Thailand’s tourism deficit with Japan

23 Sept 02:01 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand recorded an unprecedented tourism deficit with Japan in the first half of 2023, as Thai visitors to Japan (497,700) significantly outnumbered Japanese tourists arriving in Thailand (326,347).
Several factors contribute to this deficit, including lingering Japanese hesitancy to travel abroad post-COVID-19, the recent relaxation of Japan's border controls, and the weakening Yen affecting Japanese travel budgets.
This decline has led to Korean tourists (757,767) surpassing Japanese arrivals, now ranking fourth among international visitors to Thailand.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is actively working to reverse this trend, promoting its '5F Soft Power' and hosting events like the 'Amazing Thailand Fest 2023' in Osaka, aiming to attract 500,000 Japanese tourists this year.

Lamphun in a New Light

Today 15:02 Key points summarised by AI

Lamphun illuminates its ancient city with two concurrent light festivals: the high-tech VIJIT Thailand @ LAMPHUN and the traditional Hundred Thousand Lantern Festival.
VIJIT Thailand @ LAMPHUN transforms historic landmarks into an outdoor gallery, using projections and multimedia to animate Lamphun's history, including Queen Chamadevi's story.
The Hundred Thousand Lantern Festival, part of Yi Peng, fills temples and streets with countless traditional lanterns, symbolizing Buddhist devotion and personal wishes.
These festivals offer a unique after-dark experience, blending contemporary light art with centuries-old Lanna traditions, connecting visitors to Lamphun's past and faith.