All geared up for the New Year, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects to commence its celebrations with an increased number of international travellers.

The TAT hopes to welcome 3,75,000 international tourist arrivals during the New Year holiday period, accounting for a five per cent surge over that of the previous year. And from India alone, it expects around 13,200 arrivals in the same period.

The estimated numbers are likely to generate tourism revenue of about THB 55.5 billion, up by 12 per cent from last year.

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The New Year in Thailand will be dedicated to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Paying tributes to the Thai monarchy as well as to the happiness of the Thai people, the country will be hosting a traditional candle lighting and a prayer ceremony called Thien Haeng Siam or Candlelight of Siam. It will be held at Bangkok's Sanam Luang and at various other locations nationwide and worldwide on December 31 this year.

Local and foreign visitors have been invited to join pre-New Year countdown activities, followed by the main event, which is set to begin at 1900 hrs. Part of the activities will be writing an oath to live a good life, getting a candle for the lighting ceremony and taking part in Buddhist rituals. Later in the evening, the participants will take part in a 89-second silence to pay respect to late King Rama IX, marking his 89 years. On January 1, at least 1,00,000 candles will be lit and New Year's prayers will take place to welcome the new year.

''New Year celebrations across the globe have commenced in full swing, and like every year we have plans to bring in the New Year in a true Thai way that will be memorable. Thailand will usher in 2017 with 'the Candlelight of Siam', which is a traditional ceremony that aims to encourage Thai people to preserve important features of Thai society, especially the nation, religion and the monarchy. This will be a one-of-its-kind experience, with people singing to New Year Blessings songs and the Royal Anthem to pay respect to King Rama IX. We would like to extend an invitation to our guests from India to join us for this ceremony and get an experience of a lifetime," said Soraya Homchuen, director, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mumbai.