Get the runner up! The Thai national team showcases their ice sculpture skills ‘Naga Rockets’ in Sapporo Ice Sculpture 2024, people all over the world are excited, respecting their skill, even in a country without snow.
This is good news for our Thai brothers and sisters. After the team of snow sculptors representing Thailand brought their work “Naga Fireballs”It won second prize from the competition “48th Sapporo International Snow Sculpture”
Presenting the legend of the Naga rockets. Ready to show international eyes the delicacy of Buddhist works of art created by Thai artisans.
Miss Thapanee Kiatpaiboon The Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) revealed that the TAT has sent a team of snow carvers to represent Thailand. Participate in the “48th International Snow Sculpture” competition, considered one of the most important activities of the “74th Sapporo Snow Festival” in Sapporo City, Hokkaido Province. Japan which was held from 3 to 7 February 2024
It is considered Japan’s largest snow festival. Every year more than 2 million Japanese tourists and tourists from all over the world come to participate and visit the event.
Illustration from the Tourism Authority of Thailand news
This year we will be organizing snow carving activities again. After the COVID-19 situation, TAT saw it as a good opportunity to introduce Thai culture, traditions and beliefs through the art of snow carving to the eyes of foreigners around the world.
It is also in line with the government’s policy to promote soft power, which will create a memorable image and impression. As well as inspiration to travel to Thailand.
This year the representative team of Thailand supported by TAT will compete. is a team that has built its reputation many times over, consisting of
- Mr Kuson Bunkobsongsom from Hotel Shangri-La
- Mr. Amnuaysak Srisuk, independent sculptor
- Mr. Kritsana Wongthet, independent sculptor
There were 9 teams competing with representatives from various foreign countries, including Hawaii (USA), Indonesia, Poland, Singapore, Portland (USA), Lithuania, Mongolia, South Korea and Thailand.
Illustration from the Tourism Authority of Thailand news
In this snow carving competition The snow carving team representing Thailand presented a work called “Naga Fireballs” OR “Bang Fai Phaya Nak” It was created from stories and beliefs about the Nagas in the form of the Thai people.
This work tells the story of the Nagas in the context of Buddhist beliefs and is passed down through the legend of the Naga rockets, where the local people of Isaan believe that the Nagas are the source of the Mekong River and that the Nagas in the Mekong The river starts rockets to worship Lord Buddha. End of Buddhist Lent
In addition to beliefs and beliefs, the Nagas in this work also reflect the connection between water, lifestyle and culture of the Thai people. Furthermore, the carving team intends to design and sculpt the patterns so that they are delicate and exquisite. Presenting the beauty of Thai Buddhist paintings and sculptures.
Illustration from the Tourism Authority of Thailand news
Sending a representative from Thailand to participate in the snow carving competition It is one of the activities that TAT has supported continuously since 1991. This time is the 21st time that representatives have been sent to compete.
The sculptor representing Thailand has won the Champion award a total of 9 times and won the Grand Champion award for 3 consecutive years (Grand Champion) twice, which no representative of another country has ever managed to do before.
It is considered clear evidence of the skill of Thai craftsmen. and spread the uniqueness of Thai art which is wisdom passed down from time immemorial through world-class festivals.
Illustration from the Tourism Authority of Thailand news
Furthermore, in the past, Thailand’s representation has received much attention from the Japanese people, who have given their support and encouragement. as well as Japanese and foreign media.
This year, NHK WORLD-JAPAN and TV Asahi have prepared special content about the Thai snow carving team to be distributed to Japanese viewers nationwide. It is also presented through the Hokkaido newspaper, which has a circulation of 800,000 copies per day, which is believed to build a reputation and help attract Japanese interested in traveling to Thailand in the future.
The Japanese tourist market is considered a potential tourist market for Thailand: in 2023, more than 800,000 Japanese tourists traveled to Thailand, with a growth of 180% compared to 2022, ranking among the top 10 countries with the highest number of tourists traveling to Thailand. The best in 2023
Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand news
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