The inaugural direct flight from Kazakhstan arrives in Surat Thani

[webfact]

 

This morning marked a significant moment for Thailand’s tourism industry as the first direct flight from Almaty, Kazakhstan, landed at Surat Thani International Airport. This inaugural flight carried 212 passengers, arriving at 7.30am, signaling a new era of connectivity between the two countries.

 

The occasion saw a warm welcome from local officials, including Surat Thani’s Deputy Governor Nanthawat Charoenwan, Airport Director Suksawat Sukhawanno, and representatives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Among the passengers were the Thai Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Chatchawan Sakornsinsuwan, Kazakhstani travel operators, and media personnel.

 

This direct flight route is a result of a collaboration between a leading Kazakhstani tour company, Selfie Travel, Fun & Sun, and Scat Airlines. The Boeing 737-Max, capable of seating 212 passengers, is scheduled to operate every ten days from May to September, totalling 13 flights during this period. 

 

TAT marked the maiden flight with a water salute and distributed elephant keychain souvenirs to passengers and scarves to the cabin crew, highlighting the Amazing Thailand brand. The choice of Surat Thani as a destination aligns with TAT’s strategic plan to boost connectivity to both major and secondary cities within the country.

 

This expansion is expected to increase travel from Kazakhstan and neighbouring CIS regions to popular Thai destinations such as Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Tao, and other locales in Surat Thani and Krabi. The launch comes just in time for Kazakhstan’s summer season, which runs from May to September.

 

Kazakhstan has emerged as a lucrative market with high spending potential. In 2023, the number of Kazakhstani tourists visiting Thailand surged by 190% compared to the previous year, reaching 172,282 visitors. This historic rise coincides with a tourism cooperation agreement signed on March 23 between Thailand and Kazakhstan, further bolstered by Thailand’s extension of visa exemptions to Kazakhstani passport holders for stays of up to 30 days, valid until August 31.

 

The arrival of this direct flight signifies burgeoning ties and mutual benefits for both nations, promising a vibrant and prosperous future for tourism.

 

Picture courtesy: Khaosod

 

-- 2024-06-01

 

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[Tropicalevo]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

The Boeing 737-Max,

I am surprised that they all arrived safely.

[Woof999]

Excellent. All those top tier temple teasing tourists travelling to Thailand today.

Edited June 1 by Woof999

[klauskunkel]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

the first direct flight from Almaty, Kazakhstan, landed at Surat Thani International Airport

To celebrate this auspicious event the airport was temporarily renamed "Borat Thani International Airport"

[mfd101]

Another safe way for fugitive Russians to enter Thailand.

Edited June 1 by mfd101

[NORDO]

Gotta to love the white high-lift shoes.   

[hotchilli]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

This direct flight route is a result of a collaboration between a leading Kazakhstani tour company, Selfie Travel, Fun & Sun, and Scat Airlines

I spat my coffee out.

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

I am surprised that they all arrived safely.

It's like Russian roulette... 737 Max.

[Grumpy one]

Scat Airlines sounds like a large pile of  smelly  💩 ....

[Keeps]

[Grusa]

I guess no one on AN is unduly impressed...........!

[Luuk Chaai]

On 6/1/2024 at 12:54 PM, mfd101 said:

Another safe way for fugitive Russians to enter Thailand.

for the non believers

[Puccini]

On 6/1/2024 at 8:38 AM, hotchilli said:

I spat my coffee out.

 

"SCAT Airlines, legally PLL SCAT Air Company, is a Kazakh civil airline...

Its name is the acronym of Special Cargo Air Transport."

Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/SCAT_Airlines

 

[Jingthing]

SCAT. It's certainly not my thing, but who am I to judge?

[Stocky]

Very Nice!

 

[brianthainess]