The breathtaking beauty astonishing culture of Thailand, which has captivated millions of tourists around the world, was presented to travel tour operators and members of the press through a gathering dubbed as Amazing Thailand Product Presentation 2008 held last February 26 at the Mindanao ballroom of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.

Together with the different tourism establishments from Thailand, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT,) exhibited their offerings through a comprehensive campaign named "The Seven Wonders of Amazing Thailand." The seven wonders are Thai-ness, treasures, beaches, nature, health and wellness, trend, and festivals. With TAT’s efforts Thailand was able to generate more than 15 million incoming tourists last year.

"They (tourists) increase year by year because we have the seven wonders and more important is that we are very ardent. I’m touring around the world, in Asia, Australia and Europe, Thailand is the best—[products offer a] cheaper price and good quality. We are the paradise for shopping, paradise for fruits and a paradise for food," says Prakit Piriyakiet, Executive Director, ASEAN South Asia and South Pacific Region Department of TAT.

The first wonder, Thai-ness, celebrates Thailand’s culture with activities such as home stay, Thai boxing, Thai cooking class, cycling and meditation tours. Treasures, which pertains to the well-preserved historical sites and artifacts include the temple of the emerald Buddha ad Grand Palace, Ban Chiang archaeological sites, and Pho Tam national park. Its third wonder, beaches, presents Thailand’s version of tropical escapades such as Ko Mak, Tarutao marine national park, and Pattaya, which feature a bustling nightlife. Thailand also allows its visitors to have a first-hand experience with its gifts from Nature and features activities such as riding elephants and whitewater rafting.

Its fifth wonder, Health and Wellness, stresses the art and science of medicine and massage, which is one of Thailand’s trademarks. After positioning itself as one of the best shopping havens in Asia, Thailand also promotes Trend and a modern lifestyle pattern they call "Chic and Chill." This sixth wonder covers the shopping and dining variety offered by Thailand. Lastly, its seventh wonder, Festivals, allows both tourists and locals to celebrate the different fiestas in the country such as Phi Ta Khon Festival and Thailand International Swan Boat Races.

To elaborate and to further showcase the splendor of Thailand, tourism establishments displayed their products through various presentations. Presenters include Rarin Jinda, a newly established spa resort in Chiang Mai; Siam Niramit, the venue for a must-see performance that is sure to amaze its viewers as its acts journey through Thailand’s colorful history; The Rose Garden Riverside, which provides an atmosphere of the authentic Thai culture; Siam City Hotel and Resorts, a well-trusted name in lodging; The Siam Ocean World, the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia where visitors can marvel at over 400 extraordinary species of marine life; and Thai Airways, one of the leading luxury airlines which provides royal-class treatment to its passengers with its lavish lounges and comfortable seats.

Due to the increasing Filipino tourists in Thailand, more and more establishments are focusing their efforts to the market in country. "A lot of local (Thailand) businesses focus on the Filipino market. Many big enterprises organizations joined us, many of members of the travel industry focus on this market," says Piriyakiet.

For more information on the seven wonders of amazing Thailand, visit www.tourismthailand.org.