Thirdly, tourist visit Thailand because of their culture. Thailand is one of the richest countries in culture. People in Thailand celebrate a lot of festivals. Thai New Year, “Songkran,” is the Thai traditional New Year which starts on April 12-14 every year. The days change each year as they follow the lunar calendar (Thailand 42). “A 13th century inscription reads: ‘Whoever wants to make merry, does so; whoever wants to laugh, does so’” (Thailand 42). They start their new year by playing with water because it is celebrate during the hottest time of the year. Whoever outside has to be wet. Some even wait outside their houses to wet and color others. Some people use powders to prevent revelers from sunburn. “They all offer traditional ways of observing the holiday, such as releasing birds and fish from captivity, making merit by giving alms to the monks, paying respect to elderly people, and attending a local Miss Songkran Beauty Contest” (Thailand Travel Planner 24). During this festival younger people throw water at their friends or peers but when it comes to the elders and monks, they pay respect by sprinkling their hands with perfumed water (Thailand 226).
Finally, tourists visit Thailand for medical surgery. “Last year, we realized a 20% increase in international patient volume, which admitted 264,000 international patients in 2002, generating about $25 million in revenue” (Normandy Madden). Tourists who come here for medical surgery not only get the surgery but are also able to enjoy the clean beaches.