Tourism Authority of Thailand, Singapore Airlines and Singapore Airlines Holidays, welcome 45 Australian agents on a five-day familiarisation trip this week. The educational trip is a unique opportunity for agents to choose one of three destinations, ensuring that their own requirements and any gaps in their knowledge are filled. The guests will travel from various cities throughout Australia via Singapore to Bangkok and then onward to their destination of choice: Phuket, Krabi or Chiang Mai.

Mr. Sugree Sithivanich, Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand, Australia says, �This is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the diversity of Thailand as a destination for each market segment. It�s always really rewarding to see that people are fascinated by Thailand and continue to come in their droves to visit a much-loved and very unique destination.�

Each group has a wealth of activity lined up, including opportunities to partake in a Thai cookery lesson and an elephant-trek in Chiang Mai; Travel by speed-boat for afternoon swimming in the crystal clear waters of Phuket; Immersion in Thai culture at the unforgettable Grand Palace; Bartering at the colourful night markets in Bangkok and adventures by canoe through spectacular sea-caves in Krabi.

A Gala Dinner will be held at the Shangri-La Bangkok Hotel on the last evening of the trip, which will be a great chance to network and share experiences. * Based on research from Lonely Planet Travel Poll, 2004

About Tourism Authority of Thailand Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) was established in Bangkok on 18 March 1960 - the first organisation to be responsible specifically for the promotion of tourism. TAT supplies information and data on tourist areas to the public, publicises Thailand so as to encourage Thai and international tourists to travel in Thailand, conducts studies to set development plans for tourist areas, and co-operates with and supports the production and development of personnel in the field of tourism.

Since the inception of the first local office of TAT in Chiang Mai in 1968, there are now 22 local offices throughout Thailand. Over the past 30 years, TAT has also established many overseas offices right across the world, including the Australian office in the heart of Sydney�s business district.

Tourism Authority of Thailand has a mission to be the centre of excellence in promoting and developing sustainable tourism, upholding Thai dignity and international standards and creating an equilibrium across the economy, society and environment.

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Media Contact: Thomas Goff +1 323 202 1032 tom.goff@edelman.com