BANGKOK, July 2 (TNA) – The mascot “Labubu” has arrived in Thailand to promote travel to five key destinations, encouraging Chinese tourists to follow in its footsteps. However, some netizens suggest promoting “Butterbear,” a popular Thai mascot, instead.
Labubu has arrived in Thailand to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese relations, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). They have created a promotional route highlighting five key spots, hoping to reach 500 million people.
Mr. Sermsak Pongpanich, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, stated that Thailand and POPMART are collaborating to promote Thai tourism to Chinese tourists. Labubu will wear traditional Thai attire and visit the five main destinations, expected to attract a large number of Chinese tourists in the long term.
They estimate that in 2024, they can attract 8 million Chinese tourists, achieving their target, with 3.5 million Chinese tourists visiting Thailand in the first five months of this year. By the end of this year, they expect 36.7 million foreign tourists.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatpaiboon, TAT Governor, mentioned that the “Labubu Travels Thailand” project will celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China. The project features the “5 Must Do in Thailand” strategy in Bangkok: Must Eat Thai food, Must See Thai shows, Must Seek Thai culture, Must Buy Thai fabric, and Must Beat Thai boxing.
TAT has organized various activities, such as dining on fresh seafood at Horsamut Restaurant by the Chao Phraya River, touring Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace in an EV tuk-tuk, getting a Thai massage at Wat Pho, shopping at popular spots like Siam Discovery and Siam Square, buying Thai handicrafts, and watching Muay Thai at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.
The “Welcome Ceremony of LABUBU” will be held from July 1-4, 2024. TAT estimates this project will reach at least 500 million people. The special edition Labubu art toy for Thailand is expected to be seen around September or October this year.
In addition to Labubu, TAT plans to use “Butterbear,” a famous Thai mascot, to promote Thai tourism, especially to Chinese tourists. Butterbear is known for its cute and charming character, which has gained widespread popularity. The launch is expected in July.
Get to Know “Butterbear,” Thailand’s New Mascot
Butterbear, a rising star among Thai mascots, is gaining popularity rapidly, rivaling Labubu. This Thai bear mascot has fans everywhere it goes, thanks to its cute, lively personality and trendy dance clips, both pop and K-pop.
Butterbear is a mascot from the famous bread brand Butterbear, a new brand under Coffee Beans by Dao.
Recently, there has been controversy as a similar-looking character appeared in China, dancing in a café-like setting. Thai netizens criticized the imitation, stating it couldn’t match the original’s charm. Many called for action to protect the intellectual property rights of the original creators who invested their ideas and resources into Butterbear. -819 (TNA)
