After lacking out on Taylor Swift’s world tour, Thailand has sealed offers to host Summer time Sonic and Tomorrowland music festivals because it pushes event-driven tourism to propel Southeast Asia’s second-largest financial system.
Summer time Sonic will come to Southeast Asia for the primary time in its second enterprise outdoors of Japan, with dates set for Aug. 24 and 25 in Bangkok after exhibits in Tokyo and Osaka, in accordance with Thai authorities spokesman Chai Wacharonke. Thailand may also be internet hosting dance music competition Tomorrowland in 2026, which can be solely the primary of 10 consecutive editions, Chai stated in a press release on Saturday.
The push got here after Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who took workplace in September, recognized measures comparable to visa waivers for vacationers as “fast wins” to stimulate Thailand’s financial system, which he has repeatedly stated is in a “disaster.” Thailand, which has seen a median progress wanting 2% previously decade in a area the place a tempo upwards of 4% is the norm, has pushed promotional campaigns to increase holidaymakers’ keep and year-round festivals to spice up the variety of international vacationers.
Srettha beforehand bemoaned that Thailand had missed out on Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour, which made Singapore its solely cease in Southeast Asia resulting from an unique association with the neighboring nation.
Tycoon-turned-politician Srettha has referred to as Singapore’s transfer “good” and stated Thailand ought to search to emulate such methods to herald vacationers and increase its financial system.
Thailand’s important tourism trade accounts for 12% of the nation’s gross home product. This 12 months, the nation goals to welcome 35 to 40 million international vacationers, edging close to a pre-pandemic document of 40 million guests.
