Tourism Authority of Thailand

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Thailand is a wondrous kingdom, featuring Buddhist temples, exotic wildlife, and spectacular islands. Along with a fascinating history and a unique culture that includes delectable Thai food and massage, Thailand features a modern capital city, and friendly people who epitomize Thailand’s “land of smiles” reputation.

Tourism in Thailand

A small country that contains many amazing things and attracts many tourists in “South East Asia, between the Indian Ocean and the South China” (Thiro 10) is called Thailand or “Land of Smile.” It is one of the best countries that are full of natural beauty. Thailand is called “Land of Smile” because Thai people are very friendly, easily to smile, and are nice to everyone. If we talk about Thailand, some people think about spicy delicious foods, some about nice beaches or while others, about kick boxing which is the traditional sport of Thailand.

After years, Thailand is getting more tourists and that is increasing each year according to Thai Airlines. “It flew 3.13 million passengers in the first two months of 2006, an increase of almost 12 per cent from last year” (The New Zealand Herald). This shows that Thailand is now well-known to people around the world and gets more attention from many tourists. According to The Nation, the figure of 14.8 million total international tourist arrivals was 8 per cent higher than a previous target. The TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) expects to increase Vietnamese arrivals from 227,000 in 2006 to 267,000 this year. Most visitors come, visit, and spend their time for vacation in Thailand. Many tourists would love to live long enough in Thailand to visit most of the places. Even more, some people are more likely to spend their time there for the rest of their lives. There are a lot of attractive beaches, food, medical facilities and festivals which lure tourists to Thailand.

First of all, one of the best reasons to go to Thailand is their beaches. Thailand has a lot of islands. Most of them are well-known to people around the world. For example, Phuket is known as one of the most beautiful beaches on Earth. It has very fresh air, clean beaches, and the water is clear enough to see fishes. “Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and one of the most popular vacation destinations in Southeast Asia, attracting up to one million visitors each year. At 48 km (30 miles) long and covering 550 sq km (210 sq miles), it is a province in itself- and the wealthiest in the country. The Northern tip of the island is separated from the mainland by only a narrow channel of sea, over which runs the 700-m (765-yd) long Sarasin Bridge” ( Thailand 348).

Some tourists enjoy deep water diving, others fishing or even jet skiing, which is a great choice for Thailand. Phuket is located in the south of Thailand next to Andaman Sea (Wilkins 6).  “The research indicates Phuket is increasingly attracting investors from the top end of the market. This area is fast developing into the pinnacle of luxury travel in Southeast Asia. The hills stretching from Surin beach have long been known as ‘Millionaire’s Row’” (The Nation Thailand). This shows that Thailand’s beaches have now hit top level of the market. 

Secondly, tourists love the original Thai food. Every food in this world has their own attractive taste, and some foods attract people and make people want to repeat same kind of food again and again. Thai food is one of them that have their own traditional taste that attract people, not only Thai people but tourists or people from other countries too. These days Thai food has spread out around the world; however it is the best to taste Thai food in Thailand. For example in Thailand, one of the most popular Thai dishes is called tom yum gung. “The broth is prepared with various herbs, and then pieces of chicken, fish, or prawns are added. Once the ingredients are tender, lemon juice is added, along with prik-kee-nook, and the soup is always brought to the table piping hot” (Wilkins 76). In contrast, in the restaurants in the United States, “tom yum soup is a clear broth with shrimp, a balance between spicy and sour; each mouthful is has chili, tomatoes, scallions, and mushrooms” (Luisa).  This shows that they make them in different ways; however the feedback from most people is almost the same, in good way. Among all-Thai noodles, Phat Thai is the popular. “Phat Thai is a mixture of flat rice noodles fried with bean curd, vegetables, egg, peanuts, and dried shrimp. It is claimed to be Thailand’s national dish” (Thailand 408). “Thai food has been described by many food experts as one of the tastiest and most nutritious foods out there” (Cerralbo). This demonstrates that Thai food attract a lot of people and make them want to come back for Thai food again. This leads to the popularity of Thai food world wide.

Thirdly, tourist visit Thailand because of their culture. Thailand is one of the richest countries in culture. People in Thailand celebrate a lot of festivals. Thai New Year, “Songkran,” is the Thai traditional New Year which starts on April 12-14 every year. The days change each year as they follow the lunar calendar (Thailand 42).  “A 13^th century inscription reads: ‘Whoever wants to make merry, does so; whoever wants to laugh, does so’” (Thailand 42). They start their new year by playing with water because it is celebrate during the hottest time of the year. Whoever outside has to be wet. Some even wait outside their houses to wet and color others. Some people use powders to prevent revelers from sunburn. “They all offer traditional ways of observing the holiday, such as releasing birds and fish from captivity, making merit by giving alms to the monks, paying respect to elderly people, and attending a local Miss Songkran Beauty Contest” (Thailand Travel Planner 24). During this festival younger people throw water at their friends or peers but when it comes to the elders and monks, they pay respect by sprinkling their hands with perfumed water (Thailand 226).

Finally, tourists visit Thailand for medical surgery. “Last year, we realized a 20% increase in international patient volume, which admitted 264,000 international patients in 2002, generating about $25 million in revenue” (Normandy Madden). Tourists who come here for medical surgery not only get the surgery but are also able to enjoy the clean beaches.

“The trend started in 1997, when Thailand’s currency collapsed and local hospitals, desperate for cash to care for Thai citizen, turned to foreigner happy to pay the relatively low prices at a handful of clean, Westerner-operated Thai Hospitals-followed by a few days in one of the country’s plush resorts. Most “Medical tourists” are looking for elective procures that insurance companies do not cover. Bumrungrad and Bangkok Hospital offer everything from nose jobs to sex change operations” (Normandy Madden).

In Thailand patients don’t have to wait in a long time to get the surgery done. It is quiet fast and more comfortable compared to hospitals in the United States. The services provided by the nurses are quiet good and this attracts a lot of tourist from different parts of the world.

Tourism in Thailand is booming. More likely, the number of tourist will increase every year. They visit Thailand for the clean beaches, Thai Food, cheap medical surgery and Thai festivals. They won’t hesitate to come back when they have free time. Thailand or “Land of Smile,” seems to be one of the best places for tourists to spend their time and relax. 

If you are looking for a holiday destination in Asia, then Thailand is the place to go, offering something for everyone. Here is the best selection of hotels in Thailand to fit your travel budget and preferences. Discounts for 526,834 Hotels Worldwide. Consisting of 77 regions, each with its own unique appeal, the country offers visitors plenty of different areas to explore. You can find the perfect hotel at the lowest rate for stays in cities such as Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya. Choose your travel dates.

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