Having staged a smart recovery in the year 2022, when it received over 10 million international tourists by December 10, Thailand will adieu to the year 2022 with massive celebrations all over the country.

To welcome the new year 2023 and to give hearty farewell to the year going by when Thailand recorded a very strong recovery with over 10 million tourists and totalled tourism receipts of THB 1.5 trillion, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is hosting Amazing Thailand Countdown 2023 New Year celebrations in Bangkok and Songkhla.

TAT estimates that 3.14 million domestic trips will be made in Thailand during the New Year holiday between December 31 and January 2, generating  THB 11.2 billion in tourism revenue. The Amazing Thailand Countdown 2023 as well as locally-organised New Year celebrations will be taking place throughout Thailand, in many different locations in the Central, Northern, Northeastern, Eastern, and Southern regions as well as in the bustling capital city of Bangkok, says a press statement.

One of the most important celebrations will take place at one of Thailand’s important landmarks, Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn, that will feature a dazzling New Year countdown fireworks display over the mighty Chao Phraya River. Comprising nine acts, the five-minute fireworks display will represent the evolution of Thai tourism from the past to the present. Other activities include light up decorations, digital exhibitions such as illumination art and music performances.

At Songkhla, one of Thailand’s key border gateways, the celebrations will feature New Year countdown fireworks display above Hat Yai city. Other highlights include “Lighting Tower” mapping design, local products and food fair, and music performances.

“Thailand’s total visitor arrivals for 2022 is expected to reach 11.5 million arrivals by the end of the year. The return of foreign tourists together with domestic tourism recovery – backed by several long weekends and tourism stimulus campaigns – helps generate 1.5 trillion in total tourism revenue or at 50 pc of the pre-pandemic level seen in 2019,” says Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor.

In addition to the events at Wat Arun and Songhkla, TAT is also supporting over two dozen other New Year celebrations in various parts of the country.