Bangkok, Thailand, February 9, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce the arrival of the first group tours from China at Bangkok's Don Mueang International Airport since the start of the pandemic. A welcoming ceremony was held in the presence of senior TAT officials, Chinese officials, and representatives from the Thai public and private sectors.

The arrival of the group tours comes at a time when China is allowing the resumption of group tours to 20 countries, including Thailand, from February 6, 2023.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said: “Thailand is honored to be among the 20 countries permitted to welcome tour groups from China again. We are delighted to welcome the first groups today and hope for many more. We thank China, Chinese tour operators, and Chinese tourists themselves for their continued confidence in Thailand as their preferred travel destination.”

Mr. Yuthasak was among the Thai and Chinese officials and public and private sector figures present at Don Mueang International Airport to welcome Spring Airlines flight 9C7419 from Guangzhou with 180 passengers on board, including two tour groups of 20 tourists each.

In attendance were the Governor of the TAT and other senior officials, the Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Thailand, Mr. Yang Xin, and the Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Thailand, Ms. Chang Yumeng, as well as other high-ranking officials and important figures from the Thai and Chinese public and private sectors.

The group travelers arriving on the Spring Airlines flight from Guangzhou can expect a six-day itinerary that will introduce them to the world-famous sights and atmosphere of Bangkok and Pattaya. Among the attractions they will visit are Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha), Yaowarat (Chinatown), and Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen (famous for its large seated Buddha statue) in Bangkok, as well as the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Pattaya.

They will also visit Ko Samet, a long-time popular island off the coast of Rayong, known for its beautiful beaches, picturesque resorts and relaxing tropical atmosphere.

The Spring Airlines flight landing at Don Mueang Airport is one of 14 flights arriving in Thailand, bringing the first group tourists from China to the country. Besides Guangzhou, these flights, operated by various airlines, depart from several Chinese cities, including Xiamen, Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Chengdu, and Nanning, and land in Bangkok and Phuket.

In 2022, 286,511 Chinese tourists visited Thailand. From January 1st to February 2nd, 2023, Thailand welcomed a total of 99,429 Chinese travelers. For the first quarter of 2023, 300,000 Chinese tourists are expected in Thailand, with over 5 million expected for the entire year.