The Tourism Authourity of Thailand, in cooperation with the Royal Thai Embassy of Manama, launched its 'Amazing Tastes of Thailand' Festival yesterday (September 5) at The Sofitel Bahrain, marking its return to the kingdom for a sixth year.

Attended by partners from Bahrain travel industry including airline representatives, travel agents and media, the festival featured 12 participating restaurants.

Speaking to Chalermsak Suranant, Tourism Authority of Thailand Director for the Middle East, he said: "To most Middle East visitors, Thailand is like a second home. More so because our cultures are very similar. Each year we are seeing more and more travellers from the Gulf region visiting Thailand, with 2015 numbers soaring 12 per cent over the figures in 2014."

"From Bahrain particularly, we have witnessed visitor numbers jump 20 per cent year-on-year in 2015 compared to 2014. For the first six months of this year,  visitors from Bahrain to Thailand have increased by 16 per cent so far," he said.

The launch ceremony treated its guests to a burst of 'Thai'ness with a venue illuminated with floating buoyant decorations to celebrate the world renowned Loy Krathong festival, tradionally clad servers and stalls showcasing unique Thai food and food art.

Speaking about the festival, Chayapan Bamrungphong, Ambassador, Royal Thai Embassy Manama, Bahrain, said: “We are thrilled to bring the Amazing Taste of Thailand Food Festival 2016 to Bahrain. Bahrain and Thailand both share a vision on preserving and promoting authentic culture and values. Through our cuisine, we are able to showcase our rich cultural traditions to both residents and visitors of Bahrain”

The gala evening lined up a number of live musical performances from Sbun-Nga as well as a segment called ‘Celebrity Cooking Showdown” where two Bahrain-based celebrities battled for a live cooking face-off.

Guests got a chance to savour the true taste of Thailand at each participating stall, which included Honey Restaurant, Shada, Pong Thai, Thailand Gate restaurant, Tha Beach, Wang Thai, Aroi Dee, Erawan, Asia Classic, Banana Leaf, Chompoonuch and Thai Express.

Chalermsak Suranant, Tourism Authority of Thailand Director for the Middle East, said,: “While Thailand is amazing for so many reasons, such as pristine beaches and mountain landscapes, elephants, great shopping and nightlife, rejuvenating spas, ancient culture and delicious cuisine, at the root of all our offerings is the unique Thainess that comes from the people. With this event, we would like to show the world the natural hospitality, genuine warmness and friendly faces of Thais that are ready to welcome guests from around the world.”

The Thai food festival at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thallasa Sea & Spa will run from September 6 to 13, offering guests authentic Thai delicacies prepared by a renowned Thai chef flown directly from Sofitel Krabi.

As part of efforts to further promote the love for Thai food and culture, TAT has partnered with 12 Thai restaurants in the kingdom to offer a special 20 per cent discount from September 5 to October 5. To avail the discount, visitors must present a snap or capture a photo of Amazing Tastes of Thailand Fest 2016 banner which can be found from TAT website and TAT social media. - TradeArabia News Service