The Thai government plans to promote Yaowarat and surrounding areas to appeal to international visitors, following the release of Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal’s music video that features the locale, commonly referred to as Bangkok’s Chinatown.
The music video for Lisa’s new song “Rockstar” quickly amassed over 19.2 million views, achieving this feat within just 11 hours of its release on YouTube on Friday.
The buzz in Thailand centered around the video, which was predominantly shot on Yaowarat Road in Bangkok, showcasing the Blackpink superstar singing and dancing in the well-known Chinatown.
“Rockstar” launched globally and went live on YouTube in Thailand at 7 am on Friday, following a teaser released on Wednesday.
The single was released by RCA Records as Lisa continues her solo career while still performing with Blackpink.
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), stated that in addition to Yaowarat, which is already popular with foreign tourists, the TAT plans to highlight other nearby areas like Sampheng Market, Talat Noi, Song Wat Road, and Wang Burapha through social media campaigns.
She added that the TAT intends to promote annual local events and festivals, including the Chinese New Year and the Vegetarian Festival.
“[The music video] is akin to tourism promotion through the entertainment industry. It helps boost the country’s image, raise awareness, and reach a wider audience,” she said.
The TAT is taking this opportunity to create new tourist activities and expects local businesses to improve their offerings in response to the needs of international visitors, she added.
Deputy government spokeswoman Rudklao Intawong Suwankiri highlighted that Lisa’s music video is anticipated to attract her worldwide fanbase to Thailand, providing a significant boost to tourism.
“After the music video’s release, Yaowarat has now become a new check-in location,” Ms. Rudklao said, adding that Lisa’s music video also helps promote Thailand’s soft power, aligning with government policy.
Chamnan Srisawat, president of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), expressed confidence that Lisa’s latest music video would boost tourism in Bangkok, as her global fanbase is likely to visit the featured locations.
He noted that previous endorsements by Lisa have significantly increased sales of any brand or Thai product she promoted.
Chamnan also mentioned that Yaowarat Road, a well-established tourist spot, is expected to grow even more popular due to the exposure from Lisa’s video, despite concerns about its cleanliness.
He emphasized the need for local authorities to address these cleanliness issues and ensure the safety of tourists.
Furthermore, Chamnan highlighted the importance of promoting film productions in Thailand, which he believes plays a vital role in enhancing tourism revenue, as evidenced by the popularity of Lisa’s music video and the recent filming of the Jurassic Park franchise in Krabi.
