The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced a series of celebratory events slated towards the end of September and early October to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China.

Titled Nihao Month, the festival is geared towards strengthening tourism cooperation between the two nations. It also aims to boost awareness regarding other festivities in China and Thailand to commemorate the milestone.

As Thai minister of tourism and sports Sermsak Pongpanit said: “Thailand and China have enjoyed 50 years of diplomatic relations that have resulted in flourishing trade and closer cultural and tourism ties.”

TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool added: “Nihao Month heralds the grand celebration [we have] planned for the 50th anniversary of Thailand-China relations. In this regard. We warmly invite Chinese tourists to come enjoy this Mid-Autumn Festival, along with Golden Week in Thailand, and other special events scheduled through the end of this year to early next year, culminating in the Chinese New Year and the 50th anniversary.”

A full slate of events

During Nihao Month, TAT hopes to receive around 250,000 arrivals from China for Golden Week. At the same time, special events and promotion are expected to generate about 500 million hits on and offline, further enhancing Thailand’s positive image as the preferred destination for Chinese tourists.

The buzz surrounding the Nihao Month expects to gain 400 million more views through the “Amazing Thailand, Mid-Autumn Night” event on 17 September featuring a special appearance by the China-Thailand cultural friendship ambassador Luo Yunxi, along with Thai actors DaOu Pittaya Sae-chow and Mai Davika Hoorne. 

September brings around 100 key opinion leaders (KOLs) from China to Thailand on a “KOLs Mega Fam Trip” that aims to boost awareness of Thailand as a must-see destination. Participating KOLs will be encouraged to share five must-do activities with their followers on such platforms as Douyin, Little Red Book, and Weibo, reaching approximately 100 million online views.

Come October, TAT stages the Sound of Friendship, a concert at Bangkok’s Siam Paragon featuring top Thai performing artists.

Aside from these events, there will be joint promotions between TAT and several Chinese travel platforms to encourage Chinese tourists to visit Thailand between September and December. These promotions offer a range of perks from special deals on airfare and accommodations, to discount vouchers and souvenirs.