Latest news with #NalineeTaveesin

Bangkok Post
30-06-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Thailand, India set $35bn goal
Thailand and India plan to drive bilateral trade to reach US$35 billion by 2027 through improved connectivity by land, air and sea as well as reduced trade barriers. Bilateral trade between Thailand and India tallied $17.5 billion last year, up nearly 9% from the previous year, said Nalinee Taveesin, president of Thailand Trade Representatives, during "Connections & Converse: An Evening with the India-Thai Chamber of Commerce", held in Bangkok on Thursday at SILQ Hotel & Residence. Ms Nalinee said Thailand is seeking to leverage India's expertise in space technology, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, electric vehicles and software to enhance its emerging industries, particularly in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), along with its development of Thailand Silicon Valley. The India-Thai Chamber of Commerce (ITCC) has roughly 400 member companies, spanning major sectors such as jewellery, textiles, manufacturing and hospitality. Member companies include Indorama Ventures, Tata Consultancy Services (Thailand), Christiani & Nielsen (Thai) Plc, Rhenus Logistics, Bangkok Marriott Sukhumvit, Atlantic Food Products, and Siamese Co Ltd, highlighting the diverse economic landscape of firms doing business in both nations. She said the ITCC serves as a mechanism to strengthen cooperation between the private sectors of both countries. Ms Nalinee said the chamber functions as a bridge between the public and private sectors in fostering an environment conducive to investment and business operations. This effort aligns with the Thai government's vision to elevate Thai-Indian relations to the level of a strategic partnership. She was appointed chair of the subcommittee on promotion of the Indian tourist market, under the government's soft power policy. In collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and related agencies, the subcommittee is preparing for the "Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2025", a nationwide celebration of Diwali scheduled for October. The festival is supported by the Indian Embassy in Bangkok and aims to become a magnet for Indian tourists and festival-goers from around the world. "Beyond the celebration of Indian culture, we will showcase the best of Thai products, services, tourist destinations, and cultural identity to create lasting impressions and stimulate economic growth across the country," said Ms Nalinee.


The Star
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Thai govt drives 'Diwali 2025' festival to boost Indian tourism in Thailand
BANGKOK: Thailand aims to stage an impressive 'Diwali 2025' festival in Thailand this coming October. Dr Surapong Suebwonglee, chair of the National Soft Power Development Committee, and Nalinee Taveesin, chair of the Thai Trade Representative and head of the subcommittee promoting the Indian tourist market, held a high-level meeting on May 21, 2025 to discuss the staging to the festival. Also at the meeting were Nagesh Singh, Indian Ambassador to Thailand, alongside executives from over 10 major Indian private-sector companies. The event aims to enhance Thailand's image as the region's festival destination while attracting over 500,000 Indian visitors. The festival will draw inspiration from the highly successful Songkran Festival, featuring a grand scale and vibrant activities. Key highlights will include a spectacular light and sound parade, traditional Indian cultural performances, a Global Fair, elaborate decorations at key venues, fashion shows featuring renowned Thai and Indian designers, concerts by celebrated artists, and a fusion Indian-Thai food festival. The event will also provide opportunities for private businesses to showcase products, services, and special tourism promotions, reflecting cultural diversity and contemporary tastes. Indian private sector representatives expressed strong support for the festival, praising the Thai government's commitment to fostering people-to-people and cultural collaboration as a foundation for long-term economic relations. Nalinee emphasised that this year's Diwali Festival will serve as a vital platform to deepen Thai-Indian relations across cultural, societal, and economic spheres, particularly targeting high-potential Indian tourists known for their repeat visits and average spending exceeding 50,000 baht per trip. Surapong highlighted Diwali's role as a strategic tool to boost tourism, the economy, and consumer spending in Thailand, with ambitions to elevate the festival to a grandeur comparable to Songkran and eventually establish it as a key regional event. The Indian Ambassador reaffirmed Thailand's status as a 'Preferred Destination' for Indian tourists, noting that over 2.1 million Indians visited Thailand in 2024. He also highlighted the presence of 13 direct airlines operating between India and Thailand, with peak travel seasons in November and December. Diwali, also known as Deepavali is an important Hindu festival. The word 'Deepa' means 'lamp' or 'light,' while 'vali' refers to a row. Together, the term signifies 'a row of lights,' describing the beautiful lamps placed outside homes during the festival. Celebrated over five days, the most significant day—Diwali day—falls on the 14th day of the dark lunar fortnight in the Hindu month of Kartika (October–November). This day also traditionally marks the start of new business accounts for traders and entrepreneurs, symbolising new beginnings. - The Nation/ANN