Bangkok (Thailand) – December 8, 2016 (travelindex.com) – Thailand is hosting a series of unique events in December to commemorate the birthday of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The New Year will also be celebrated in traditional Thai style to pay tribute to the late King and honor his legacy and achievements, which contributed so much to improving the lives of the Thai people.

Deputy Prime Minister General Tanasak Patimapragorn stated: “2016 was a landmark year for the Thai people, and we want to ensure that December is a time of reflection; a time when we can come together as a nation and honor the great work of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej during his reign. With the start of the new year, it is the perfect time for the Thai people to unite in their Thai identity and welcome guests from all over the world to look to the future with us with confidence.”

On December 5, 2016, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will commemorate the birthday of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej at the Bhumibol I Bridge in Samut Prakan. The event will honor the projects and initiatives launched by His Majesty to promote the economy and improve the living conditions of Thais in both urban and rural areas.

The event, which takes place from 5:00 to 8:00 a.m., includes a ceremony for the presentation of offerings to 999 monks and an 89-second moment of silence to commemorate the King's life. Participants can sing the Thai royal anthem and "Kwam Fan An Sung Sut" (The Impossible Dream), a song composed by His Majesty. Afterwards, everyone is invited to make a pledge to live a virtuous life. The event concludes with a mass balloon release.

As part of the celebrations for His Majesty's birthday, 19,999 bags of "royal soil" will be distributed to the population. This soil comes from the King's royal projects and agricultural stations and symbolizes his dedication to the country and its people. His Majesty understood the importance of soil for Thailand and devoted his life to numerous scientific studies to find ways to improve plant growth. In recognition of his work, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has declared December 5th World Soil Day.

On December 31, 2016, nationwide prayers in the form of Buddhist chants will be held in Thailand to mark the New Year. These will take place at Sanam Luang Temple, in thousands of temples, and at many other locations throughout the country. People in neighboring ASEAN countries, as well as Thais and temples abroad, are also invited to participate.

In Thailand, it has long been a tradition for Thai Buddhists to gather in temples on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day to pray and meditate together and listen to sermons on living a good life. This is a way to bring people together before the start of the new year, to receive blessings, and to accumulate merit.

The festivities begin at 9:00 PM with an 89-second moment of silence in remembrance of the late King Bhumibol on what would have been his 89th birthday. New Year's Eve prayers are held between 11:45 PM and 11:50 PM. At midnight, nine gong strokes sound in the temples as worshippers sing "Phon Phi Mai" (New Year's Blessing) and "Sawasdee Phi Mai" (Hello New Year) to welcome the new year. Visitors can also enjoy the New Year's Eve celebrations at various locations in central Bangkok, including Siam Paragon, the Ratchaprasong shopping district, CentralWorld, EmQuartier, and Emporium.

At 00:09 on January 1st, 2017, candles will be lit and prayers offered to welcome the new year. These traditional, meritorious acts will take place throughout Thailand. Thais will also use this day to visit nine sacred temples, hoping to secure blessings for 2017.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said: “Everyone, including visitors to Thailand, is warmly invited to participate in the prayers dedicated to the Thai nation, religion, and monarchy – the three pillars of the Thai state. We encourage people to explore Thailand during the end of the year and the long New Year holiday. Thailand is entering a new era with a new king, so now is the perfect time to truly experience what it means to be Thai. Discover unique local experiences, immerse yourself in the kingdom’s rich culture, art, and cuisine, and connect with other Thais while spending precious time with family and friends. This unity gives us the strength to face the future with joy and optimism.”

To boost tourism in Thailand in December, the Thai government is doubling the tax break for tourists to a total of 30,000 baht for their travel expenses this year. In 2016, there was already a tax break of 15,000 baht per person on taxable income for Thai tourists. This is now being doubled and will apply from December 1st to 31st to tourist services and accommodation.

International Public Relations Department, Tourism Authority of Thailand, 1600 New Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Ratchathevi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand, Tel.: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48, Fax: +66 (0) 2250 0246, E-mail: [email protected], Website: www.TATnews.org