TAT to organize New Year countdown in 5 regions

BANGKOK, Dec 20 (TNA) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will host the New Year countdown in five regions to feature unique cultures and attractions in each region. TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn told the press conference that this year, TAT will hold Amazing Thailand Countdown 2018 in Lampang, Sakhon Nakhon, Rayong, Kanchanaburi and Phuket under the theme “Thai Way of Life”. This year’s venues move to secondary provinces, which are less popular than major tourist spots as the government targets to draw at least 40 per cent of tourists and about 10 million people to travel to secondary tourist destinations in 2018. The New Year Countdown will depict unique culture and way of life of locals in each region. In Lampang, the fair will be held at the clock tower, which will be decorated with lighting, an orchid garden and house-drawn carriages, the province’s symbol. Cultural performances and sales of OTOP local products will be available from Dec 22 to Jan 1. In Sakhon Nakhon, the event will be held at Ming Muang plaza under the theme “Cool Isan”, featuring northeastern-styled fun fair. Visitors will have a chance to taste Sakhon Nakhon’s famous delicacies- black chicken, black pork and black cow meat. In the seaside province of Rayong, the fair, called “Surprise Rayong” is scheduled at the Baan Phe pier amid the cozy atmosphere of sea breeze, music and fresh seafood, cooked by local chefs. In Kanchanaburi, the event will be held at the bridge over the Kwai River bridge for the first time with colourful light decoration on this historical landmark and memorial of the railway lines in World War II. The highlight is a steam-powered train will run through the bridge to welcome the beginning of the Year 2018. In Phuket, the fair will be arranged in the combination of the retro market in the nostalgia trend and the modern style at the clock tower and the Old Standard Chartered Bank building to showcase the old Phuket town and the Sino-Portuguese buildings. The TAT’s countdown event in five regions will be broadcast live on MCOT HD, Channel 30 on Dec 31 from 11.30pm to 00.30am on Jan 1, 2018. Meanwhile, main cities including Bangkok will also host New Year countdown and cross-year prayers will be conducted at Buddhist temples throughout the country as usual. (TNA)