The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) London is proud to unveil their latest CHIC by Thailand brochure. The 3rd edition of CHIC was launched at Thai Square restaurant Covent Garden on Wednesday 17th September 2008 and TAT was joined by over 200 guests to help celebrate, including H.E Ambassador of Thailand Mr Kitti Wasinondh.

The launch party was a great success. Thai Square very kindly hosted the evening and served an array of delicious, pink themed, canap�s. Friends at Mekhong created a special cocktail in honour of CHIC, called Pretty in Pink, which the guests enjoyed on arrival. They also brought along Tai, a mixologist, who provided great entertainment showing off his tricks and sharing his cocktail tips. TAT would like to thank Chang beer and Monsoon Valley wine who also provided plenty of refreshments throughout the night.

Guests were treated to complimentary makeovers and make up tips courtesy of Benefit cosmetics in our �CHIC in the Boutique� and the relaxing mini massages courtesy of Asia�s Boutique Airline, Bangkok Airways proved to be extremely popular after a hard day�s work at the office! Emma Lipscombe, Sales Development Manager of Supareps International (representing Thai hotels) commented �TAT has put together yet another fantastic night! I loved the pink theme and Benefit cosmetics stand, I indulged myself a little! Overall the party was superbly put together with a lot of thought for the guests and I am sure the 3rd edition of CHIC by Thailand will be a huge success�. In keeping with the girly theme TAT wowed their guests with a 7 Amazing Wonders of Thailand fashion show. Nuches, a hip new young designer from Bangkok, put together 7 looks to reflect each of the wonders: Treasures, Thainess, Beaches, Nature, Trendy, Wellness and Festivals. TAT also showcased the Thailand Through the Lens finalists photography and announced the winner. Congratulations to Ian Cummings who won Thailand Through the Lens, Issan Insights 2008. You will be able to view all the winning images plus many more in TAT�s online gallery very soon http://media.tourismthailand.co.uk

There were some fantastic prizes to giveaway including a �200 Benefit goody bag, tickets for O2 courtesy of Monsoon Valley Wine and a CHIC by Thailand holiday including 2 return tickets with Thai Airways International, 3 nights at Centara Grand Bangkok, 4 nights at the Vijitt Phuket and 4 nights at the Saraan on Koh Samui. The lucky winner of this fabulous prize, Karen Nyoni of Cleveland Collections said �The event at Thai Square was certainly CHIC! It made my year to win the 1st prize of a holiday to Thailand, I still can�t believe it! CHIC gives us at Cleveland Collection the opportunity to reach a wider audience�.

TAT is very excited about their plans for the year ahead and the continuation of the CHIC by Thailand campaign. Mr Tanes Petsuwan, Director of TAT London, said �After the successful launch of our first CHIC by Thailand brochure back in 2006, followed by the eco-CHIC edition in 2007 tourist expenditure has increased by over 15%. Thailand received around 850,000 British tourists by nationality, a growth of 5% in 2007, and TAT London is ranked no 1 in Europe and no 4 in the world. The latest statistics for the first 6 months of 2008 show excellent growth of around 3%, 440,000 UK tourists have travelled to Thailand so far this year. However, the number of female tourists is not growing so quickly which is a shame because Thailand has many things to offer the female traveler such as boutique hotels, beautiful beaches, spa and wellness, healthy Thai food, and of course shopping!� With over 75% of travel booked by females TAT is sure the new pink theme will prove successful in encouraging British women to book Thailand as their next holiday, whether it�s a trip with friends, a family break or even a wedding and honeymoon. �The new 3V concept �Value, Variety and Very Thai� is the perfect way to package the best that Thailand has to offer and, with the current economic situation in mind, particular focus will be placed on promoting Thailand as a value for money holiday destination through close partnership with the UK and Irish tour operators� says Abigail Silver Marketing and PR Manger for TAT London.

Here is a sneaky peak of what this year�s brochure is all about...

Love CHIC. Travel THAILAND. Thailand is unlike anywhere else in the world. This magnificent country possesses an eclectic mix of cultures, traditions, people, landscapes and history. Explore and discover new experiences. Delight in the myriad of cosmopolitan lifestyles waiting to be enjoyed from luxury hotels, boutique shops, CHIC fashions, fusion cuisine, dynamic bars and sumptuous spas.

The 3rd edition of CHIC by Thailand provides you with three helpful sections. Mix and match your favourites from each to create your amazing Thailand holiday!

VARIETY Fall in love with the breathtaking scenery from the rural north to the idyllic beaches and islands in the south. Thailand is the complete destination for a family friendly holiday, a romantic getaway, special celebration and is the perfect setting for a wedding or honeymoon.

VALUE Thailand offers excellent value for money, with accommodation, transport, shopping and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. Upgrade your next holiday to CHIC by Thailand!

VERY THAI Admire glittering golden temples, embrace the Thai Buddhist culture, hold close the warm and friendly hospitality, savour the delicious flavours of Thai food and be inspired by amazing architecture.

CHIC by Thailand reflects the beauty of the past and the future, it is vibrant, exciting, out of the ordinary and exclusively for you.

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For more information about travel to Thailand and to sign up to the monthly e-newsletter visit: www.tourismthailand.co.uk where you can also view an e-version of the new CHIC by Thailand brochure.

PR contacts: Abigail Silver, Marketing and PR Manager abigail@tourismthailand.co.uk and Joanna Cooke, Senior Marketing and PR Executive joanna@tourismthailand.co.uk , t: 0207 9252511, f: 0207 9252512,