Bangkok: The government, in collaboration with Thai Airways, has announced a strategic campaign to enhance connectivity between major and secondary cities, positioning Thailand as a prominent regional travel and tourism hub.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, highlighted the government's commitment to transforming Thailand into a leading travel destination in the region. This initiative will focus on the integrated development of transportation and tourism infrastructure. The announcement followed a recent meeting chaired by Mr. Pattarapong Pattaraprasit, Deputy Minister of Transport, which included participants from the Department of Airports (DOA), the Civil Aviation Training Center (CATC), Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, and Suvarnabhumi Airport hotels. The meeting aimed to explore strategies for increasing flight routes and improving connectivity from major cities to smaller cities, thereby stimulating the economy and tourism nationwide.
The deputy spokesperson conveyed that discussions with Thai Airways are underway to boost domestic flights to key airports managed by the Department of Airports, such as Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Udon Thani. Moreover, there is an emphasis on promoting international flights to high-potential tourist provinces like Krabi, Surat Thani, and Hua Hin from countries including Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. This initiative is designed to facilitate travel for both citizens and tourists, ensuring a more equitable distribution of income across the regions.
The government is also working closely with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to create new tourist routes linking major and minor cities. This is expected to increase the number of both domestic and international tourists, while enhancing the capacity of regional airports to serve as "Airports for Regional Development," a pivotal element in boosting the regional economy.
Mr. Phatarapong has directed relevant agencies to prioritize the development of joint work plans and accelerate upgrades at airports under the Department of Airports. The focus is on seven target secondary cities: Nakhon Si Thammarat, Lampang, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Hua Hin, Phrae, and Roi Et, with the aim of supporting the projected growth in travel and tourism.
Additionally, the meeting addressed the development of aviation personnel, with the Civil Aviation Training Center preparing to accommodate pilot trainees in line with Thai Airways' recruitment plan. This includes training for commercial pilot licenses to support the long-term growth of the Thai aviation industry. The initiative also involves collaboration with hotels at Suvarnabhumi Airport to provide short-term accommodation for passengers and airline staff requiring overnight stays.
The Department of Airports has affirmed its readiness to handle additional flights, citing adequate airport capacity, personnel, and transportation connectivity. Meanwhile, Thai Airways is poised to support the expansion of the aviation market, particularly by promoting Krabi Airport as a major air tourism hub in the South.