The 'Ultimate Thailand Explorers' have arrived

This video appearing on the Bangkok team's blog exhibits fine guitar skills and perfect product placement with that Chang beer. We’re not sold on the vocals though.

Back in September, The Thai Tourism Authority launched "The Ultimate Thailand Explorers" in an attempt to boost the country’s image overseas. Three months later the final five teams, chosen by online voting, have arrived in Thailand to explore Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui for a week.

Each day the teams, made up of two people, will visit attractions at their chosen destinations and then share their experiences online through videos, photos and stories on social media sites like YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and the official Ultimate Thailand blogs. Fans can vote for their favorite team until January 8, 2010.

Although the teams weren’t due to arrive till today, online voting started last week and will determine which team wins the Ultimate Thailand Explorers top prize of US$10,000 cash, a holiday package valued at US$3,000 and other goodies.

Overall we love the idea of this competition, especially the clever use of social media to get the word out about Thailand’s fabulous cities and resorts. However it seems a bit odd that two of the teams have competitors who were already living in Thailand.

But hey, the public voted for them so who are we to argue. We’ll still check daily to see what the “Ultimate Thailand Explorers” come up with on their journeys.