Insufficient inbound international flights and surging airfares are challenging the recovery of the Thai tourism industry.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor Yuthasak Supasorn said the number of international flights is at only 30% of the pre-pandemic level. He said to help revive the whole industry, the country should have at least 55% of the airline seat capacity recorded prior to the pandemic.

This could happen during the fourth quarter as Korean Air and Air Canada have confirmed their schedules for non-stop services.

Air Canada plans to start its first direct route from Vancouver to Bangkok with four flights a week from Dec 1, 2022 until April 17, 2023. Korean Air has said that it would resume flights to Thailand in the fourth quarter.

However, many airlines are reluctant to expand their routes or increase frequencies as several global uncertainties threaten profits, including high operational costs caused by soaring fuel prices as well as the longer flying time required to avoid the skies above the Russian-Ukraine combat zone.

"Tourists face higher travel costs, particularly from inflation and airfares, which have increased by 20-40%. The TAT is working with airlines to roll out promotions to help offset those costs. However, for Europe's summer season in August, it might be too late to prepare any stimulus packages," said Mr Yuthasak.