Still 'stronger together' on social media

The campaigns, which were launched after the Erawan Shrine blast rocked Bangkok and have gone viral, are attracting contributions from people wanting to share their great experiences in the Kingdom. Many Facebook posts showcase the different interesting, beautiful and unseen destinations Thailand, and even Bangkok, have to offer. 

In order to join this campaign, social-media users have to – in a public post – share their favourite destination or best aspect of Thai culture with a photograph and a comment finishing off with the hashtags #ThailandStandupChallenge and #StrongerTogether. They then have to challenge their Facebook friends to do the same. 

As a result, some unseen corners of the Kingdom are being revealed, perhaps giving people ideas for their next vacation. 

Anothai Wettayakorn, managing director of Dell Indochina, contributed by sharing memories of his trip to the “Northern End of Siam – Chiang Khong”. 

His post read: “Chiang Khong is a northern city and part of Chiang Rai province on the banks of the great Khong River, which is a natural Thai-Laos border and major link via the Thai-Laos bridge to China. This is a beautiful, peaceful and romantic city where we can still find a traditional way of living, great scenery and giant catfish in the river Khong. Visit Chiang Khong and take a deep breath of nice fresh air. Post this as part of the Thai campaign to promote Thai tourism in the campaign of #ThailandStandupChallenge and #StrongerTogether.” 

Pathom Indarodom, from the Thai Federation of ICT Technology Association, also joined the campaign with a photograph of sunset in Phuket’s Karon beach. 

Ung-alin Jungsakulrujirek posted “In love with Thailand’s beauty. This picture is taken at Chiang Mai University Cultural Conservation Centre. Chiang Mai is good for slow living, yummy food, humble art, and good-looking people! LOL #ThailandStandupChallenge.”

Mark Charoenwong, a public prosecutor at the Office of the Attorney-General who is studying international criminal law at the University of Kent in Britain, reached out with “Welcome to my beloved country ‘THAILAND’ #StrongerTogether #ThailandStandup Challenge.” 

In addition to individuals, many brands and celebrities are also joining these campaigns. 

On Tuesday, Hong Kong movie stars Michelle Yim or Mai Snet and Simon Yam or Yam Tat-wah visited the Erawan Shrine as tourism ambassadors. They had been invited by the Tourism Authority of Thailand to help promote tourism and restore confidence in the country after last month’s blast. 

Apart from promoting tourism, many people have gone a step further and launched #ThaiFoodChallenge, which has also gone viral.