Director's Message

SAWATDI KHRAP.

TO my friends in the tourism industry and outside the tourism industry, it seemed only like yesterday that I arrived in Kuala Lumpur to take up the post of Director in charge of Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam. Come mid-August, I will be completing my four-year term in Malaysia and I would like to take this opportunityto introduce and welcome my successor Mr Suwat Kumwong.

In the mean time, let me remind you that in my amazing Thailand, things go on as usual. Many events and festivals await you.

We start with Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's birthday on August 12. This year our beloved Queen turns 81 and we wish her long life and prosperity. Travel to Thailand at this time and you would see streets lighted up to mark the occasion. The Queen's birthday is also celebrated as Mother's Day in Thailand in honour of Her Majesty's contribution to the nation in all fields, from supplementary occupation and health to the environment and education for the less privileged. Her tireless efforts had also resulted in she being awarded the prestigious Ceres Medal by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations in 1979, and an Honorary Fellowship in Great Britain's Royal College of Physicians in 1988.

At the same time I would like to remind you that the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale is in full force and would last until the middle of August. Participating outlets in major cities would be offering promotions and discounts of up to 80 per cent on selected items. Do drop by to enjoy the bargain. Some of you may still remember the Thailand Elite Card that was introduced several years ago. We re-launched it globally in June. For those not familiar, the Elite Card provides the owner with numerous privileges such as fast track lane at international airports in Thailand and usage of high-standard, five-star golfing and spa facilities 24 times per calendar year. Those who are travelling to North East Thailand would be happy to note that the biggest festival in Ubon Ratchathani Province,
the candle festival, would be held from July 22-23. During the festival, giant candles are prepared by people from temples throughout the province and paraded through the city streets on floats. The festival marks the beginning of the rainy season retreat for Buddhist monks.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand had also launched the Find Your Amazing campaign to help you relive your visits to Thailand or become inspired to create new ones, at the TAT's all new virtual travel destination, Find Your Amazing. Share your favorite stories with the social sphere via Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest to share it with your followers.

On July 21, running enthusiasts would be happy to note that the annual Pattaya International Marathon would be held. The Pattaya marathon is one of the most popular Pattaya events and it is also known as the King's Cup marathon. It is a large scale marathon and half-marathon running that attracts athletes from all over the world to participate. The month of June also saw two Malaysian travel agents and journalist being awarded with the Friends of Thailand Award 2013 for their efforts in helping to promote Thailand to Malaysians.

They were among 38 organisations, institutions, companies and individuals worldwide who were judged to have made worthy contributions to the promotion of Thailand tourism in their countries. This year the three recipients from Malaysia were Mr Teoh Weng Kim of PCP Publications, which publishes the magazines Travelution, Travelmate and Advanced Images; Madam Vickie Yeong Mei Choo of Airlink Travel & Tours and Mr Richard Sim So
Guan of HYT Travel Services. We congratulate them on their achievement.

As you can see, Thailand is never short of events and festivals and we are always ready to welcome you. Last but not least, it is my fervent hope that we would meet again soon and I wish you well. I look forward to welcoming you to Amazing Thailand.

Thank you.