New app puts info on cultural attractions at fingertips

The app also lists more than 70,000 items to help travellers interested in exploring cultural attractions such as historical parks, museums and ancient markets. 

The application is available in English, Mandarin and Thai. 

Panjai Tantatsanawong, dean of Graduate School in Silpakorn University, told the press at the Culture Ministry yesterday that the app aims to provide a 24/7 service for people to learn about Thai culture and tourist destinations. The app was created in cooperation with the Culture and Information and Communications Technology Ministries as well as Silpakorn University. 

The app is has two key features. The first is called “Near Me”, which shows top tourist attractions within a 10-kilometre range. Once the user chooses the destination, the app will provide directions, the top 10 highlights of the site, along with hours of operation, contact number, admission fees and the history behind it. 

“This app helps people enjoy their trip even more. For instance, if you use this app to go to Sanam Luang, it will point out interesting aspects, like how many trees there were initially, how far apart they were planted along with historical tips ordinary folk would not know,” he added. 

The second feature is “Search”, which gives users access to more than 70,000 items under three categories: Thai ways; Thai and Asian traditions; and Thai and World Heritage Sites. The search engine also offers information on attractions such as historical parks, ancient markets, museums, as well as cultural sites such as villages where people work on weaving or making traditional cloth. It also provides up-to-date information on traditional performances such as likae, country music from the Northeast, Chinese opera and Thai festivals.

“This information is very trustworthy because it is provided by the Culture Ministry, so people can be sure that they are getting accurate data,” he added. 

The app, which can run on both IOS and Android platforms, can be downloaded for free from the App Store or PlayStore, or via www.thaiculture.go.th

Culture Minister Veera Rojpojanarat said the app was created in response to the Digital Economy policy and the rising number of mobile-phone users. 

The app will soon include information about hotels and recommended restaurants. Another app called “Thai Culture Trip” will also be created to help people plan their trip to Thailand.