The government plans to expand the annual winter festival from the capital to the entire nation under the name Thailand Winter Festivals, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
He posted the announcement on his Facebook account after having a discussion with Tourism and Sport Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, and Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt on organising the "Colourful Bangkok Winter Festival" at the end of this year.
He also said the government has prepared for at least 11 soft power-related activities, with more information due next month.
Regarding the Colourful Bangkok Festival, the TAT and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will work together to organise five "big events", aiming to celebrate winter in the capital from October to December.
According to Ms Thapanee, Colourful Bangkok is being co-organised by the TAT, the BMA and the Culture Ministry to capitalise on this form of soft power while elevating the event to a global scale.
The festivals, as a form of creative tourism, are expected to stimulate tourism as they will be held during the high season.
Colourful Bangkok comprises five big events: the 2023 Loi Krathong Festival, Vijit Chao Phraya 2023, Amazing Thailand Passport Privileges, Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok 2023, and Amazing Thailand Countdown 2024, said Ms Thapanee.
Those events aim to present the livelihood and identity of the city through the city's creative tourism, she added.
As one of City Hall's missions is to promote the capital as a creative and cultural city, this activity will present its identity through festivals, arts and performances, as well as the New Year Countdown on Rattanakosin Island.
Mr Chadchart said City Hall has worked with a number of sectors to ensure Colourful Bangkok is a hit.
