Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Museum in Takua Pa, Phangnga province, will open to the public in December, according to the Minister of Culture Itthiphol Kunplome.
In 2017, the ministry set aside a budget of 91.8 million baht for the project, which was to include a one-storey museum and an outdoor exhibition.
The museum is comprised of four exhibition zones. First is a multimedia presentation room to educate visitors about the tsunami that struck the southern part of Thailand and killed more than 5,000 people on Dec 26, 2004. Other exhibition rooms display information about the tsunami, stories of survivors and remaining items found after the incident. The museum also has an area for holding forums or workshops.
Outside the museum, there is a long memorial wall to pay tribute to the victims. A new 12m-tall observation hall was built as a new landmark while two orange and blue fishing boats that were washed ashore in Takua Pa by the tsunami are also on display.
The Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Museum is located about 1.5km from the beachfront Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Park.
The minister expects the museum to be a memorial site and also a centre of culture and tourism.
Thai travellers seek nature
Thais are eager to travel in the third quarter of this year. The destinations of choice are natural places, according to the 2021 Summer Holiday Barometer of Europ Assistance, the travel insurer of the Generali Group, one of the world's leading insurers which has offices in Bangkok.
The survey was conducted by IPSOS and had 14,000 participants in 14 countries, including 1,000 from Thailand. The aim is to know how the Covid-19 pandemic has altered people's travel plans.
It found that 44% of Thais have already planned their travel with 46% undecided between domestic or international travel. A majority of European and Chinese respondents said they plan to travel within their own country.
Most respondents plan to travel with their families, preferring to avoid crowded tourist traps. Thais favoured natural places such as the seaside (57%), mountains (40%) and countryside (34%). Almost half (48%) of Thais are comfortable with travelling by car while 42% plan to travel by plane.
Over 86% of Thais said they are willing to get vaccinated against Covid-19 before travelling.
More than 80% of Thais are willing to buy travel insurance, an increase of 11% from last year. Regarding the pandemic, 33% of Thais believe they will be able to travel by the end of 2022, and 27% by the end of 2023.
Michelin Guide to include Ayutthaya
The fifth edition of the Michelin Guide in Thailand will extend its coverage to Ayutthaya, which will be highlighted as a remarkable gastro-tourism destination for all ages, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Yuthasak Supasorn.
The Michelin Guide Bangkok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket & Phang-Nga 2022 will be launched by the end of this year.
Visit guide.michelin.com/th/en.
HOTEL DEALS & UPDATE
- Oakwood Hotel & Residence Sri Racha in Chon Buri has launched the "Mid Year Sale" promotion.
Available until the end of this month, packages are priced at 1,990 baht net from 3,800 baht for a night stay in a one-bedroom Premium Seaview (56m²) and 4,990 baht net from 7,000 baht a night for a two-bedroom Deluxe (91m²) for four persons. The prices include breakfast.
Visit facebook.com/OakwoodSriRacha.
- Avani+ Mai Khao Phuket Suites & Villas will open on July 1.
It features 70 suites and 30 pool villas with options of one to four bedrooms, a swimming pool, Kids' Club, fitness, restaurants and bars.
Located on the north of Phuket, the property is about a 15-minute drive from Phuket International Airport.
The hotel offers an "Ultimate Family Getaway" package with prices starting from 5,901++ baht a night.
Visit avanihotels.com/en/mai-khao-phuket.
Email karnjanak@bangkokpost.co.th if you have any comments to share.
