To commemorate the occasion, executives from TAT, Thai Lion Air, Batik Air Malaysia, and Don Mueang International Airport gathered to welcome passengers with traditional Thai gestures, offering them iconic Thai souvenirs as a symbol of warm hospitality. This event was a testament to the increasing importance of Malaysia as a key market for Thai tourism and the strategic role air travel plays in strengthening bilateral ties.
Enhanced Connectivity for Malaysian Travellers
Ms. Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and South Pacific, expressed her enthusiasm for the new route, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome Batik Air Malaysia’s Bangkok-Johor Bahru flight. This new service further strengthens the bonds between our nations, making travel even more accessible for Malaysian visitors. Malaysia is a vital inbound market for Thailand, and this route will bring even more convenience for travellers who already frequent Thailand for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and world-class shopping and dining.”
Operated by Batik Air Malaysia, which is part of the Lion Group and represented in Thailand by Thai Lion Air, the new route offers daily flights to enhance travel options for Malaysians. Flight OD530 departs Johor Bahru at 12:15 PM, arriving in Bangkok at 1:50 PM. The return flight, OD531, departs Bangkok at 3:05 PM, with an arrival in Johor Bahru at 6:30 PM.
This new service is expected to further boost the number of visitors between Thailand and Malaysia, as well as strengthen the two countries' cultural and economic ties.
Malaysia: A Key Market for Thai Tourism
Malaysia remains one of Thailand’s largest and most important source markets for tourism. In 2023, over 4.6 million Malaysian visitors traveled to Thailand, and the momentum has continued into 2024, with over 4.1 million arrivals recorded between January and October. The close geographical proximity, affordable travel options, and Thailand’s diverse offerings—ranging from its world-famous food scene to its rich natural beauty, vibrant shopping districts, and diverse cultural experiences—make it a top destination for Malaysian tourists.
Key destinations for Malaysian travellers in Thailand include Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai, and Songkhla. In addition, there is increasing interest in exploring lesser-known gems such as Phang-Nga and Surat Thani’s islands. The implementation of the TM6 immigration form waiver at the Sadao border, effective from November 2023 until April 2025, has further simplified travel, encouraging spontaneous visits and providing even greater ease for travellers crossing by land.
Seamless Travel: Enhancing Land and Air Connectivity
In addition to air travel, Thailand’s land border with Malaysia plays a vital role in facilitating cross-border tourism. With nine permanent checkpoints, such as Sadao (Songkhla) and Bukit Kayu Hitam (Kedah), the land border has seen impressive growth. In 2023, over 1.5 million Malaysians entered Thailand via the Sadao checkpoint, with daily arrivals averaging 3,855. The TM6 waiver has had a notable impact, boosting arrivals in November and December by 45.55%, with daily averages reaching 5,611.
This growth continued into 2024, with 1.46 million land arrivals recorded from January to September—a 28.37% year-on-year increase. This strong land connectivity, combined with expanding air travel options, has created a seamless and accessible travel experience for Malaysians, further encouraging tourism between the two nations.
Air connectivity between Malaysia and Thailand has also rebounded strongly post-pandemic. By the end of 2023, operations had reached 77% of pre-pandemic levels, with 2024 projections showing an impressive 83.59% increase. Recent route launches, including AirAsia’s Kuala Lumpur-Pattaya service in June and Malaysia Airlines’ Kuala Lumpur-Chiang Mai flights in August, have expanded travel options even further. Popular routes to Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, and Hat Yai continue to be in high demand, ensuring robust connectivity and ongoing growth in tourism.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening the Thailand-Malaysia Travel Partnership
Ms. Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai concluded, “The addition of Batik Air Malaysia’s daily Bangkok-Johor Bahru flight is a significant step towards enhancing travel opportunities between Thailand and Malaysia. The ease of travel by both land and air will further strengthen the relationship between our nations, and we look forward to welcoming even more Malaysian visitors to Thailand in the future. With greater connectivity and a focus on seamless travel, we are confident that this new route will contribute to the continued success of Thai tourism.”
As Thailand continues to solidify its position as a leading destination for Malaysian tourists, the launch of the Batik Air Malaysia flight is a promising development that will benefit travellers and businesses alike. With improved accessibility and strengthened bilateral ties, the future of Thai-Malaysian tourism looks brighter than ever.
No comments:
Post a Comment