South Korea and Thailand team up to drive tourism back to the boom times

13 Sept 14:01 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand and South Korea are actively collaborating to revitalize their tourism industries, aiming to restore pre-pandemic visitor numbers and foster mutual growth.
The Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO) in Bangkok focuses on attracting Thai tourists by leveraging the strong appeal of K-culture, including K-pop experiences, and promoting diverse regional destinations beyond Seoul.
Both governments will designate 2023-2024 as 'Thailand-Korean visit years' to significantly boost tourism, with an upcoming MoU outlining joint projects and celebrity ambassador initiatives.
KTO proactively addresses potential concerns by separating tourism promotion from issues like illegal workers, launching dedicated 'big welcome to Korea' campaigns and events for Thai travelers.

Bright at Midnight: Conceptual echoes of Bas Jan Ader Arrive in Bangkok

Today 15:13 Key points summarised by AI

"Bright at Midnight" marks the first institutional exhibition in Asia of Dutch conceptual artist Bas Jan Ader, showcasing his enigmatic work at Bangkok Kunsthalle until January 10, 2027.
The exhibition delves into Ader's legacy, exploring themes of vulnerability and the ephemeral, made more poignant by his 1975 disappearance at sea during an art project.
It encourages viewers to engage with art beyond its material form, featuring key pieces like "Thoughts unsaid, Then forgotten," "Light vulnerable objects threatened by eight cement bricks," and the haunting film "Launch of the Ocean Wave."
A highlight is the planned live transformation of "Light vulnerable objects threatened by eight cement bricks" in 2026, where ropes will be cut, creating a new layer of art from the destructive impact.
The exhibition challenges conventional art consumption, advocating for a deeper appreciation of conceptual and research-driven artistic practices over mere fascination with art as an asset class.