Almaty, 23 February 2024 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and strategic partners in the public and private sectors, showcased Thailand’s tourism offerings and soft powers through the “Friends of Thailand Networking Day” and “Amazing Thailand: A Glimpse of the Land of Smiles” exclusive events, held today in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
TAT also worked in conjunction with the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and the Phuket Tourist Association (PTA) on both special occasions.
Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said “Both events underscore the synergy between TAT and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and correspond with the Government’s proactive economic diplomacy to promote Thai tourism in Kazakhstan. We want to highlight our tourism offerings, while leveraging Thai soft powers and the visa-free scheme to promote Thailand as the all-year-round destination.”
The activity commenced with the “Friends of Thailand Networking Day.” Presenting Thailand delegation were Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, Secretary of the Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas; Mr. Nithee Seeprae, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications; Ms. Nathinee Chamchan, Senior Manager of TCEB’s Meetings and Incentives Marketing Support and Development Section; and Mr. Sarayuth Mallum, PTA’s Vice President of Government Relations, as well as officials and staff of the TAT Moscow Office. Participants from Kazakhstan included local tourism operators and members of the press.
The “Amazing Thailand: A Glimpse of the Land of Smies” reception was presided over by Mr. Jakkapong Sangmanee, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. The event showcased Thai soft powers and tourism experiences through the cultural performances of Songkran and Muay Thai.
“As a new tourism feeder market, Kazakhstan is one of our fastest growing markets. It is also the second largest market in the Commonwealth of Independent States or CIS, after Russia,” Mr. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, said.
In 2023, Thailand recorded 172,489 visitors from Kazakhstan, representing a 190% growth over 2022. From 1 January to 15 February 2024, the number rose 14% over the same period in 2023 to 45,214 arrivals.
Most Kazakhstani travellers to Thailand are family and couple. They stayed on average 14 days, mostly in beach resort destinations.
In terms of air access, Air Astana operates regular services on the Almaty-Bangkok and Almaty-Phuket routes, with seven and 11 flights per week, respectively. Meanwhile, Sundays Airlines (SCAT) operates charter flights to Phuket from Almaty, Astana, Taraz and Shymkent. The Seating capacity between Thailand and Kazakhstan during October 2023-March 2024 counts 153,620 seats, at an anticipated 95% load factor.
