Thailand has always been a prime destination of foreign tourists from around the world. During winter, the volume of tourists mainly from the Western countries witness a tremendous growth, where a large number of hotels in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and other cities are mostly booked.
Thailand’s economy is reliant on international tourism, a once-flourishing sector that has been impacted by pandemic restrictions. But there have been continual government efforts to boost domestic travel, and measures to support returning international demand after Thailand began reopening to vaccinated international travelers from 63 countries on November 1, 2021.
According to media reports, the Bank of Thailand (BoT) forecasts gross domestic product (GDP) will expand 3.6 percent this year.
BoT governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput said Thai economy is recovering. The central bank expects the GDP growth of 2.9 per cent in the first half of this year from a year earlier with exports seen down 7.1 percent year-on-year.
The economic growth of 4.3 percent is projected in the second half of this year mainly due to the increased number of foreign arrivals and private consumption.
The number of foreign tourists is expected to reach 28 million people for the whole year, he said. Exports should rebound 42 percent in the second half.
Thailand has witnessed serious blow to its tourism industry during 2020-2021 due to COVID and restrictions such as lockdown. But things started moving to normalcy from the mid-2022, as a large proportion of global population by then has already been vaccinated and lockdowns were eased everywhere in the world.
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According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, since Thai people are living among the diversity of ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds, there are many traditional Thai events and festivals from the past to experience today and will be carried on into the future. While some cultural events are celebrated all over Thailand, some others are just for locals, held in some specific provinces. The biggest and renowned festivals in Thailand are Loi Krathong, and Songkran which is observed as the New Year Day for Thailand where thousands of tourists come to join in the fun!
Thai festivals are usually related to religions such as the Candle Festival on Khao Phansa Day (Buddhist Lent Day), the Tak Bat Thewo Festival on Awk Phansa Day (End of Buddhist Lent Day), the Flower Alms Offering Festival, the Kathina or Annual Buddhist Robe Offering Ceremony, and the Buddhist Forest Robe Offering Ceremony.
Some other festivals originated from traditional beliefs and folklore such as the Boon Bang Fai Rocket Festival to ask for favors from the God of Rain. The Loi Krathong Festival is also intended to ask for forgiveness from the Mother of River.
There are also festive events about daily living such as the Rice Blessing Ceremony, the Buffalo Racing Festival, and the Long Boat Racing Festival.
Thai events and festivals are something that presents the true selves of Thai people. We are fun, we like to help each other, and we are humble, respectful, and grateful to our elders. These themes are an integral part of Thai festivals and cultures, making them a unique experience that can’t be found anywhere else.
