The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is set to host two major events in Chennai, India: the “Amazing Thailand Fest 2024 @ Chennai” and the “Amazing Thailand: Director’s Cut.” These events aim to highlight the vibrant cultural offerings and unique experiences Thailand has to offer, while emphasizing the country’s position as a top destination for Indian travelers.
The “Amazing Thailand Fest 2024 @ Chennai” will serve as a platform for promoting Thailand’s diverse tourism products, from serene beaches to bustling city life, ancient temples, and its world-renowned cuisine. The event will invite travelers to discover Thailand through interactive showcases, cultural performances, and culinary delights, ensuring visitors in Chennai get a taste of what the country has to offer. This initiative also aims to inspire more Indian tourists to visit Thailand, further solidifying it as a preferred holiday destination for people seeking adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration.
On the other hand, “Amazing Thailand: Director’s Cut” will put a special focus on promoting Thailand as an ideal location for international film productions. With its stunning landscapes, historic sites, and modern infrastructure, Thailand has increasingly become a sought-after destination for filmmakers worldwide. This event will highlight Thailand’s cinematic appeal, showcasing its capability to provide diverse settings for a variety of film genres. Through collaborations with Indian filmmakers, TAT seeks to position Thailand as a key player in the global film tourism industry, boosting its reputation as a cinematic haven.
These events are part of a broader strategy by the Tourism Authority of Thailand to deepen bilateral relations with India. As India remains one of Thailand’s most important tourist markets, TAT is committed to creating more tailored experiences for Indian travelers, from personalized travel itineraries to film tourism opportunities. The events will not only promote tourism but also serve as a cultural exchange, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation between the two nations.
The “Amazing Thailand Fest @ Chennai” is scheduled to take place at the Central Atrium, Express Avenue Mall, from September 27-29. This immersive event will offer a range of engaging activities designed to leave a lasting impression on visitors while highlighting Thailand’s soft power. Organized around the theme of the ‘Five Must-Do’ experiences in Thailand—Must Taste, Must Try, Must Buy, Must Seek, and Must See—the event aims to showcase the country’s diverse attractions and unique offerings, encouraging more Indian travelers to explore Thailand’s vibrant culture and heritage.
Each of these ‘Five Must-Do’ experiences will be represented in different zones throughout the event. Attendees can visit the tourism information booth hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Team Thailand to learn about travel opportunities. A dedicated zone will spotlight Thailand’s fashion, particularly focusing on the historical ties between Thai and Indian fabrics. Another exciting zone will present popular film locations in Thailand, featuring a ‘green screen’ setup where visitors can take photos with iconic Thai landmarks in the background. For martial arts enthusiasts, the Muay Thai zone will provide an up-close look at this internationally renowned Thai combat sport through live demonstrations.
Cultural performances will be a major highlight of the event, blending Thai and Indian traditions. Visitors will experience a fusion of traditional Thai and Indian dances, including the silk-weaving dance, long drum performances paired with xylophone music from the famous Thai movie “The Overture,” and the unique Nora and Likay Hulu (folk drama) dances combined with the classical Indian Bharatanatyam. These performances will also feature a collaboration between traditional Isan dance and Indian classical dance, creating a cultural symphony that reflects the deep cultural connection between the two countries.
In addition to these cultural showcases, there will be thrilling Thai movie stunt performances, featuring action scenes from the famous “King Naresuan” film series and the Jaika Stunt group. Over 12 companies will participate in the event, offering travel packages, flights to Thailand, and showcasing Thai arts, crafts, and culinary delights. Attendees can explore the food zone, which will feature five different food and beverage vendors, and take part in creative DIY workshops, including herbal inhaler-making and fantasy candle crafting. This vibrant event promises to be a comprehensive celebration of Thai culture, offering something for everyone.
The “Amazing Thailand: Director’s Cut” event is set to shine a spotlight on Thailand’s growing appeal in the film industry, particularly in the Indian market, which has a strong presence in the Chennai region. Scheduled to take place at the Hyatt Regency Chennai on September 28, this event will focus on showcasing Thailand as a premier location for international film productions. The event aims to deepen the relationship between the two film industries, promoting Thailand’s unique landscapes and versatile settings as ideal backdrops for Indian cinema.
Attendees will include notable film industry professionals and celebrities from both Thailand and India, creating an atmosphere of collaboration and mutual learning. In addition to a keynote address from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) introducing Thailand’s scenic filming locations, the event will feature a series of panel discussions. These discussions will provide a platform for Thai and Indian filmmakers, producers, and industry leaders to exchange ideas and explore future partnerships. The goal is to encourage more Indian productions to utilize Thailand’s diverse locations, further strengthening ties between the two countries through film tourism.
The “Amazing Thailand: Director’s Cut” is part of a broader initiative by TAT, with support from several key Thai agencies. The Royal Thai Consulate General in Chennai, the Thai Trade Center’s Commercial Section, and the Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI) in Chennai (Mumbai office) are all collaborating to make this event a success. These organizations are working together to highlight Thailand’s role as not only a popular tourist destination but also a prime location for the booming film industry. By involving multiple sectors, this event demonstrates Thailand’s commitment to strengthening its international cultural and economic ties.
India remains one of Thailand’s top five visitor markets, with a growing number of Indian tourists contributing to Thailand’s tourism industry. Projections suggest that 1.7 million Indian tourists will visit Thailand this year alone. The increase in tourism is largely attributed to Thailand’s favorable visa policies, including a visa exemption program that allows Indian travelers to visit for tourism or short-term business stays of up to 60 days, with the option to extend for an additional 30 days. This policy has made it easier for Indian tourists to explore Thailand, further boosting its popularity as a travel destination.
The “Amazing Thailand: Director’s Cut” is not just an event but part of a larger strategy to engage the Indian market and promote Thailand’s diverse offerings. By focusing on both film tourism and traditional travel experiences, the event serves as a cultural bridge between Thailand and India. It also showcases Thailand’s growing importance in the global film industry, opening up new avenues for collaboration between the two nations. Through these initiatives, Thailand aims to solidify its status as a top destination for Indian tourists and filmmakers alike.
