Thai ambassador Piroon Laismit: “World-class medical facilities in Thailand draw a large number of tourists from the Gulf.”


By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter

Thailand expects an increase in visitor arrivals from GCC countries by at least 8.51% this year after the introduction “convenient” daily flights by Qatar Airways.
“Qatar Airways currently operates four daily Doha-Bangkok-Doha flights and one direct flight to Phuket,” Thailand ambassador Piroon Laismit said.
Asserting that the political situation in Thailand is peaceful now, the envoy explained that the popularity of world-class medical treatment in his country drew a large number of tourists from the Gulf and other Middle Eastern countries.
Laismit admitted that the number of tourists from GCC countries visiting Thailand had decreased by about 7.48% in 2014 compared with the figures in 2013, partly because of the political tension.
The envoy noted that 20,954 Qataris had visited Thailand in 2014 (number of arrivals at Suvarnabhumi Airport only), down by more than 8,000 compared with the figures in 2013.
“The government’s effort in reforming and developing the nation is well supported by the people and authorities concerned (both private and public sectors),” he said, adding, “The process of constitution drafting is underway which well conformed to the timing of the planned road map by the
government.”
In Qatar, the Thai embassy is planning to hold various cultural activities such as the Loy Krathong Festival in November. The Thai community in Qatar will lead different performances as well as showcasing different
authentic Thai dishes.
In September, the embassy will organise its biggest annual cultural show in the country, bringing performers from Thailand “to show the real sense of Thainess in Doha”.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand had been holding cultural shows in many Middle East countries, including those in the Gulf, to attract more tourists.
In her speech at the recent Arabian Travel Market 2015 in the UAE, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said the Middle East had remained an
important market for Thailand.
She expressed optimism that tourist arrivals from the ME would continue to improve throughout the year, citing a 50% increase in January.
Laismit also announced that Thailand’s deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs was planning to visit Qatar in September to strengthen relations between the two
countries.
“The government of Thailand gives importance to the strengthening of cordial relations with all nations and it is a commitment of all Royal Thai embassies abroad to impel and concretise those cordial relations in the form of high-level meetings, trade and investment co-operation and cultural links, among others,” he added.