BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Transport is urging Thai Airways to expand domestic routes and introduce new international services directly to regional airports to stimulate tourism and the local economy. During a meeting, Deputy Minister of Transport Phattrapong Phattraprasit discussed the matter with THAI executives, as reported by government spokeswoman Lalida Persvivatana. For travelers, this could mean more direct flights to destinations like Krabi, Surat Thani, or Hua Hin.
Government Calls for Increased Use of Regional Airports
The Ministry of Transport wants the national airline to fly to regional airports more frequently. This aims to ensure that foreign visitors do not solely arrive through major hubs. The initiative is designed to distribute tourism flows more broadly and strengthen less-visited provinces.
The proposal was presented during discussions between Deputy Minister Phattrapong and THAI managers, according to Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Persvivatana. No concrete commitments from Thai Airways were mentioned in the report.
THAI Already Serves These Domestic Destinations
Currently, THAI serves destinations including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Hat Yai, Krabi, and Phuket. These routes form the airline’s existing domestic network.
Following the proposal, THAI is expected to increase flight frequencies to Krabi and Ubon Ratchathani and incorporate Nakhon Si Thammarat into its domestic network. The government views this as a means to revitalize local economies.
New International Routes Directly to Secondary Airports
The government is encouraging THAI to establish direct connections from Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong to regional airports such as Krabi, Surat Thani, and Hua Hin. The objective is to make it easier for travelers to access tourist destinations outside of major transit points.
Such routes are intended to reduce reliance on main hubs and bring international guests directly to their holiday spots. This is part of the government’s strategy to foster more balanced tourism development.
Who Operates the Airports – and Who Holds the Levers at THAI?
Smaller airports fall under the Department of Airports, while ten larger international airports are managed by Airports of Thailand Plc. Thus, the infrastructure is shared between central and regional operators.
While Thai Airways is no longer a state-owned enterprise, the Ministry of Finance remains the largest shareholder with a 38.90% stake. This significant holding ensures the government retains an interest in the airline’s strategic decisions.
Expected Effects for Tourism and Regions
Officials anticipate that improved flight connections will boost tourist demand in provinces outside the main centers and support local economies. More direct flights could also shorten travel times for visitors.
The measure is expected to benefit smaller destinations with increased guests and revenue, not just the major tourist hubs. A more balanced distribution of visitors is the stated goal.
Timeline, Open Questions, and Next Steps
Observers are focused on whether Thai Airways will adopt the recommended route expansions and how quickly these new services might launch. Future announcements are expected to detail specific destinations, flight frequencies, and timelines.
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Source: AseanNow Thailand