Bangkok: The Prime Minister of Thailand, Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, has officially opened the Thailand Summer Festivals, an initiative designed to boost tourism and stimulate economic growth. Under the banner of "7 Months 7 Wonders Summer Festivals," this series of events will feature a variety of traditional and cultural festivals occurring from March to September. Highlights include the renowned Songkran Festival, along with events celebrating pride, culture, music, sports, food, and the arts, aimed at reducing the tourism low season and sustaining visitor interest year-round.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister emphasized the crucial role of tourism in Thailand's economy, which constitutes approximately 14% of the GDP. She expressed confidence that the sector's potential can be further expanded to generate increased national income. Ms. Shinawatra outlined the government's vision for Thailand as a year-round travel destination, showcasing the diverse cultural heritage and traditions of every province. The government is committed to promoting these stories to foreign tourists, ensuring that all regions of Thailand are recognized as attractive travel destinations.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has launched a campaign to showcase the country's provinces as tourist-friendly, encouraging travelers to explore various regions. The Prime Minister shared her experiences visiting numerous provinces, noting the unique charm present throughout the country. The Summer Festival initiative follows the successful Winter Festival, with Songkran being a key attraction known worldwide for its vibrant water festivities. Last year, Songkran attracted 1.5 million tourists, a 40% increase from 2023, and the government aims to surpass these numbers by offering additional activities to enhance the festival's appeal.
The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of safety and collaboration with the police and tourist police, alongside the involvement of foreign volunteers to ensure tourist safety. Prior to the pandemic, Thailand welcomed 38-39 million tourists, and current figures have rebounded to 36 million. The government is determined to restore pre-COVID tourist numbers through strategic support of soft power across all provinces, encouraging unique provincial events to attract visitors.
Ms. Shinawatra underscored the significance of Thai people as the country's most vital soft power asset, attributing the return of foreigners to the friendliness and hospitality of the Thai populace. She urged citizens to be gracious hosts, leaving tourists with a positive impression and stimulating the economy. The Prime Minister expressed her confidence that this year's Songkran will surpass previous iterations in scale and impact.
At the launch event, the Prime Minister was welcomed with a traditional long drum procession and participated in cultural activities, including pouring water on the Buddha image and attending an exhibition about the Songkran Festival.