The official media website for the Tourism Authority of Thailand, www.TATNews.org, is inviting all photographers, travellers, media, and anyone interested in photography to participate in their first photo contest of 2013, with the theme being ‘Thailand Events & Festivals’. 
The competition is open to professionals and amateurs alike, regardless of age or nationality, and while it will provide a platform for photojournalists, the aim is to showcase the wide variety of events and festivals that occur in Thailand.
TAT said: “Thailand is of course known as a premier tourist destination, largely due to its beaches, exciting food, and the warm hospitality of the people, but it is rich in culture and tradition, too. We felt there is no better way to recognise this than through images of the diverse array of ceremonies, celebrations and cultural affairs that go on throughout the country.”
There will be three monetary awards on offer with the 1st place winner taking home a cash prize of 30,000 THB (approximately €750), 2nd place earning 20,000 THB (€500), and 3rd place 10,000 THB (€250). Awards will be limited to one prize per entrant.
A panel comprising TAT representatives will judge the images on a range of factors, and their choices for the winning photos will be announced on their website on 21st March 2013. The submission period runs from 18th February – 18th March 2013 (the deadline for entries is 23.00 Thailand time on the 18th March).
Contest participants may submit as many photos as they like, provided they pertain to the theme, and they must be original works and captured with a digital still camera. Scans of old photos that were taken by film cameras are not accepted. The contest is not open to employees of the Tourism Authority of Thailand or its subsidiaries or affiliates, and entrants under 18 years of age require the permission of a parent or legal guardian.
For more information, visit www.TATNews.org/Photo-Contest
