‘ASEAN + India Shoppers in Thailand’ activity to boost Thai economy with soft power

From 29 April to 15 June 2024, ASEAN and Indian tourists are invited to vote for their favourite Thai soft power and get a gift voucher to shop for Thai products.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and partners announced the ‘ASEAN + India Shoppers in Thailand’ activity, inviting ASEAN and Indian tourists to vote for their favourite Thai soft-power element and get a shopping voucher. The activity will run from 29 April to 15 June 2024.

TAT Governor, Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, said “The project underscores the government’s policy to establish Thailand as a tourism hub, while promoting ASEAN as a single tourism destination. It also supports the government’s soft power promotion policy to raise awareness and boost sales for Thai products.”

The activity is part of a broader effort to enhance Thailand’s appeal to short-haul travellers. It will showcase Thailand’s soft power through participating stores where tourists can shop for Thai aromatics, tasty treats, fashion clothes and accessories designed and made locally here.

“We have designed the online quiz and the gift voucher redemption process to be easy and inclusive for ASEAN and Indian tourists, and we hope that they will take this opportunity to support Thai brands and products while exploring the influences of Thai soft power in tourism,” Ms. Thapanee said.

Passport holders of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, and India can simply log on to the website aseanindiashoppers.com to vote for Thailand’s rich cultural resources according to the 5Fs: food, film, fashion, fight, and festivals. The website will be activated on 29 April 2024.

As a token of appreciation, participants will be given gift vouchers and special privileges, worth 500 Baht to 3,000 Baht each, that can be used to purchase Thai fashion and lifestyle brands as well as authentic Thai products at participating stores of King Power Corporation, King Power Click (FIRSTER), Multiply by Eight (X8), Central Group, Tops Market, Big C Supercenter, Good Goods, and Erb.

The gift vouchers and special privileges can be used at the 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, helping to generate about 131 million Baht in tourism revenue.

The ‘ASEAN + India Shoppers in Thailand’ activity aims to promote short-haul tourism and stimulate travel and spending by tourists from ASEAN and India who see Thailand as a weekend destination and a popular shopping destination.

Given the geographical proximity of these countries, it takes no more than two hours to travel from the neighbouring countries to Thailand and about four hours from India. In addition, ASEAN tourists are not required to obtain a visa when entering Thailand, while Indian tourists can take advantage of the current temporary 30-day visa-free entry.

Convenient access and stimulus visa policy are among key factors contributing to 75 per cent of ASEAN tourists being repeated visitors and India being the fastest growing source market.

Thailand expects the number of visitor arrivals from ASEAN to bypass 10 million this year, while the number of Indian tourists is forecasted to reach 1.7 million. This constitutes 35 per cent of this year’s target of 35 million arrivals.