / Tha-phae road / Wualai Road
-Chiang Mai Night Safari
Pattaya
-Visit Pattaya Art in Paradise (3D), Ramayana Water Park, and Cartoon Network Water Park.
-Thai traditional shopping & lunch at Floating market
-Shopping at King Power Duty Free Pattaya
-Rest & Relax with dinner: At Central Festival Beach Pattaya
-Night Activities: Pattaya Walking Street
Golf & Shop
-Morning Golf at Burapha Golf Plus Lunch & Spa
-Go Downtown for Shopping at Mimosa
-Night Dinner at Rimpa Rapin restaurant
Shop & Show
-Duty Free Shopping at King Power
-Premium Outlet Mall: Grand Discounts (Thai & Inter Brands)
-Dinner & See a Show at Alangkan, Alcasa, Tiffany, Siam Niramitr.
Phuket: Beach / Night Life / Shopping & Dining (Walking Street) / other activities
Hua Hin: Playing Fun Park / Shopping Street / Weekend Night Market / Beach / Spa & Massage / Seafood Dining
Hat Yai: Shopping (imported products at reasonable prices) / Spa & Massage
Special packages are also being offered for golfers including savings of 30% at courses around Bangkok, savings of 50% at courses around Pattaya, a flat 1,000 baht green fee at 10 Golf courses in Hua Hin, and a range of discounts on green fees, accommodation, food and spas at courses around Chiang Mai.
TAT estimates that tourist spending on shopping via credit cards alone will grow by 20% over last year.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
