Business as usual for tourism sector
SOME CELEBRATIONS and big events including the Loy Krathong Festival and debut Air Race 1 round in Thailand will be held this month, while Christmas celebrations and New Year countdowns as well as the Chinese New Year celebrations will also go ahead as planned.
Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said the news would reassure people with plans to visit Thailand.
“Some annual events like the Loy Krathong festival, to be held on November 14, Christmas celebrations, New Year countdowns, and Chinese and New Year celebrations will be going as planned,” he said.
The Loy Krathong Festival will be used to show respect to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyade. The Grand Palace will be reopened to visitors from November 1.
Yuthasak said local fairs and festive events such as walking street markets, Red Cross fairs, and other entertainment activities would also take place as normal.
That includes the Likay folk performance, concerts and contests, and traditional ceremonies like the Kathin robe offering and Buddhist ordination ceremonies
In another sign it is business as usual for the tourism industry, hotels will be able to hold celebrations and events, including meetings and seminars.
In addition, sporting fixtures will also go ahead as planned. Clubs, bars and other entertainment venues will also return to their usual operating hours.
In another tourism bonanza, Thailand will host the first Air Race 1 in the Asia-Pacific region.
Multiple races will take place at the U-tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield on November 19-20, marking another milestone in Thailand becoming the sports hub of the region.
The Air Race, which will feature eight planes racing simultaneously around a set course at speeds of up to 450 kilometres per hour. Air Race 1 is regarded as the aircraft equivalent of Formula 1 racing and is becoming increasingly popular around the world.
Television and radio broadcasts will also return to normal programming.
“Although there has been minimal disruptions to events, festivals and tourism activities, with entertainment restrictions being lifted from November 14, visitors can feel assured that they will spend their time here experiencing a warm welcome and continue with their holiday plans,” Yuthasak added.
The development has let locals know that while the mourning period for the late King is being respected, other areas of life will be returning to normal to avoid disruption and enable people to make a living.
