Thailand Releasing Thousands of Smiley Faced Balloons

Bangkok (thailand) – July 25, 2014 – Thailand today will send out friendly invitations to travellers from around the world through the symbolic release of thousands of smiley faced balloons into the skies above Bangkok. The ceremony will kick-start the Thailand Happiness: Street Festival extravaganza, to be held over the weekend of 25-26 July, 2014. This is part of a big-bang effort to entice tourists to visit the kingdom.

The Rama I and Ratchaprasong thoroughfares in the heart of Bangkok are to be transformed into a district of joy and celebration for two days. Closed to traffic and open for fun, the walking streets will act as a symbol of the “happiness” of all Thai people as the kingdom works toward national reconciliation and reform. Under the theme “Colour Your Life with Happiness”, two main events, – Happiness Music and Happiness Street – will be held daily from 15.00 – 24.00 hrs.

The releasing of the thousands of smiley-faced balloons will take place on 25 July, 2014 at the opening ceremony, which will be presided over by Admiral Narong Pipatanasai, Deputy Head of The National Council for Peace and Order and Commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Navy, Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and various officials and representatives from different areas of Thai society as well as the thousands of Thai people and visitors crowding the streets.

More than 900 members of the international media as well as travel bloggers and tour agents from over 47 countries are being flown in to witness this extravaganza. In addition, TAT will send some fun and smiley faced e-invitation cards to 300,000 people from around the world.

Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik, Governor of TAT said, “The spectacular release of thousands of smiley-faced balloons will symbolise that Thailand is always ready to welcome tourists to the kingdom with friendly Thai smiles. And, as the event has been jointly organised by representatives of all the Thai people, it sends out a single message of unity and welcome.”

The Thailand Happiness: Street Festival opening ceremony and the releasing of thousands of smiley faced balloons into the skies above Bangkok will be broadcasted live by Youtube Thailand in collaboration with TAT via www.Youtube.com/Thailand on 25 July, 2014, from 15.00-22.00 hrs. Everyone is invited to join in sharing the Thailand Happiness experience via social media channels, using #thailandhappiness.

Contact Information
International Public Relations Division
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48
Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419
E-mail: prdiv3@tat.or.th
Web site: www.tatnews.org