Bangkok Post – Paetongtarn slammed for Hong Kong travel plans
Release time: April 11, 2024 05:49
Pheu Thai Party leader and deputy chairman of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s plans for the upcoming Songkran holiday have been questioned. She wanted to fly to Hong Kong with her family instead of staying in Thailand.
Former Red Shirt movement leader Jatuporn Prompan, a key figure in Thailand’s soft power push, questioned her intentions on Wednesday as Songkran was listed as an intangible after the National Soft Power Strategy Council announced it would organize a major celebration this month. one. It was listed as a cultural heritage by UNESCO in December.
“The government encourages foreign tourists from all over the world to come to Thailand to celebrate Songkran. But during this festival you will go abroad. Why do you (Ms Paetongtarn) do this? I don’t understand her thinking,” Mr Jatuporn said.
“She acts like she doesn’t care about anything. She should show more responsibility than that,” he said, adding that the Hong Kong trip should be scheduled after April 21.
Appearing on his Facebook Live on Wednesday, Mr Jatuporn pointed out problems with the government’s promotional plan, which was confusing tourists who expected Thailand to host Songkran celebrations from April 1 to 21.
Last week, government spokesman Chai Watcharonke said that while the Maha Songkran World Songkran Festival runs across these dates, the event is not held simultaneously in every province.
Dr. Surapong Suebwonglee, secretary of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee, said such a large festival cannot be promoted this year due to budget and time constraints.
He said more time and funding are needed and next year’s event will be bigger.
The Bangkok World Songkran Festival, organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, is held from April 11 to 15 at Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue and Sanam Luang.
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