EXHIBITION / AMAZING THAILAND GRAND SALE

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and NCC Exhibition Organizer Co (NEO) are co-hosting the "7th Amazing Thailand Grand Sale Fair 2005" from June 2-5 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

The annual event is one of Thailand's largest fairs aimed at enhancing its reputation as a shopping paradise.

Meanwhile, beginning June 1 until July 31, stores and shops in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Had Yai, Phuket, Pattaya and Udorn Thani will offer discounts of 10-50 percent on selected products and merchandise.

According to Udom Metatamrongsiri, the executive director of Tourism Investment Department, foreign tourists spend over 100,000 million baht shopping in Thailand every year.

"We hope to attract more shoppers this year. There is a rise in demand for Thai products and handicraft as they are fabulous and not expensive," he said. "At the same time, we have to make further efforts to promote our skills and products among foreign shoppers."

About 500 companies from all over Thailand are participating in this year's Amazing Thailand fair, which has a total exhibition space of 20,000 square metres, according to NEO's general manager Ladda Mongkhonchaiwiwat.

The exhibition area has been divided into Grand Sale and Grand Service zones, the former featuring food, silk, jewellery, handicraft, stationery, toys, electrical appliances and furniture; and the latter travel agencies, hotels, resorts, airlines, schools and facilities for travellers. Spas, herbal products and hospitals as well as other kinds of services will also be featured.

The "Thailand Visitor Card" designed to promote tourism within the country will be introduced at the fair. A joint initiative of TAT and Visa International, the card will offer five to 30 percent discount at more than 3,000 outlets in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Phuket, Samui, Hua Hin and Cha Am covering stores, shops, restaurants, hospitals, golf courses, hotels and spas. Once bought, the card, available at TAT counters and offices, BTS Skytrain stations and outlets joining the promotion scheme, will remain valid until March 31 next year.

TAT is expecting some two million foreign tourists to subscribe for the cards and that should contribute substantially to its goal to make Thailand the tourism capital of Asia.

Apart from the various products and services available at the fair, a wide range of activities are also planned under the "Return to the Retro" concept to entertain fair-goers. These activities include outdoor movies, games such as hoola hoop and stage plays.

The organisers are hoping to attract some 250,000 people who are expected to generate a revenue of 300 million baht.

For more information, call 02-229-3000 ext.4021, 4026, 4034, 3771; fax 02-229-3191; e-mail: amazing@qsncc.co.th or visit www.amazinggrandsale.com.
Bangkok Post May 2005 www.bangkokpost.com
NARATHIP SANGKAEW