Flight SV846 from Saudi Arabia made history when it touched down at Suvarnabhumi international airport at 6pm on Monday from Riyadh.
It was the first flight from the Middle East kingdom in 32 years, and followed a visit by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to Saudi Arabia on Jan 25 as a guest of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, restoring diplomatic ties after a 30-year freeze.
On hand to welcome the 56 passengers on Saudia flight SV846 were Sport and Tourism Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn and Suvarnabhumi airport director Kittipong Kittikachorn.
A grand reception was held after the aircraft came to a halt at the G5 parking bay. Staff from the Tourism Authority of Thailand presented each passenger with a special souvenir.
Mr Kittipong said all arrival procedures went smoothly.
He announced the following schedule for Saudia flights between Saudi Arabia and Thailand:
- Feb 28 - March 25, flights SV846/847 (Riyadh-Suvarnabhumi-Riyadh) will operate three times a week, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Arrival time is 18.05 and departure time 20.35.
- March 27 - Oct 30, flights SV844/845 (Jeddah-Suvarnabhumi-Jeddah) will fly four times a week, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Arrival time is 16.55 and departure time 00.15 the following day.
- March 27 - Oct 30, Flights SV846/847 (Jeddah-Riyadh-Suvarnabhumi-Riyadh-Jeddah) will operate three times a week, on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Arrival time is 16.55 and departure time 00.15 the following day.