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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is organising its annual ‘Amazing Thailand Countdown 2020’, one of the biggest events TAT stages in various destinations across the country, to bid farewell to 2019 and welcome 2020 with Thai style and panache.

TAT Governor Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn said, “TAT’s Amazing Thailand Countdown 2020 emphasises TAT’s tourism marketing direction that supports the Thai government’s initiative to promote emerging destinations around the Kingdom to achieve a better distribution of tourist revenue between the urban and rural areas.

“This helps even out the seasonality factor between traditional high and low seasons whilst also encouraging more weekday travel to reduce pressure on the weekends.”

This year TAT is staging its traditional festivities in six emerging destinations comprising Sukhothai, Kalasin, Lop Buri, Ratchaburi, Sa Kaeo, and Phatthalung, in addition to Bangkok.

TAT expects that during the New Year period from 28 December, 2019 to 1 January, 2020, Thais will make 3.16 domestic tourism trips and generate 1.18 billion Baht in revenue for the local economy.

TAT’s New Year activities in six destinations are expected to produce 225,000 visits to the areas, generating 500 million Baht.

Highlights in the six emerging destinations include:

Amazing Night Sukhothai Countdown 2020 (29-31 December 2019) at Sukhothai Historical Park

Three days of ‘light up the night’ decorations in combination with contemporary music performances and classical Thai dances. Watch the last sunset of the year at Sukhothai Historical Park’s most photographed spot, enjoy DIY workshops on Sukhothai’s arts and crafts, and shop for local handicrafts. Visitors can also enter a lucky draw for the chance to win prizes, and savour Sukhothai’s variety of delectable food and desserts. Join the countdown event on 31 December plus firework displays against the backdrop of the historical landmarks. On the New Year, all are invited to join locals in a Buddhist mass merit-making activity for blessing.

Amazing Thailand Countdown 2020 at Phatthalung (30 December 2019 to 1 January 2020) at Coliseum Intersection

Two days of light shows, decorated with local fishery items plus a Giant Christmas tree made from local materials. Iconic photography and selfie corners of a giant Junk with a huge fishing net. Daily activities include a traditional ‘golden mortar’ circle dance, cultural performances and music concerts, lucky draws and games, cooking demonstrations and a fair selling local handicrafts and Thai cuisine. The opening ceremony on 30 December, 2019, features a ‘Norah Parade’ (Phatthalung is the birthplace of Southern Thailand’s Norah folk dance tradition). The countdown celebration on 31 December, 2019, features Norah folk dance and Pone drum performances and an illumination tunnel. New Year’s Day 2020 starts with a mass merit-making ceremony of Buddhist alms offering plus a CSR opportunity donating grass to water buffaloes.