29-8-2023 (BANGKOK) In a meeting held on Monday, newly-appointed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin convened with representatives from eight prominent airlines to discuss plans for capitalizing on the anticipated influx of tourists during the high season. The meeting aimed to address issues related to air travel restrictions and explore ways to encourage tourism growth in the upcoming period from November to March.
Among the airline executives present were Chai Eamsiri, CEO of Thai Airways International; Woranate Laprabang, CEO of Thai VietJet Air; Santisuk Klongchaiya, CEO of Thai AirAsia; Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia X; Chaiyong Rattanapaisansuk, acting CEO of Thai Smile Airways; Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, CEO of Bangkok Airways; Aswin Yangkirativorn, CEO of Thai Lion Air; and Wutthiphum Jurangkool, CEO of Nok Air. The meeting was also attended by Kerati Kijmanawat, director of the Airports of Thailand (AOT), and Suttipong Kongpool, director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).
During the meeting, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin received updates on the current state of domestic and global air transport. The attendees engaged in discussions regarding the challenges faced by the aviation industry and urged the government to play a more active role in promoting tourism during the upcoming peak season. The airline executives emphasized the need for increased state involvement to facilitate the anticipated surge in tourist arrivals.
One of the key issues highlighted during the meeting was the impact of the free visa policy for high-potential countries, particularly China. While the policy aims to boost tourist numbers, it necessitates a corresponding increase in flight frequency by at least 20% during the high season. The solution proposed by the airline representatives involved deploying additional aircraft to accommodate the expanded flight schedules and focusing on promoting Thai tourism in large markets such as China and India.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin assured the attendees that the ruling Pheu Thai Party would take immediate action to intensify tourism promotion and implement necessary measures once it assumes office. The party recognizes the importance of the fourth quarter of this year as a crucial period for stimulating the economy and the tourism sector.
Furthermore, the prime minister expressed gratitude to the Airports of Thailand (AOT) for their cooperation in driving the tourism promotion policy during the peak season. He commended the agency for ensuring efficient airport management, increasing flight frequency, and initiating runway expansion to accommodate the anticipated rise in tourist arrivals.
