Thailand Welcomes Two Millionth Indian Tourist of 2024

BANGKOK-

Thailand celebrated a huge milestone in its tourism industry this week as Mr. Chetan Gupta from New Delhi became the two millionth Indian tourist to visit the country in 2024. The event took place at Suvarnabhumi Airport, marking a new high in Thailand-India tourism relations.

Mr. Gupta, arriving on Thai Airways flight TG324, was met with a warm welcome featuring traditional Thai garlands, souvenirs from Amazing Thailand, and exclusive gifts to commemorate the occasion. Among the perks, he received two business class round-trip tickets, a luxurious limousine service from the airport, and complimentary stays at five-star hotels in both Bangkok and either Phetchaburi or Prachuap Khiri Khan. Additionally, he was awarded a Thailand Privilege Card for enhanced travel experiences.

The arrival was facilitated by Thailand’s “Ease of Travelling” policy, which includes a visa exemption for Indian nationals, effective since July 15th, 2024. This policy has allowed for an extended stay of up to 60 days for tourism or short-term business, contributing to a surge in Indian tourist numbers from an average of 6,000 to 7,000 daily arrivals.
The increase in tourism has been supported by enhanced flight connectivity between India and Thailand, with 342 weekly flights offering 2.9 million seats annually, a 92.2% recovery from pre-COVID-19 levels. New routes introduced by airlines such as Indigo, THAI, and Thai AirAsia have further facilitated easier travel between the two countries.
Indian tourists have shown a preference for destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, Chonburi, Krabi, and Phang-nga, with emerging attractions in Surat Thani and Kanchanaburi. The appeal lies in Thailand’s rich culinary scene, vibrant nightlife, pristine beaches, spa services, and historical landmarks.
Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, stated, “This milestone is not just a number; it’s a testament to the growing affinity between Thailand and India. It showcases our commitment to fostering cultural and economic ties through tourism.”
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), added, “Reaching two million Indian tourists this year is a clear sign of our successful marketing strategies and the deep bonds we share with our Indian friends. We look forward to welcoming even more visitors in the coming years.”

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Adam Judd
Mr. Adam Judd is the Chief of Content, English language, of TPN Media since December 2017. He is originally from Washington D.C., America, but has also lived in Dallas, Sarasota, and Portsmouth. His background is in retail sales, HR, and operations management, and has written about news and Thailand for many years. He has lived in Pattaya for over a decade as a full-time resident, is well known locally and been visiting the country as a regular visitor for over 15 years. His full contact information, including office contact information, can be found on our Contact Us page below. Stories please e-mail Editor@ThePattayanews.com About Us: https://thepattayanews.com/about-us/ Contact Us: https://thepattayanews.com/contact-us/