The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has joined hands with the Iconsiam shopping complex and partners to organise a New Year's Eve countdown featuring a display of 30,000 fireworks along the Chao Phraya River.
Speaking at a press conference at IconSiam yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said that at least 300,000 foreign tourists had visited the country each month after the Covid-19 pandemic eased and travel restrictions were progressively lifted this year.
At least one million tourists are expected to arrive each month during the high season, which has already started, giving a much-needed boost to the economy and the tourism industry reeling from the pandemic, according to the public health minister.
Mr Anutin said that the event, "Amazing Thailand Countdown 2023", is a collaboration of state agencies, partners from the private sector, hotel businesses, and communities along the Chao Phraya.
"The countdown is intended to usher in the New Year in a spectacular style and showcase Thailand as a global countdown destination.
"It serves as a fine example of cooperation from the private sector, which made substantial contributions to economic recovery, and the revival of businesses along the Chao Phraya River as the pandemic eased.
"I am confident the 'Amazing Thailand Countdown 2023' at Iconsiam will be a success and enhance the country's reputation and restore happiness among Thais and visitors from around the world," Mr Anutin said.
Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, managing director of Iconsiam, said Iconsiam seeks to be part of the efforts to promote the Chao Phraya as a major global tourist destination for people who want to join New Year's Eve countdown activities every year.
He said more than 100 million baht had been spent organising the "Amazing Thailand Countdown 2023" event on Dec 31 as a gift to Thais and foreign visitors.
The highlight will be a display of 30,000 fireworks along a 1,400-metre stretch on the banks of the Chao Phraya with the theme: "Win the World for Thailand", Mr Supoj said.
The fireworks display will also be broadcast live on Thairath TV Channel 32 as well as via live streaming on the Facebook pages of Iconsiam, Thairath Online, Khaosod Online, and Matichon Online.
The public can also watch a virtual fireworks show on their smartphones with the help of augmented reality technology via ONESIAM SuperAPP, he said. A fireworks photo contest with a huge cash prize will also be held.
