In a strategic move to bolster tourism and enhance economic prospects, Mr. Wisah Poolsirirat, Governor of Chumphon Province, spearheaded a press conference on March 11, 2024, at Thung Wua Len Beach, Saphli Subdistrict, Pathio District. The conference, attended by heads of government agencies and entrepreneurial representatives, marked the official announcement of the eagerly anticipated 31st “Chumphon World Sea Fair” for the year 2024—a pivotal fixture in the Chumphon Province tourism calendar.
Scheduled to unfold from March 22 to 26, 2024, at Thung Wua Laen Beach, the fair aims to not only publicize and promote tourism but also stimulate economic growth, generate employment opportunities, and augment income for the local population. With a strategic focus on broadening the tourist base and ensuring sustainability, the event encompasses a diverse range of activities designed to captivate both Thai and international visitors.
The multifaceted program includes seafood sales, tourism promotion initiatives, marine exhibitions, and the showcasing of local products such as OTOP items and traditional Thai fabrics. Highlights of the fair feature music performances, mini-concerts, and a mesmerizing light show at sea. The official opening ceremony on March 22, 2024, promises an exhilarating skydiving demonstration by Sor Chonburi, Chumphon Province, and the much-anticipated “Open Sea Festival, Eat Free, 31st Chumphon Sea World Fair.”
Attendees can indulge in a culinary feast with over 20 food menus, a delectable array of more than 1,000 kilograms of seafood, and the pièce de résistance—Giant pan-fried oysters, a giant pitcher bird, and giant seafood fried rice. Adding a conservation touch, the event will witness the release of 100 million sea turtles and baby crabs on the beach, complemented by awe-inspiring sea fireworks, fire twirling shows, and marine parades during the opening ceremony and throughout the five-night extravaganza.
An enchanting spectacle awaits visitors with a floating buoy adorned with LED lights in the form of a whale shark and a school of mackerel, depicting undersea coral, and featuring an image of Krom Luang Chumphon standing on the Royal Chumphon warship—a towering structure reaching 9.99 meters high. The maritime exhibition, promoting tourism and showcasing regional offerings, will include activities such as viewing, tasting, and shopping at the seafood festivals and OTOP product stalls.
Additionally, the fair introduces tourism promotion activities for those venturing into diving packages with local entrepreneurs. Commencing from March 22, 2024, participants in these programs will receive a distinctive “whale shark” doll souvenir—a symbolic gesture representing the majestic sea creatures frequently admired by tourists in Chumphon. To further engage visitors, a complimentary Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) Boards activity and sports competitions, including beach soccer, cater to the interests of the general public.
In conclusion, the 31st “Chumphon World Sea Fair” promises an enriching experience, blending cultural displays, gastronomic delights, and marine conservation efforts to create a lasting impact on both the local community and the diverse group of tourists expected to converge on Thung Wua Laen Beach in March 2024.
