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By APD writer Juicy Chan
BANGKOK, April 4 (APD) - Thailand is riding on the huge popularity of a recent historical drama series to promote Thai culture and tourism in the upcoming water splashing festival.
The country's tourism and culture bodies have been asking tourists to wear traditional Thai costume to enjoy the water splashing festival, known as Songkran which is the Thai new year festival during April 13 to 15.
"The popularity of TV series Bupphaesannivas (Love Destiny) has led to Thais from all walks of life donning traditional costumes on increasing occasions across the country. The government will further hold cultural functions nationwide during Songkran festival to promote patriotism and Thai culture", said Veera, culture minister on Tuesday at the joint press conference with the sport and tourism ministry briefing preparations of the festival.
Virasuk, the sport and tourism minister invited foreign tourists to dress up in Thai traditional garb and take trips to historical places and the specially tailored "love destiny tour packages" such as Thai traditional wedding route, ancient temple trip and Thai foodie trip.
Instead of taking a hurry glimpse of temples and beaches in normal tour packages, foreign visitors tend to seek more unique local experiences to enjoy the charm of Thainess, said Virasuk.
Historic tourist attractions used to film the romantic comedy series "Love Destiny” have seen a nearly three-fold increase in Thai tourists, according to local tourism officials.
Visitors dressed in traditional Thai costumes to some museums and tourists attractions get free entrance. Airways joining in the campaign to conserve traditions and culture are also encouraging employees to wear Thai attire.
The culture minister said guides will be trained over to help tourists better understand the history of the Ayutthaya period. Thai costume renting services will be increased in tourist attractions.
“Love Destiny” follows an archaeology student who, after a car accident, wakes up in the body of a woman living in central Thailand's Ayutthaya during the reign of King Narai the Great, who lived from 1632 to 1688.
The fever seeping Thailand is making headlines overseas after dedicated viewers fansubbed the
drama series in Chinese and English.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
