The Amazing Thailand Grand Sale, Thailand’s annual three-month shopping extravaganza, is all set to go from 1 June until 31 August, bigger and brighter than ever.

The sale is packed with world-class shopping, a diverse selection of quality products and services, special discounts of 10-70%, and promotional offers by participating department stores, shopping complexes and retail outlets along designated ‘Shopping Streets’ in Bangkok and the popular tourist destinations of Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, Hat Yai as well as other provincial cities.

It is designed to boost visitor arrivals and expenditure during the “Green Season” period.
In 2005, international visitors to Thailand recorded an average daily spending of 3,890 baht (US$96) of which 1,089 baht (US$27 or 28%) was on shopping. This generated about 367.38 billion baht (US$9.13 billion) foreign exchange revenue for the Thai economy.

This year’s Amazing Thailand Grand Sale will feature great buys in an exotic range of unique crafts and cottage industry products, including exquisitely hand-crafted decorative items for home and living and fashion accessories.

In addition to discount offers of up to 70% from participating establishments, special promotions will be offered by retail and service outlets displaying the ‘Thailand Grand Sale’ decal. These include free gifts, vouchers, and lucky draw prizes. Visa International is also offering a special gift for visitors who charge 10,000 baht or more to their Visa card at participating outlets.

One highlight will be the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale Fair 2007 between 21-24 June, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. The biggest annual exposition of the best products and services available in Thailand, is a hot favourite with ardent shoppers.
The fair is divided into three zones:

* Grand Sale Zone: Quality products such as clothes, accessories, leather products, designer and brand name products at special prices

* Grand Service Zone – For Travellers: The Grand Service Zone is a specially-designated area for travel and tourism-related products and services such as accommodation, tourist attractions, airlines as well as domestic and international tour packages

* Lifestyle and Leisure Zone: The Lifestyle and Leisure zone highlights New Generation tourism lifestyles and options

This year, a special exhibition will also be held to mark the auspicious occasion of the 80th birthday anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Exhibits will reflect His Majesty’s tremendous vision and foresight and lifetime achievements. Products from the royal projects will also be available on sale.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s official website, www.tourismthailand.org, is also offering all visitors a chance to register until 31 May, 2007, for a chance to win the Amazing Thailand Grand Sales Lucky draw, a free tour package to Thailand.

Winners will be chosen by random drawing in June and the prizes — a total of ten round trip airline tickets, two nights free accommodation at a hotel in Bangkok, and a Visa Cash Card with 25,000 baht spending money — must be used during July and August.

Another exciting project will be the Bangkok International Fashion Fair and Bangkok International Leather Fair 2007 between 22 – 26 August 2007 at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC).

These shows are international events featuring the latest trends in fashion design, style, clothing, and fashion accessories. Established designers and new talent from around Asia will be on hand to showcase their best creations for the 2007 Spring/Summer collections.

For more info: www.thaitradefair.com/fairin/biff07

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand