It comes as no surprise to anyone that Thailand remains one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, thanks largely to its delicious food, mega shopping destinations, ancient temples and lovely easy-going culture. Furthermore, the recent national promotion of local cities and other soft power like street food and festivals has significantly boosted tourism and allowed international travelers to see a new side of Thailand. 
 
To support all those things, a company and application named TAGTHAi is aiming to be a national “all-in-one travel platform to explore Thailand” and help visitors easily travel and see the parts of Thailand they might not know about. BK Magazine caught up with the company’s CEO, Thiratida Kuvantrarai, to discuss Thailand travel trends and how the company cut out a niche in the highly competitive tourism market.

 

 

BK Magazine: Local cities often get a decent amount of domestic visitors, but what drives the growth of these destinations among international tourists?
 

Thiratida Kuvantrarai: “The popularity of secondary cities comes from its beautiful nature and the provinces also give travelers a chance to connect their local culture and authentic Thai cuisines. So, whatever they plan to do; trying local food, visiting new unseen landmarks, or just witnessing wonderful nature, there is much more to discover beyond normal travel routes in big cities. They are looking for genuine local experiences. That’s why there is a shift in how travelers travel across Thailand.” 

 

 

BK: There is already an eye-watering amount of things to do in this country. What are some of your recommendations for tourists who want to get the most out of their experience?
 

TK: “Actually, it depends on the destinations where tourists plan to explore. When we talk about locations such as Bangkok, I think it is about top landmarks like the Grand Palace or Wat Arun. However, Thailand has a global reputation for many things that should not be missed; for example, Muay Thai, traditional festivals, and especially local street food, which is found in many different styles across the country.

 

The popular dishes like tom yum goong, pad thai, or somtam are always in tourists’ top of mind – but the options go so much deeper than that. For example, Khao Soi from from Khao-Sō-I restaurant, local Chiang Mai dish that got famous among young Thais through its flavors. This is why we have partnered with various famous local restaurants across the country to make sure that tourists will have impressive experiences through TAGTHAi"

 

 

BK: What are some of the more unique experiences travelers get with TAGTHAi?
 

TK: “We do marketing in top cities and support local communities in hidden gem cities, so traveling with TAGTHAi Pass, tourists are not just visitors traveling to well-known destinations, but they also get to explore local communities. We work with local merchants, restaurants, and other service providers to give them a truly authentic experience and make their trip easier and more meaningful.

 

“For example, in Chiang Mai we partnered with Chiang Mai Coffee Farm to offers experiences that many travelers wouldn’t otherwise have—touching and planting coffee trees, roasting coffee beans, and brewing their own drip coffee. In Pattaya, visitors can enjoy activities close to the surrounding nature, such as squid fishing at Tappia Floating Cafe in the middle of the nearby ocean. Then, they can choose what they want to have for dinner, fresh sashimi or grilled squid. This has two-way benefits: it not only offers travelers experiences they can’t get elsewhere, but also supports local people who live and work in that region, which makes local Thais happy—one of our core missions and values."

 

 

 

 

BK: Do you think this approach makes TAGTHAi stand out among other travel service providers?
 

TK: “That is simply part of who we are. What actually sets TAGTHAi apart is that we are a truly Thai application, by the collaborations of Thailand government, Thailand’s private sectors and local Thais entrepreneurs and hospitality in the tourism industry. These collaborations support TAGTHAi making travel easy and free from scam risks. So, we believe no one’s an expert in providing local travel information and experiences than TAGTHAi. Also, we offer an all-in-one digital pass you can travel in one price for exploring Thailand. Tourists can travel with the TAGTHAi Pass without paying additional costs, but still accessing a variety of attractions, activities, transportation, food, and massages that are provided in our Pass. 

 

“Additionally, we provide essential guides as Thailand travel information hub, special welcome benefits and highlight features for tourists who download and use the TAGTHAi application. With an online VAT refund function, a free tourist SIM card with high-speed internet and Wi-Fi, emergency call support (SOS), and complimentary travel insurance, all these features help tourists travel in Thailand more easily and conveniently.”

 

 

BK: Finally, can you tell us a bit more about what TAGTHAi Pass is?
 

TK: “TAGTHAi Pass is truly unique. All tourists can design what they want to do in 24 or 72 hours by themselves depending on the itinerary they choose. However, all TAGTHAi Passes provide a wide choice of local activities that include popular destinations, authentic Thai food and Thai experiences. Moreover, one of our pleasures is the opportunity to be part of supporting Thai tourism, working with the local communities and presenting them to international tourists’ eyes around the world. So, tourists will get unique experiences with local farmers, local restaurants, and local service providers. Also, tourists can touch traditional Thai with a local community. These kinds of exclusive are what make TAGTHAi’s operation so worthwhile.”