REPORT – 55th PATA CONFERENCE – THAILAND: The Royal Thai Government has officially launched the “Thailand Grand Invitation Year”, a colourful, high profile campaign designed to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of…
REPORT – 55th PATA CONFERENCE – THAILAND: The Royal Thai Government has officially launched the “Thailand Grand Invitation Year”, a colourful, high profile campaign designed to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne. Caretaker Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra officiated at the launch press conference on 16 February, 2006 at Government House.
His Majesty is already the world’s longest reigning monarch, and the year will see a series of dazzling events and celebrations to honour the life and times of His Majesty and all that he has done for the Thai people.
Thailand is renowned for its ability to stage spectacular events and splendid festivals. The Grand Festival of Events to be held nationwide will showcase all the grandeur, the pageantry, glorious tradition and culture of the realm.
June will be the month when the most important events will be held.
According to the Royal Household, 29 countries have reigning monarchs. As of last month, royals from 22 countries had graciously accepted the invitations to join the Thai celebrations including Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan, the King and Queen of Sweden, the King of Jordan, the King of Monaco and Prince Andrew of the United Kingdom.
The Royal Barge Procession will be held on Monday, 12 June followed by a gala dinner for the Royal guests and ambassadors on 13 June. Both these days will be government holidays in Bangkok and surrounding provinces to alleviate the traffic problem and facilitate security arrangements.
In addition to these two events, the Royal Thai army procession will take place on 23 June. The government will organize an exhibition in honour of His Majesty the King at Impact Exhibition Hall, Muang Thong Thani, from 26 May until 4 June, 2006.
Preparations are also under way for the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006, International Horticultural Exposition, to be held from 1 November 2006 to 31 January 2007, in the northern capital of Chiang Mai. All these events are expected to be widely broadcast and covered worldwide.
Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Mrs Juthamas Siriwan said, “We are hoping that the campaign will attract 13.8 million international visitors in 2006, generating tourism income of 480,000 million baht.”
The campaign has been divided into a series of events, as follows:
- Grand Destinations: Outstanding tourism products which are ready to receive visitors such as Rattanakosin Island, Royal Palace by Night, Royal Project, historical destinations and national parks, etc.
- Grand Events:
- Grand Festivals: Traditional festivals well known to visitors such as Songkran, Loi Krathong, Bangkok’s International Festival of Dance and Music, and Pattaya International Music Festival.
- Grand Servisces: Presentation of outstanding services in the fields of accommodation, cuisine, shopping, transportation, etc.
- Grand opening: Opening of new attractions and facilities by the public and private sectors such as Suvarnabhumi Airport, various tourist attractions and new products and facilities in the provinces.
Celebrations by the public and private sectors such as Royal Barge Procession, March to Pledge Allegiance to the Royal Flag, Jazz Music Festival, Andrea Bocelli’s concert performance, Launch of the Commemorative Coin, etc.
A number of events have already been held. Here is a calendar of events coming up:
- May – Royal Ploughing Ceremony, Bangkok, 11 May 2006
- June – Grand Royal Barge Procession, Bangkok, 12 June 2006, 60th Anniversary Celebrations of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne, Nationwide
- July – Grand Candle Festival & International Candle Carving Competition, Bangkok and Ubon Ratchathani, 5-11 July 2006
- August – Grand Celebration of H. M. the Queen’s Birthday, Nationwide, 12 August 2006
- September – Grand International Boat Races, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, 9-10 September 2006
- October – Royal Kathin Ceremony, Bangkok
- November – Andrea Bocelli’s the Royal Concert at the World Heritage Site, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, The Grand Loi Krathong Festival, Nationwide, 5 November 2006, The Grand Opening of Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006, Chiang Mai, 1-12 November 2006
- December – The Grand Celebration of H.M. the King’s Birthday, Nationwide, 5 December 2006, The Grand Jazz Festival, Bangkok, 19-20 December 2006, The Grand New Year’s Celebration, Bangkok, 31 December 2006-1 January 2007
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
