The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Jeollanam-do Partnership to Spotlight Water Festivals

Friday, June 21, 2024

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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Jeollanam-do have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly promote Thailand’s Songkran Festival and Jeollanam-do’s Jeongnamjin Jangheung Water Festival on a global scale.

The MOU was signed on 17 June 2024 in Seoul, South Korea, in the presence of H.E. Mr. Tanee Sangrat, Ambassador of Thailand to the Republic of Korea. The agreement was formalized by TAT Governor Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool and Jeollanam-do Governor Mr. Kim Young-rok. Also attending the ceremony were Mr. Kim Seong, Governor of Jangheung County, Jeollanam-do, and TAT executives.

Ms. Thapanee said “This MOU is a result of the integration of cooperation between TAT and Jeollanam-do to promote two-way tourism through soft powers of the two countries. Thailand’s Songkran Festival and Jeollanam-do’s Jeongnamjin Jangheung Water Festival hold similar celebrations. Both are centred on the use of ‘water’ as a means for establishing friendly relationships.”

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) also has an existing MOU with Boryeong City to jointly promote Thailand’s Songkran Festival and the Boryeong Mud Festival. Additionally, TAT has an agreement with the Korea Association of Travel Agents (KETA) to boost travel between the two countries.

Thailand and South Korea are currently celebrating the “2023-2024 Korea-Thailand Mutual Visit Year” to mark the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

During the Jeollanam-do International Tourism Culture Contest on 17-18 June 2024 at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, TAT showcased Thailand through five must-do activities: Must Eat local food, Must See local culture, Must Seek unseen attractions, Must Buy local arts and crafts, and Must Beat local sports.

Over the two days, the Thailand booth featured special Songkran cultural performances and DIY workshops, including umbrella painting, Lanna hanging flag crafting, and Thai potpourri making. The booth attracted over 10,000 visitors.