The trip was organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in cooperation with Thai Airways International, Thai Smile and the Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association. It has been appropriately named: “TAT, TG and WE VIP Exclusive Trip to Amazing Thailand.”
BANGKOK – A group of 50 premium customers, businessmen and journalists from Myanmar was in Thailand during last weekend (3-5 October, 2015) to experience some of Thailand’s best travel products, shopping and dining in the Ratchaprasong area.
The trip was organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in cooperation with Thai Airways International, Thai Smile and the Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association. It has been appropriately named: “TAT, TG and WE VIP Exclusive Trip to Amazing Thailand.”
Myanmar is a major emerging economy in the ASEAN region and shares air, land and marine borders with Thailand. Thus, it has significant future potential.
In 2014, visitor arrivals from Myanmar to Thailand totalled 207,749, up 19.90% over 2013, and generating 8.089 billion Baht in tourism revenue (+28.43%). In January – August, 2015, Myanmar visitor arrivals to Thailand totalled 156,623, up 24.29% over the same period of 2014, generating an estimated 6.12 billion Baht in tourism revenue (+30.02%).
The special invitation trip was intended to expose the premium customers, businessmen and journalists from Myanmar to see some of Thailand’s best tourist attractions, shopping areas and high-end products.
The group arrived in Bangkok in the afternoon of 3 October, 2015, and was welcomed by TAT, TG and Thai Smiles executives. Their first stop was at the Erawan Shrine in the Ratchaprasong area during 17.00-17.30 hrs., followed by shopping at Gaysorn Plaza. In the evening, the group was hosted to a cocktail reception by TAT at the Charm Thai Restaurant, InterContinental Hotel.
On 4 October, the group experienced the Exclusive Gaysorn VIP Diamond Service, Meet and Greet Thai Designers, Experience Gaysorn Personalised Timepiece Ambassador and mini workshop, Experience Gallery Art Tour. After lunch, they enjoyed the World’s First Tea Lounge at 1823 Ronnefeldt Tea Lounge, followed by free time to shop.
In the evening, the group was hosted to a cocktail reception by Thai Smiles at the Thai Paste restaurant, Gaysorn Plaza. They return to Myanmar on 5 October, 2015.
Mr. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, TAT’s Executive Director for Advertising and Public Relations Department said, “We expect Myanmar to be one of our most promising source markets in the near future. In addition to the already strong airline connections established by Thai and Myanmarese airlines, much investment has gone into enhancing road connectivity. Once this cross-border infrastructure is complete over the next two or three years, the potential for bilateral and intra-regional travel will be limitless.”
In July 2015, Thailand and Myanmar signed an agreement to allow citizens with ordinary passports to make visa-free visits of up to 14 days.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
