Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaiboon, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said they are actively driving marketing strategies under the Smile @ South project to restore smiles to southern residents. This initiative aims to revive the economy in areas affected by flooding in the south by urgently stimulating tourism demand and spending within the local economy.
Through the Amazing Thailand Passport Privileges @ HAT YAI activity, special privileges, discounts, and souvenirs are offered to international tourists arriving via Hat Yai International Airport, the Sadao Customs checkpoint, and the Padang Besar Customs checkpoint.
TAT is confident that the Smile @ South project, a measure to revive economies in flood-affected areas, will boost tourism, especially targeting tourists from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore, while promoting spending and enhancing tourists' travel experiences.
TAT collaborates with government agencies, the private sector, and tourism industry operators to carry out the Amazing Thailand Passport Privileges @ HAT YAI activity, providing special discounts and travel services from more than 100 establishments in the south to tourists.
Additionally, the Amazing Bag activity offers Thai-inspired gifts selected from southern communities as souvenirs (Lucky Gifts), with a chance to win Lucky Vouchers for special prizes from tourism partners, totaling over 500,000 baht in value.
TAT expects that the implementation of this project and these activities will generate a turnover of no less than 480 million baht for the southern tourism industry, while restoring the region’s image, building confidence, and sustainably bringing smiles back to southern communities.
Tourists can participate by showing their passports to receive an Amazing Bag immediately at the activity booths located at Hat Yai International Airport, Sadao Customs checkpoint, and Padang Besar Customs checkpoint from now until 30 April 2026, by scanning a QR Code to register for special privileges from southern tourism partners.
Meanwhile, Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaiboon, TAT Governor, along with Mr. Natth Krutsut, Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business, Ms. Natthaphan Tridecha, Director of Tourism Investment Promotion, and representatives from government and private partners, welcomed incoming international tourists.
. Daikin Industries (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Siam Daikin Sales Co., Ltd. reaffirm their collaboration with the Office of the Vocational Education Commission (OVEC) by advancing the future of Thai air conditioning technicians. They delivered 42 air conditioners and installation kits to 15 educational institutions nationwide, driving the vision to promote technology in teaching and learning, providing students hands-on experience with real equipment, aiming to reduce the shortage of skilled labor and elevate Thai workforce skills to international standards.
. Chulabhorn Hospital continues to enhance the quality of life for the elderly by organizing the academic service activity "Check Fitness Signals, Keep Life Moving" to promote an Active Aging society. This campaign encourages elderly people and their families to be aware of preventive health care, focusing on checking and maintaining the balance of body and brain health. The event was supported by BRAND’S GOLD and Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) Co., Ltd., held at the first-floor hall of the Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Building, Chulabhorn Hospital.