The grand welcome ceremony was attended by Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports; H.E. Mr. Nagesh Singh, Ambassador of India to Thailand; Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor; Ms. Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and the South Pacific; and executives from Suvarnabhumi Airport and Thai Airways International (THAI).
Passengers arriving on THAI flight TG324 from Delhi were warmly greeted with traditional Thai garlands, symbolising the nation’s renowned hospitality. Among them was the 2,000,000th Indian visitor, Mr. Chetan Gupta, who expressed delight at the recognition.
Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, remarked, “It is with immense pleasure that we welcome the 2,000,000th Indian tourist to Thailand this year. This milestone highlights the growing popularity of Thailand among Indian travellers and the enduring cultural and economic ties between our nations. We look forward to welcoming even more visitors as they explore Thailand’s diverse and unique attractions.”
TAT Governor Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool added, “This remarkable milestone is a testament to the success of TAT’s continuous marketing efforts and collaborations with key partners in the Indian market. Through bespoke campaigns and improved connectivity, we aim to position Thailand as the destination of choice for Indian travellers, offering experiences that cater to their varied interests while ensuring exceptional hospitality.”
Strengthening the Bond: Thailand and the Indian Market
India is one of Thailand’s most significant tourism markets, with arrivals surpassing the 2-million mark this year. In 2019, Thailand welcomed a record 1,961,069 Indian visitors, contributing 80 billion Baht in revenue. By 2023, Indian arrivals rebounded strongly, reaching 1,628,542 visitors and generating 61.9 billion Baht.
Indian travellers are drawn to Thailand year-round, with popular destinations including Bangkok, Phuket, Chon Buri, Krabi, and Phang-nga, as well as emerging spots like Surat Thani and Kanchanaburi. Favourite activities include indulging in Thai cuisine, exploring the vibrant nightlife, relaxing on pristine beaches, enjoying massages and spas, and visiting historical landmarks.
Seamless Accessibility and Enhanced Travel Experiences
Thailand’s strong air connectivity with India has been instrumental in fostering this growth. As of June 2024, 342 weekly flights between the two nations offered 2.9 million seats annually, representing a 92.2% rebound from pre-pandemic levels. Recent additions, including Indigo’s Hyderabad-Bangkok route, THAI’s Kochi-Bangkok flights, and Thai AirAsia’s Vishakhapatnam-Bangkok service, have further enhanced accessibility.
Thailand’s visa exemption policy, which allows Indian tourists to stay for up to 60 days, has made travel even more convenient. Combined with TAT’s targeted marketing initiatives and collaborations with travel partners, these efforts continue to elevate Thailand’s appeal, cementing its position as a premier destination for Indian travellers.
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