Tourism/TAT and airports in combined action

Editorial staff

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and U-Tapao–Rayong–Pattaya International Airport are integrating strategies to attract new international flights from key tourist markets including India, Vietnam, China, Russia and Kazakhstan, as well as domestic flights. To do so, airlines are offered incentives on landing and parking fees.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), together with U-Tapao–Rayong–Pattaya International Airport, is pleased to welcome new flight connections by SCAT Airlines from Almaty, Kazakhstan, and AirAsia from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

"TAT has placed emphasis on our ‘Airline Focus’ strategy to attract flights, and the new charter service from Almaty has come into fruition following a strategic partnership between TAT, KOMPAS – one of Kazakhstan’s leading tour operators – and SCAT Airlines,” Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT deputy governor for international marketing – Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, said.

SCAT Airlines is scheduled to operate one charter flight on the route every seven to 10 days during its June 2024-March 2025 timetable, using its 213-seat Boeing 797 Max-9 aircraft. This marked its second charter service between Kazakhstan and Thailand, following its recently launched Almaty-Surat Thani flight.

Meanwhile, AirAsia is scheduled to operate three regular flights per week, using its 189-seat Airbus A320 aircraft. TAT Kuala Lumpur marked this maiden service with a familiarisation trip for travel agents and members of the media from Malaysia to explore the route.

“The new flights from Almaty and Kuala Lumpur demonstrate the confidence in the ‘Amazing Thailand’ brand and Thailand itself as one of the top destinations for tourists around the world. These flight connections will provide fantastic opportunities for tourists to visit many amazing destinations on the east coast of Thailand,” Mr. Siripakorn added.

On hand to welcome passengers and crew onboard was a group of executives from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, TAT and U-Tapao–Rayong–Pattaya International Airport.

On Thailand’s east coast, Pattaya is the most famous tourist destination, while other amazing sights and charming attractions are Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat.

Last year, Thailand recorded 172,282 visitors from Kazakhstan. From 1 January to 30 April 2024, the number accumulated to 95,789 visitors, representing a year-on-year growth of 19.39 % (over 80,233).

Visitors from Kazakhstan are offered a 30-day visa exemption until 31 August 2024. Kazakhstan is among the 93 countries eligible for the 60-day visa-free entry, which is expected to come into effect soon.

From Malaysia, Thailand recorded 4,626,422 visitors, last year, and 1,569,856 visitors from 1 January to 30 April, this year.