Director’s Message

SAWATDI KHRAP.
THERE have been quite a few festivals over the last two months and there's more coming our way. Most important to the Thais of which is the Thai New Year come April 13. It is also a month of much merry-making as we usher in the Buddhist calendar year with the Songkran Festival. This festival has become extremely popular among Malaysians who travel to Thailand to celebrate with their Thai counterparts, most especially in the southern city of Hat Yai. It is also the venue of the midnight Songkran, with festivities beginning on the night of April 12.

As we usher in the Thai New Year, I feel it is also an appropriate time to say a big thank you to all our tourism partners — travel agents, airlines, motoring clubs, and event organisers. Last but not least our gratitude also goes out to YOU, who have made Thailand your favourite travel destination. You have helped us not only meet our target, but in fact surpass our earlier projections. For the whole of last year, a total of 2,470,868 Malaysian tourists visited Thailand and we owe you a big thank you. For 2012, we certainly hope you would continue to give us your support.

Two new flights are in within these two months. AirAsia has introduced direct flights three times weekly from LCCT to Surat Thani. Not only will visitors be able to explore a new destination but they can also hop on a ferry for a trip to Koh Samui which had become hugely popular with foreigners and locals alike.

Bangkok Airways is also flying direct from Kuala Lumpur to Koh Samui, offering more choices to those wanting to spend their holidays on the island and the surroundings. Two other airlines — Firefly and Berjaya Air also fly from Kuala Lumpur to the island.

Bird lovers would be happy to know that the Asian Barred Ground Dove Singing Competition would be held in the province of Yala for the whole month of March. Doves from countries around the region would be taking part in the international competition. Those who love visiting floating market should also take note that two new ones had opened up in Hua Hin — the Hua Hin Floating Market and Hua Hin Sam Phan Nam Floating Market.

As you can read in our newsletter, there are many other events and festivals during the months of March and April such as the Phrae Wa Silk Festival in Kalasin Province, the Chumphon Sea World Fair and the Krabi Rock and Fire International Contest just to name a few. Rest assured that you would always find something to do anywhere you are in Thailand.

We look forward to welcoming you to Amazing Thailand. We hope to continue amazing you.

Thank you.

MR WIBOON NIMITRWANICH
Director
Malaysia & Brunei