Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Ministry revealed that it planned to use a budget of 500-600 million baht to organize side concerts in Bangkok and Phuket for the New Year’s countdown, including 200 million baht earmarked for a project that seeks to bring to ‘Lisa’ Manoban and Andrea Bocelli to the country.
Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said he had contacted both singers’ agencies to invite them to perform in celebration of Thailand’s reopening.
K-pop star Lisa is expected to join an event in Phuket, specifically at Sarasin Bridge, the only road link from the mainland to the island. Meanwhile, the Italian opera singer Bocelli’s performance could be held in Bangkok, in Sanam Luang, with the Grand Palace as the background.
“Bringing both artists to Thailand is beyond economic value, particularly Lalisa ‘Lisa’ Monaban, the young Thai K-pop singer, who is a huge inspiration for the youth of the country,” Mr. Phiphat stated.
The minister said he would ask the government to pay for the world-renowned artists’ invitations and the private sector and other supporters to sponsor the events, expecting 300-400 million baht from private sponsorship.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) awaits the singers’ confirmation of availability for dates and time slots.
Also, the Public Health Ministry should determine the number of attendees allowed and recommended safety protocols for large events since Thailand is still struggling with a Covid-19 outbreak.
Mr. Phiphat revealed that Andrea Bocelli’s performance fee would be higher than Lisa’s.
But they hope the Thailand-born artist, who won a Guinness World Record title after reaching 73.6 million views in her solo debut video’s first 24 hours, will attract her Thai and foreign fans.
Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) Secretary-General Adit Chairattananont said: “Suppose Lisa’s appearance attracts a million foreign tourists into Thailand and each of them spends an average of 75,000 baht, this will translate into 75 billion baht in foreign exchange.”
The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) recently announced that the quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated arrivals from some countries would be lifted starting November 1. Moreover, another ruling allows business events involving less than 500 participants in Bangkok, Phuket, and other provinces.
