Thailand's 'Amazing Beach Life Festival': Music, sports and arts on stunning beaches

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has unveiled the "Amazing Beach Life Festival", which will be held in four spectacular locations: Rayong, Phang-nga, Phuket and Songkhla. Featuring music, sports and arts on the beach, the festival aims to promote tourism.

The launch event, held at the Thanarat Hall of the TAT Building on July 4, was attended by a number of prominent figures, including Dr. Phonpoom Wipattipumiprats, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Apichai Chatchalermkiat, Deputy Governor of Tourism Product and Business at TAT, Mr. Chaya Chandavasu, Executive Vice President of Sustainability at PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC), and actor Pe Arak Amornsupasiri, known for his love of beach travel.

Dr. Phonpoom emphasized that the festival is part of TAT's efforts to boost tourism during Thailand's Green Season. The selected destinations—Rayong, Phang-Nga, Phuket and Songkhla—are well-known tourist destinations. The target is to generate 3.5 trillion baht from tourism this year and in the coming years.

Mr. Apichai highlighted that the event aims to attract foreign and Thai tourists with high purchasing power and a passion for beach life, bringing economic benefits to local communities in these areas during the off-season.

Sustainable and responsible tourism will be the main focus of the festival, with eco-friendly decorations and a display of award-winning sustainable tourism enterprises from the Thailand Tourism Awards. TAT and GC are also collaborating on effective waste management practices for the event.

Mr. Chaya Chandabasu pointed out that GC will ensure a responsible event experience by promoting proper waste separation and recycling through its "YOUTURN Platform". Visitors can engage in DIY activities, turn plastic waste into keychains and other items, and explore eco-friendly beach fashion from the UPTOYOU brand.

Actor Pe Arak said that despite the rainy season, the festival will highlight the unique beauty of the sea and offer activities tailored to this time of year. He enjoys beach visits and surfing during the rainy season, when the waves are higher, and he encourages others to explore the Thai sea year-round.

Festival highlights by location:
- Rayong: "Tropical Beach (July 12-14, 2024)
- Phang-Nga: "Beach Rhythm (July 26-28, 2024) - Enjoy the vibrant party vibe of the Andaman Sea.
- Phuket: Neon Waves (August 2-4, 2024) - Experience the nightlife of Patong city with neon lights reflecting off the sea.
- Songkhla: Art Paradise (August 9-11, 2024) - Discover the artistic transformation of Chalat Beach.

Activities and Entertainment:
The festival will feature a variety of beach activities, such as SUP-boarding with expert guidance. Attendees can enjoy live music from popular artists such as F.Hero, PARADOX, Aof Pongsak, Singto Numchok and more. Admission to the event is free and includes water sports, concerts, DJ sets, tattoo parlors and workshops.

Art installations and inflatable landmarks will offer unique photo opportunities, while local goods, food trucks, beach bars, fashion items and booths from award-winning Thai tourism entrepreneurs will be available for visitors to enjoy.