In 2008, Chiang Saen in Thailand's Golden Triangle in the northern province of Chiang Rai will be hosting the Mekong River ITU Triathlon. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Chiang Rai provincial authorities, Chiang Saen municipality, the Triathlon Association of Thailand and the Asian Triathlon Confederation (ASTC) are jointly organizing the 2008 Mekong River International ITU Triathlon Asian Cup competition to promote sports tourism and foster closer relations among the six Greater Mekong Subregion member countries namely Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Vietnam and southern China.