The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has spoken to airlines about boosting tourism on primary and secondary routes, aiming at source markets such as Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, as well as neighbouring countries.
"This is in line with our plan to increase foreign tourism revenue for 2018 by at least 10%," said TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn. "The increased air access also corresponds with the Amazing Thailand Tourism Year 2018, starting from Nov 1 this year."
Thai Airways International (THAI) will be resuming Bangkok-Vienna service from Nov 16 after partnering with THAI Smile on flights between Bangkok and Kaohsiung, Taiwan's second city, since October.
THAI is planning more routes to Japan, South Korea and the US, while Nok Air is also eyeing expansion in Japan and South Korea. Thai AirAsia X is expected to open new routes to South Korea and Japan.
Since Oct 29, THAI has raised Beijing-Phuket flights from four to seven a week. Bangkok Airways will soon start flying between Bangkok and Vietnam's Phu Quoc, and Nok Air will fly direct from Mae Sot to Yangon.
From Dec 3, NewGen Airways will fly to Chiang Mai and Phuket from Korat.