Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently raised the curtain on its ‘Unseen New Chapters’ campaign. It unveiled a curated list of 25 enthralling attractions nationwide, marking a new epoch in Thailand’s vibrant tourism landscape.

The ‘Unseen New Chapters’ campaign, initiated by TAT, invited the locals of Thailand to nominate and vote for the new-age attractions spread across the country’s diverse regions: Northern, Northeastern (Isan), Central, Eastern, and Southern provinces. The campaign intends to illuminate the unseen, relatively unexplored locales promising to offer tourists distinctive and immersive experiences.

These novel attractions, meticulously selected, according to TAT Governor, Mr Yuthasak Supasorn, will primarily serve as new hotspots for domestic tourists. The objective is to invigorate local tourism, ensure a fair income distribution to the indigenous communities, and bolster liquidity for regional tourism operators. Supasorn anticipates this campaign would significantly contribute to Thailand’s tourism revenue, projecting a whopping 880 billion Baht from domestic tourism in 2023.

Over a month-long voting period stretching from May 22 to June 18, 2023, Thai residents were encouraged to participate in shaping the country’s tourism future through their selections. The interactive campaign websites, www.tourismthailand.org/unseennewchapters and www.unseennewchapters.com, served as the platforms for this exciting endeavour. The 25 shortlisted attractions testify to the campaign’s overwhelming response – a staggering 547,710 votes and more than 1,089,193 visits to the campaign sites.

A vast palette of 77 tourist attractions – one from each province of Thailand – was available for voters. This expansive list was the collective effort of several committees and experts from government agencies, the 45 TAT offices nationwide, and tourism entrepreneurs from each province. The attractions had to fulfil specific stringent criteria to be considered for nomination. A compelling narrative, relatively undiscovered by tourists, robust tourism management infrastructure, and easy accessibility were all pivotal to their selection.

Among the 25 attractions cutting the ‘Unseen New Chapters’ campaign, a democratic process determined 20 based on public voting, while an expert committee curated the remaining five.

Here is the exclusive list of these 25 attractions, each promising a unique exploration opportunity:

Central Region: Saraburi’s Manasikarn Dharma Gallery, Bo Cave on Mount Ibid in Phetchaburi, Kanchanaburi’s Thong Pha Phum’s 3D Tunnel, Khao Ngu Stone Park’s Phu Pha Rat Viewpoint in Ratchaburi, and Wat Thang Sai’s Phra Mahathat Chedi Phakdi Prakat in Prachuap Khiri Khan.

Eastern Region: Chon Buri’s Ko Si Chang, Wat Maniwong in Nakhon Nayok, Chachoengsao’s Wat Hong Thong, Wat Tham Khao Pratun in Rayong, and Sa Kaeo’s Khao Shiva Cave (Tham Nam).

Northern Region: Phetchabun’s That Yai Waterfall, Nakhon Sawan’s Phasan, Lampang’s Wat Phrathat Doi Phra Chan, Lamphun’s Wat Phrathat Hariphunchai, and Wat Tham Chetawan in Nan.

Northeast (Isan): Chaiyaphum’s Mo Hin Khao, Loei’s Phu Bo Bit Forest Park, Si Sa Ket’s Pha Phaya Kupri Viewpoint, Nakhon Ratchasima’s Ban Prang Nakhon Community, and Wat Phuttha Wanaram (Wat Pa Wang Nam Yen) in Maha Sarakham.

Southern Region: Khao Na Nai Luang Dharma Park in Surat Thani, Ranong’s Mu Ko Kam, Ko Kaeo Phitsadan Monastery’s Buddha’s footprint in the sea at Phuket, Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Hin Phap Pha, and Satun’s Ko Tarutao.

With the announcement of these new attractions, Thailand is ready to welcome the next chapter in tourism, bringing the unexplored to the forefront and enriching the nation’s diverse travel experiences.

Written by: Supaporn  Pholrach (Joom)

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