On Tuesday, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Pattaya said that as many as 4,000 Russians flew in specifically for Loy Krathong via planes with tour groups, with 1,300 people attending each day from Monday through Wednesday. They told the press this was significantly up from prior years and Russian tourism to Pattaya was on the upswing overall.
In 2018, 1.5 million Russians visited Thailand, a 15 percent jump from the year before, with holidayers ferried in by about a 100 weekly flights between Russian and Thai cities according to Khaosod Thai News.
The start of this year was slower, however has picked up significantly in recent months according to The Thai Tourism Authority.
Pattaya is one of the top destinations with authorities saying it is a top tourism destination for Russians due to family attractions like Ramayana and Cartoon Network, Nong Nooch, local islands, Harbor Mall, zoos and other animal attractions, Underwater World, ziplines and go kart tracks, the Sanctuary of Truth, magic shows and 3D art museums along with many more
Officials said flights from Russia to Thailand are nearly full for high season and tourism numbers can only move forward in regards to Russia.
Source: Khaosod