Photo courtesy of ACI World Insights

 

By Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Thailand’s airports are gearing up for a passenger surge as the Chinese New Year festival approaches, with an expected 4.03 million foreign arrivals between January 24 and February 2. The Transport Ministry has ordered Airports of Thailand (AoT) to ensure smooth operations and safety during this 10-day travel boom.

 

Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit revealed that Bangkok’s airports would bear the brunt of the influx, with 1.91 million passengers landing at Suvarnabhumi and nearly 1 million at Don Mueang. This marks a significant leap, with Chinese travellers alone accounting for 770,000 arrivals, a 22.6% increase compared to last year, although some platforms dispute this.

 

“I’ve instructed all agencies to prioritise safety and timely service delivery, leveraging modern technology to ensure efficiency.”

 

AoT has been tasked with bolstering manpower, improving baggage claim and check-in services, and deploying multilingual staff to assist passengers.

 

Safety is also a top priority. AoT President Kirati Kijmanawat confirmed that international standards for runway and taxiway inspections would be strictly followed.

 

 

“We’ve implemented measures to manage increased traffic across our six international airports: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai.”

 

During this period, 24,599 flights, an average of 2,460 daily, are expected.

 

AoT is also ramping up efforts to prevent hazards, such as wildlife interference near airport zones, through regular surveys and proactive management. Cleanliness and emergency preparedness have also been emphasised, ensuring a seamless experience for passengers, reported Bangkok Post.

 

Bangkok has emerged as the top destination for Thai and foreign tourists planning to celebrate Chinese New Year in Thailand, according to data from the digital travel platform Agoda. The vibrant capital outshone other popular spots, with accommodation searches surging ahead of the festivities starting January 29.

 

In the south, Hat Yai is pulling out all the stops for a dazzling Chinese New Year celebration, promising a week of vibrant festivities from January 28 to February 2. This iconic festival, a highlight for Thailand’s Chinese community, will take over Srinakorn Foundation School with parades, dragon and lion dances, fireworks, and breathtaking lantern sculptures.

 

Source: The Thaiger

-- 2025-01-17

 

 

last week they were saying that it would be a bust this year because of the chinese models problem with a scam ordeal thingy? Nest week it will be a record number? WOW 

10 hours ago, Pouatchee said:

last week they were saying that it would be a bust this year because of the chinese models problem with a scam ordeal thingy? Nest week it will be a record number? WOW 

It changes with the wind...

One hundred planes an hour over the 10 day period. ?  Thai authorities are very good at numbers,must get a casino going!

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

I’ve instructed all agencies to prioritise safety

 

Especially AoT so they can keep their jpbs.

Lies, damn lies, and statistics.  Then there is Thai data.

1 hour ago, watchcat said:

Especially AoT so they can keep their jpbs.

 

1 hour ago, watchcat said:

AoT

 

That should read TAT.

14 minutes ago, JimHuaHin said:

Lies, damn lies, and statistics.  Then there is Thai data.

These will be Chinese flights, i should imagine, of no economic value to Thailand people 

16 minutes ago, watchcat said:

 

 

That should read TAT.

It rather looks as if AoT are making a bid for the banner of TATtery!

1 hour ago, Paul Henry said:

One hundred planes an hour over the 10 day period. ?  Thai authorities are very good at numbers,must get a casino going!

They did not mention if these planes were landing or taking off…or in transit to their final destinations. You may add all the cargo planes loading and unloading during the night.

Also domestic flights are just moving people across Thailand but do not add any new foreigners into the country.

On 1/18/2025 at 9:00 AM, kiwikeith said:

These will be Chinese flights, i should imagine, of no economic value to Thailand people 

Some of them will be Hong Kong and Taiwan.

On 1/18/2025 at 8:00 AM, kiwikeith said:

These will be Chinese flights, i should imagine, of no economic value to Thailand people 

How does a Jetstar or Qantas flight bring more economic value than a Chinese one?

A complete disgrace. 

Just in time for pollution season, but the Chinese are used to that, so they will feel right at home here. My eyes are burning today already, welcome to paradise.

On 1/20/2025 at 11:53 PM, gearbox said:

How does a Jetstar or Qantas flight bring more economic value than a Chinese one?

The passengers are not controlled by Chinese tour guides who direct their clients to Chinese owned venues 

By now many of us realize that the TAT just makes the stuff up on a daily basis, and it's not necessarily based on any sort of factual data. Chinese travel is way down, it will continue to drop most likely, and this is just another one of those out of touch with the reality pipe dreams on the part of these goons.