Thai Tourism Authority Seeks Increased Government Funding to Boost International and Domestic Flight Promotions

National—

On May 21st, 2024, Mr. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, the Deputy Governor for International Marketing in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, requested financial support from the Thai government to bolster tourism markets through mutually beneficial alliances.

Despite the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) receiving only a small portion of government funding, the TAT collaborated with various partners to promote remote marketing, particularly with international and domestic airlines, Siripakorn stated.

The TAT supported flights to both primary and secondary cities in Thailand. However, Siripakorn emphasized that the Thai government should increase financial support to enable more promotional activities with airline partners.

As Thailand approaches its high season in winter, there is an expected gradual recovery of airlines, with new airlines reportedly being approved to operate.

Furthermore, the TAT is exploring ways to assist airline operators in accessing Thailand’s aviation hubs via inter-indicators, Siripakorn added.

From April 2nd to 5th, 2024, over 20 airline representatives, in cooperation with public and private sectors, recognized the potential of Thailand’s aviation market and new routes during a meeting. Siripakorn reported that, with the high season approaching, four airlines are interested in launching new routes, offering a total of 200,000 seats by the end of the year.

Expanding flights to Thailand aligns with the Thai government’s strategy to enhance connections between Thai airports and international airports such as Istanbul-Bangkok and United Arab Emirates-Bangkok, along with charter flights. Additionally, new routes are now available from Middle Eastern airlines, Air Arabia, Air Canada, and others, Siripakorn noted.

Siripakorn also mentioned that in 2024, the TAT aims to generate tourism revenues totaling three trillion baht from both foreign and Thai tourists. However, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has set a higher goal of 3.5 trillion baht.

“It is possible to generate over 3.5 trillion baht if the government approves financial support for the TAT,” asserted Siripakorn.