Bangkok (Thailand) – January 3, 2016 (travelindex) – Thailand held a big countdown celebration at the Temple of Dawn, or Wat Arun, one of the kingdom's most important landmarks, to welcome the year 2016 and mark the beginning of the ASEAN Economic Community.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), stated: “The Thailand Countdown 2016 at Wat Arun aims to enhance Thailand’s positive image as a global travel destination and highlight one of the country’s distinctive characteristics, ‘Thainess’. This grand celebration also serves to commemorate the 88th birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the 84th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.”

Thailand held its first-ever New Year's countdown at Wat Arun. The lavish celebrations included a nine-minute fireworks display featuring over 5,500 fireworks, including 2,016 to welcome the global New Year and the founding of the ASEAN Economic Community, 2,559 to welcome the Buddhist year, and 999 in honor of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Other highlights included the 45-minute multimedia performance "Chronicle of the Country" with light and music presentations by the Mahanakhorn Philharmonic Orchestra and Usa Asil, the first multicultural music ensemble in the ASEAN region. Additionally, two New Year's ceremonies were held at Wat Arun, during which prayers were offered for prosperity in the coming year.

People all over the world were able to watch the live-streamed countdown celebration via www.youtube.com/Thailand and various television channels.

Mr. Yuthasak said: “The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in cooperation with the relevant public and private stakeholders, is organizing the Thailand Countdown 2016 at Wat Arun with the utmost respect for the country’s most important historical sites. It is our sincere intention to present Thailand as a travel destination of historical significance, which is part of Thai identity and aptly represents Thailand’s pride.”

The New Year's countdown was part of the three-day Thailand Countdown 2016, which took place at Wat Arun and on the other side of the river. Near Nagaraphirom Park, the street was transformed into a pedestrian zone in the style of a traditional Thai market in the evenings. There, products with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) from all over the country, the "One Tambon – One Product" (OTOP) selection from the 12 hidden gems and 12 other destinations, as well as well-known products from Bangkok's 50 districts, were offered.

It was estimated that the event would attract more than 2.6 million Thai and international tourists and generate approximately 12.4 billion baht between December 31, 2015 and January 3, 2016.

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) 2253 7419, E-mail: [email protected]

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