The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and its partners have announced the launch of the ‘ASEAN + India Shoppers in Thailand’ initiative, inviting tourists from ASEAN and India to vote for their favorite Thai soft-power elements in exchange for shopping vouchers. This promotion will run from 29 April to 15 June 2024.

TAT Governor, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, stated that the initiative aligns with the government’s aim to position Thailand as a tourism hub while promoting ASEAN as a unified tourism destination. It also supports the government’s soft power strategy to increase awareness and sales of Thai products.

This initiative is part of a wider effort to appeal to short-haul travellers by showcasing Thai soft power through participating stores. Tourists can shop for local Thai products such as aromatics, culinary delights, fashion, and accessories.

“We have made the online quiz and gift voucher redemption process easy and accessible for tourists from ASEAN and India, and we hope they will take advantage of this opportunity to support Thai brands and products while exploring Thai soft power in tourism,” Thapanee added.

Passport holders from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, and India can visit the website aseanindiashoppers.com starting 29 April 2024 to vote for their favorite aspects of Thailand’s rich cultural heritage across five categories: food, film, fashion, fight, and festivals.

Participants will receive gift vouchers and special privileges ranging from 500 Baht to 3,000 Baht each. These vouchers can be used at various participating stores, including King Power Corporation, King Power Click (FIRSTER), Multiply by Eight (X8), Central Group, Tops Market, Big C Supercenter, Good Goods, and Erb, among others.

The gift vouchers and privileges are valid at participating stores in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Chon Buri, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Songkhla, and Nakhon Ratchasima.

The project is expected to attract 5,000 participants, generating approximately 131 million Baht in tourism revenue.

The ‘ASEAN + India Shoppers in Thailand’ activity aims to boost short-haul tourism and encourage spending by tourists from ASEAN and India, who consider Thailand a prime weekend and shopping destination.

Given the close geographical proximity, it takes less than two hours for tourists from neighboring countries to reach Thailand and about four hours for Indian tourists. Moreover, ASEAN tourists do not need a visa to enter Thailand, and Indian tourists can benefit from the current temporary 30-day visa-free entry.

These factors contribute to 75% of ASEAN tourists being repeat visitors, with India being the fastest-growing source market.

Thailand anticipates welcoming over 10 million visitors from ASEAN this year and expects 1.7 million tourists from India. This accounts for 35% of the target of 35 million arrivals set for this year