PATTAYA, Thailand – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched the “Amazing Thailand GI Tour & Trail Running 2026,” introducing a new tourism format that combines sports, travel, and local culture to support community-based experiences nationwide.
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, alongside Jirawuth Suwanna-arj, deputy director-general of the Department of Internal Trade, announced the program, which links trail running events with Thailand’s Geographical Indication products to deliver a “Run, Eat, Travel, Shop” experience across five regions: Chiang Mai, Rayong, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Phetchaburi.
The event is expected to attract more than 100,000 participants and generate over 250 million baht through spending on accommodation, food, transportation, and local products, supporting community income and small businesses while strengthening Thailand’s position in sports tourism.
Activities include on-ground trail runs at five locations between May and June, with distances of 3, 10, and 20 kilometers, as well as a nationwide virtual run in which participants complete a total of 77 kilometers. Each event will feature local GI products and community activities, allowing direct engagement with regional goods and traditions.
Additional activities include concerts, cultural performances, and more than 50 booths showcasing local products, as well as online distribution through Lazada to expand access to GI goods. Further details are available at www.thailandfestival.org and the Thailand Festival Facebook page. Registration is available at https://race.thai.run/gitourandtrail, and inquiries can be made through the official LINE account @amazinggirun. (NNT)
