Microsoft joins hands with TAT and partners, to host 'Travel Thailand, Bring Back the Land of Smiles

Microsoft Thailand is collaborating with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Thai Webmaster Association, and leading local websites – such as Pantip and Blognone – to host a website development competition for interested website developers, as part of the ‘Travel Thailand, Bring Back the Land of Smiles’ campaign. The campaign aims to promote tourist attractions in Thailand among travelers, both from Thailand and abroad, after the country was hit by recent floods. Through this project, Microsoft Thailand is playing a part in the recovery of the Thai economy, as well as promoting standard technology of website development.   

 

The work of the winner, along with candidates selected by the judges of the ‘Travel Thailand, Bring Back the Land of Smiles’ campaign, will be shown on TAT and MSN Thailand’s official websites. The winning project will also be internationally promoted through the websites of Microsoft offices in Asia and Eastern Europe. This enables the promotion of Thai tourism to a wider range of target travelers.  

 

In addition to promoting tourism in Thailand, the other main focus of the ‘Travel Thailand, Bring Back the Land of Smiles’ website development competition is to educate about and lead the adoption of HTML5 in website development. This standard technology has been fundamental to the development of many well-known websites such as Facebook and Youtube. Among the notable features of HTML5 are the abilities to run video and audio files directly, to adjust display columns across all kinds of devices, and to synchronize with all equipment/platforms including PCs, laptops, tablets and smart phones.   

 

Birathon Kasemsri Na Ayudhaya, Managing Director of Microsoft Thailand stated that “As a global leader in the technology industry, we are committed to creating and utilizing technology to benefit Thai people and the country, as well as developing the latest innovations to satisfy the diverse and dynamic IT needs of consumers. We demonstrate this commitment through collaboration and alliances in various sectors, in line with Microsoft Thailand’s vision ‘We Make 70 Million Lives Better’. The flood crisis brought damage to the lives and properties of Thai people, and to the nation as a whole. On this occasion, Microsoft Thailand would like to take part in helping the country recover with the ‘Travel Thailand, Bring Back the Land of Smiles’ campaign.”

 

Suraphon Svetasreni, Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor said that “Tourism is one of our country’s strengths, and gives us competitive advantages in the global market. Thailand is known as the ultimate tourist destination that travelers can visit all year round. We boast a variety of attractions to serve all kinds of interests, and at all price points. However, while most attractions were not severely affected by the recent floods, many travelers may have safety concerns. The attractions that were affected have already been restored and are now ready to welcome travelers once again. We hope that this ‘Travel Thailand, Bring Back the Land of Smiles’ campaign, initiated by Microsoft Thailand, will not only rebuild but also enhance the image of Thai tourism, as well as contribute to the overall recovery of the country.”      

 

The ‘Travel Thailand, Bring Back the Land of Smiles’ website development competition will take place from January 16th to March 2nd, 2012. More information can be found at http://html5Thailand.com. Applicants will also receive training on how to use HTML 5 for website development from Microsoft Thailand.