Hong Kong – November 28, 2016 (travelindex.com) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce that HK Express launched its first twice-weekly direct flight between Hong Kong and Chiang Rai, Thailand's northernmost province, on November 25, 2016. The inaugural flight was marked with a familiarization trip for Hong Kong travel agents and media representatives.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), stated: “With the start of the high tourist season in Thailand, HK Express’s new flights are crucial, providing more and more tourists with direct access to this unique province. The flight highlights Thailand’s unique geographical location in the heart of ASEAN and reinforces Chiang Rai’s important role as a gateway to Northern Thailand, particularly through improvements to infrastructure and logistics networks. These include existing air links, the R3A Asian Highway, the East-West Corridor, Route R12, and the Mekong River, which forms the border with Thailand at Chiang Khong in Chiang Rai and Huay Xai in Laos.”

Chiang Rai is increasingly developing into a popular tourist destination and commercial center. The Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport in the province currently handles approximately 16 domestic flights daily from Thai Smile Airways, Nok Air, Thai Air Asia, Bangkok Airways, and Thai Lion Air, originating from Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports in Bangkok.

International Public Relations Department, Tourism Authority of Thailand, 1600 New Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Ratchathevi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand, Tel.: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48, Fax: +66 (0) 2250 0246, E-mail: [email protected], Website: www.TATnews.org