Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha presided over the “Amazing Thailand 10 Million Celebrations” welcome ceremony at Suvarnabhumi Airport, one of the critical airports and border checkpoints holding momentous events to mark tourist arrivals from around the world reaching the 10 million mark – the target set for 2022.
The target for 2023 is 20 million arrivals and international tourism revenue of 1.5 trillion Baht – representing a return to 80% of the pre-pandemic level seen in 2019 – out of a total of 2.38 trillion Baht in overall tourism revenue.
Thailand reaches the 2022 international arrivals target today, 10 December, with celebrations held at critical airports and border checkpoints to welcome passengers arriving in the kingdom on a momentous day.
Mr Phiphat highlighted how Thailand’s carefully planned road towards the full reopening to international tourism on 1 October 2022 had begun with the launch of the Phuket Sandbox in July 2021 and culminated in today’s milestone achievement of 10 million arrivals.
Thailand’s total visitor arrivals for 2022 will exceed 10 million, with over 500 billion Baht in international tourism revenue generated.
The achievement of reaching the 10 million visitor mark before the end of the year is a clear sign of visitor confidence in Thailand as a preferred tourist destination. It symbolises the kingdom’s well-established status as one of the world’s most popular holiday spots.
H.E. Mr Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said, “The target of 10 million arrivals in 2022 has been met, as was promised to the Thai government.”
PM Prayut said, “On behalf of the Thai Government, the Thai people and Thai entrepreneurs in the travel and tourism industry, I wish to extend a warmest welcome to all visitor arrivals.”
The Amazing Thailand 10 Million Celebrations, organised by TAT in cooperation with public and private sector partners, were held at seven critical international and regional airports in Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang), Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai, U-Tapao, and Samui, as well as two border checkpoints in Songkhla (Sadao) and Nong Khai. It is a milestone achievement that reflects the successful restoring of Thailand’s tourism industry, an achievement which has come about from the concerted efforts of all stakeholders in the public and private sectors.”
Special prizes were presented to the luckiest family – Mr Hetham Almdlj and Mrs Njood Alkhuwaiter – on Saudia Flight SV846 from Riyadh, who will be visiting Phuket for ten days.
Events at all nine locations showcased Thailand’s soft-power foundations – including Food, Film, Fashion, Fight, and Festival – used to promote Thailand in source markets worldwide. Notably, the welcome ceremony at Suvarnabhumi Airport welcomed arriving
passengers on two designated flights – Thai Airways International (THAI) Amazing New Chapters’ campaign was at the forefront of the tourism industry’s efforts to drive the Thai economy forward and in a new direction towards more sustainable and responsible tourism.
The prizes included an AOT Limousine transfer from Suvarnabhumi Airport, air tickets from Saudia Airlines, gift vouchers from Andamanda Phuket, Vana Nava Hua Hin, Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers, and Hanuman World, medical check-up privileges from Bumrungrad Hospital and MedPark Hospital, shopping vouchers and gift items from CPN, Central Group, King Power, The Mall Group and Siam Piwat, and virtual land from Bitkub.
This included cultural shows and souvenirs unique to each location presented to arriving passengers on the designated flights or land border crossings. Flight TG923 from Frankfurt, Germany, carrying 348 passengers, landed at 13.45 Hrs., and Saudia Flight SV846 from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia carrying 357 passengers, landed at 15.00 Hrs.
The event at Suvarnabhumi Airport was held in collaboration with Suvarnabhumi Airport, Siam Piwat, The Mall Group, Central Pattana (CPN) and Central Group, King Power, Terminal 21 Asok shopping centre and Terminal 21 Rama 3 shopping centre. I hope you will take this opportunity to experience Thailand in many aspects, including charming traditions and culture, beautiful nature, and delightful food.
Written by: Supaporn Pholrach (Joom)
