Aiming to attract more Chinese tourists to the country, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has named the babyfaced pop star and actor Mario Maurer, 26, as its new TAT ambassador.
Mario Maurer holds Nong Sukjai, TAT's mascot, to promote Thailand tourism in China.
Mario will play a leading role in six short films exploring the essence of Thainess while travelling to popular tourist destinations in 12 provinces, including Nan, Ratchaburi and Nakhon Si Thammarat, that have been promoted by TAT as must-see destinations in 2015.
For fans in China — where Mario has a huge following — he will participate in meet and greets in Shanghai, Kunming and Chengdu. He's scheduled to give interviews to the Chinese media and participate in online and on-air games that offer 10 lucky winners the chance to dine with him in Shanghai.
TAT Governor Thawatchai Arunyik estimates that Mario has more than three million Chinese fans, including a network of more than a million followers on social media platforms like Weibo and WeChat. He has also appeared on the cover of many Chinese language magazines like Men's Health.
The 180cm tall celebrity is half Thai-Chinese and German. He became a model at the age of 16 and started his acting career in 2007, when he starred in Love Of Siam. He has had a leading role in about 20 films and at least six TV series. He has also won multiple awards, including Best Actor, Actor of the Year and Hot Guys of the Year.
TAT expects that Mario will motivate his Chinese fans to visit Thailand and has set an optimistic target of 5.1 million Chinese tourists in 2015, up 10% from 4.6 million last year. This, TAT hopes, will generate 219 billion baht in revenue, rising 16% from 188 billion baht in 2014.
How does it feel to be TAT ambassador for the Chinese market?
I am proud and very glad to be appointed for this great duty to promote Thailand in China and to welcome my fans and Chinese visitors to explore the charm of the Kingdom. We have many beautiful destinations that are not as well known to Chinese or even Thai tourists such as Trang, which has a beautiful beach.
I will do my best to promote Thailand. I also want to thank TAT for this honourable position.
What will be your duty as the ambassador?
I will show Chinese people the charm of our country, including the beautiful, natural and historical attractions, culture and hospitality of our people. I love my country and I believe that Chinese people love Thailand, too.
How do you rate your popularity in China?
Whenever I visit the country, there are always my fans to greet me at the airport. They always bring some cute things for me. But it is not only me that they extend their warm welcome to, they are also kind to all Thai celebrities.
I never thought that my movies or TV series would be a hit in China. Some Chinese fans have told me that they have visited Thailand to see the shooting locations of the movies.
I think it is quite fortunate that Chinese people watch our films and soap operas, much like Thais who have watched Chinese movies since we were young. It is like a cultural exchange. I also had a chance to star in a Chinese movie and there will be one more out this year.
Tell us more about your six short films?
The films will be shot soon and gradually released online to promote tourist destinations in Thailand. (It might also contain a list of do's and don'ts to educate Chinese visitors when travelling in Thailand).
I will bring them to see the beautiful, yet lesser known places in the 12 must-see provinces. I will not be travelling alone, however, I will go to many of the places with Nong Sukjai, TAT's mascot.
Which has been your favourite destination in Thailand?
I don't have any specific place that I like the most. I like travelling to mountains and beaches. I think every place has its own charm and I would like to explore more.
Which city do you like the most in China?
I have visited many cities in China, but I like Beijing the most because of the mix of the old and new culture.
Can you speak Chinese?
Yes, I can speak at a basic level. When I was young, my mother sent me to a school to study Mandarin. But I was not a good student at that time. However, I still have that foundation, so when my Mandarin tutor teaches me I can pick up the accent. If I have time, I will take the chance to seriously study Mandarin because it is another language that I would like to be fluent in. You might not believe me because of my farang look, I also have Chinese blood on my mum's side. I call my mother "mama" and my older brother "hia".
What do you want to say to your Chinese fans?
Wo ai ni men (I love you all.) I am looking forward to welcoming you all to Thailand.
