Thailand Celebrates the Arrival of Its 2,000,000th Indian Tourist in 2024

Thailand has reached a significant milestone in its tourism journey as it celebrates the arrival of its 2,000,000th Indian tourist of 2024. The historic moment occurred on 16 December at Suvarnabhumi Airport, highlighting the crucial role that India plays in driving Thailand’s tourism growth. This achievement not only marks a record in visitor numbers but also reinforces the strong cultural and economic ties between Thailand and India.

A Warm Welcome to Indian Visitors

To commemorate this milestone, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) hosted a grand welcome ceremony for passengers arriving on THAI flight TG324 from Delhi. Among the many excited visitors was Mr. Chetan Gupta, who had the honor of being recognized as the 2,000,000th Indian tourist to arrive in Thailand this year. He was greeted with the traditional Thai garlands, symbolizing Thailand’s renowned hospitality.

Attending the celebration were key dignitaries including Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports; H.E. Mr. Nagesh Singh, Ambassador of India to Thailand; Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor; and other senior officials from Suvarnabhumi Airport and Thai Airways International.

Thailand and India: A Growing Partnership

India has long been one of Thailand’s most important tourism markets. The growing number of Indian visitors highlights the deepening cultural exchange and strengthening economic ties between the two nations. In 2019, Thailand welcomed 1,961,069 Indian tourists, generating 80 billion Baht in revenue. After a brief pandemic-related dip, Indian arrivals rebounded impressively in 2023, with 1,628,542 visitors contributing 61.9 billion Baht to Thailand’s economy.

Minister Sorawong Thienthong expressed his delight, stating, “This milestone is a testament to the growing popularity of Thailand among Indian travelers. We look forward to welcoming even more visitors as they discover the beauty, culture, and diversity of Thailand’s attractions.”

TAT Governor, Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, added, “This achievement reflects the success of TAT’s continuous marketing campaigns and collaborations with key partners in India. Through tailored initiatives and enhanced connectivity, we aim to ensure that Thailand remains the destination of choice for Indian travelers, offering experiences that cater to their diverse interests.”

Thailand’s Appeal to Indian Tourists

Indian visitors are attracted to Thailand year-round, drawn by the country’s rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant atmosphere. The top destinations for Indian tourists include bustling Bangkok, the picturesque beaches of Phuket and Krabi, the cultural landmarks of Chon Buri and Phang-nga, and emerging spots like Surat Thani and Kanchanaburi. Indian travelers indulge in the world-famous Thai cuisine, explore the lively nightlife, relax at luxury spas, and visit historical sites and temples.

Thailand’s ability to cater to the varied tastes of Indian tourists is key to its success in this market, offering everything from serene beach getaways to bustling urban adventures.

Enhanced Accessibility and Seamless Travel

Thailand’s robust air connectivity with India has played a pivotal role in the growth of Indian arrivals. As of June 2024, there were 342 weekly flights between Thailand and India, offering a staggering 2.9 million seats annually. This marks an impressive 92.2% recovery from pre-pandemic levels. The addition of new routes, including Indigo’s Hyderabad-Bangkok service, THAI’s Kochi-Bangkok flights, and Thai AirAsia’s Vishakhapatnam-Bangkok service, has further bolstered travel options between the two countries.

To make travel even more convenient, Thailand offers a visa exemption policy for Indian tourists, allowing them to stay for up to 60 days without a visa. This, coupled with TAT’s targeted marketing initiatives and ongoing collaboration with travel partners, ensures that Thailand remains an attractive, accessible, and welcoming destination for Indian travelers.

Looking Ahead: Thailand’s Continued Success as a Top Destination

As Thailand celebrates this remarkable achievement, the country remains firmly focused on strengthening its position as a premier destination for Indian tourists. With increasing air connectivity, tailored marketing strategies, and a wealth of experiences for every type of traveler, Thailand is poised to continue attracting visitors from India for years to come.

The 2,000,000th arrival is just the beginning of a promising future for tourism between Thailand and India, and TAT looks forward to welcoming even more travelers from this vibrant market in 2025 and beyond.