Tourism Indian Tourists Defy Trends, Boost Thai Arrivals Amid Airline Woes

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

Despite a recent Air India aircraft mishap, Indian tourists continue to flock to Thailand, defying global short-haul market trends. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) targets a record 2.4 million Indian arrivals this year.

 

In response to market dynamics, a new 750-million-baht flight stimulus programme is on the horizon. Patsee Permvongsenee, TAT's executive director for regions including South Asia, emphasised India's enduring love for Thailand. The convenience of a short 4-5 hour flight and visa-free access remains a significant draw.

 

As of mid-July, 1.26 million Indians had visited Thailand, making them the third largest group of visitors after Malaysia and China. This influx includes young millennials, wedding parties, and business travellers.

 

To further encourage Indian tourists, the Thai government offers a 150-million-baht incentive subsidy, enhancing similar schemes managed by TAT's offices in New Delhi and Mumbai.

 

Siriges-a-nong Trirattanasongpol, from TAT's New Delhi office, acknowledged the Air India crash last month affected sentiment. However, many Indians are still keen to visit Thailand even during the off-peak season.

 

While a joint promotion with Air India is on hold, TAT is partnering with other airlines. The Indian government is also allowing more foreign flight slots, supporting increased travel.

 

Adding to the excitement is the upcoming launch of Noida International Airport, poised to provide new flight opportunities. Thai Airways sees potential in India to compensate for a slump in Chinese tourists. Many Indians use the airline for connections to other Southeast Asian destinations.

 

Thai Airways serves eight Indian cities, including 22 weekly flights to Delhi and 11 to Mumbai, and is exploring flights to Noida International Airport. The new airport's proximity to the Taj Mahal could appeal to travellers.

 

Several airlines, such as Thai Lion Air and British Airways, are set to participate in the subsidy programme, which offers 500 baht per passenger to attract 500,000 more tourists.

 

This strategic push highlights Thailand's commitment to maintaining robust tourism figures, drawing on its appeal and ensuring a vibrant future for the industry.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-07-16

 

 

[chawbdurian]

I wonder what Thais think of this

[norsurin]

2 million sleeping on the beach i guess.

[redwood1]

Are complimentary straws part of the deal.

[BarraMarra]

Will TAT be offering visa free Accsess to European Travelers too?

[Kenny Boy]

Wherever they go they take over.

[Formaleins]

"Flocking" no less, absolutely amazing, flocks of Indian tourists flying into Pattaya, defecating like seagulls on the beach. Probably peck your eyes out and tear off your ears given the chance. - Make sure to wash any fecal residue off your car paint as it is acidic.

[hotchilli]

14 hours ago, chawbdurian said:

I wonder what Thais think of this

I know what most of the service girls think...

[Formaleins]

6 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

I know what most of the service girls think...

Do I detect sarcasm? The Indians appear to all pitch in a few Baht and then about 20 of them bang the girls like a barn door in the wind. Horses for courses I guess. The Chinese tourists band together and pitch in their cash and about 20 of them share a plate of fried rice or similar, either way, a lot of people are getting "sloppy seconds"

[MalcolmB]

14 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

I know what most of the service girls think...

They enjoy the gang bangs apparently 

[KhaoHom]

Conversely, obtaining an Indian visa thru their shonky website is as convoluted and tedious as one would expect from India.

 

If unawares ... Take Thai bureaucracy add three levels of additional complications and five levels of indifference

[KhaoHom]

2 minutes ago, MalcolmB said:

They enjoy the gang bangs apparently 

 

I think this is a myth.

 

Perhaps 2-3

 

I'm sure they finish quickly. It's probably the same thrashing they'd get from one farang

 

I'm sure many of those gals not much on the open market. Heavy, well past prime

[phetphet]

Does this mean there will soon be a special VIP welcome lane at arrivals specifically for Indians? 

[Caldera]

Has anyone actually considered what more Indian tourists means for other tourists?

 

Maybe they find the place less enjoyable due to their presence, and it contributes to their decision to stay away.

[MalcolmB]

45 minutes ago, KhaoHom said:

 

I think this is a myth.

 

Perhaps 2-3

 

I'm sure they finish quickly. It's probably the same thrashing they'd get from one farang

 

I'm sure many of those gals not much on the open market. Heavy, well past prime

No one is forcing these girls to do gang bangs.

Most girls fantasize about it, the girls are living the dream.

[KhaoHom]

Just now, MalcolmB said:

No one is forcing these girls to do gang bangs.

Most girls fantasize about it, the girls are living the dream.

 

What a bunch of BS.

 

Bignok, Sparktrader alert

[KhaoHom]

12 minutes ago, Caldera said:

Has anyone actually considered what more Indian tourists means for other tourists?

 

Maybe they find the place less enjoyable due to their presence, and it contributes to their decision to stay away.

 

Seriously? Why would that be a consideration of any tat official

 

Besides, they have every right to have their holiday here as you do as per for the Thai government.

 

I rarely see them in my area of Bangkok and when we holiday outside of Bangkok they are rarely if ever to be seen at all. Perhaps if it bothers you so much change up where you live and operate?

[redwood1]

2 minutes ago, MalcolmB said:

No one is forcing these girls to do gang bangs.

Most girls fantasize about it, the girls are living the dream.

 

I agree....I am pretty sure gang banging a group of Indians is every Thai girls dream in life...

[technoronin]

15 minutes ago, Caldera said:

Has anyone actually considered what more Indian tourists means for other tourists?

 

Maybe they find the place less enjoyable due to their presence, and it contributes to their decision to stay away.

Given the cultural differences between south Asian and Western cultures, I suspect a number of Westerners will stay away.  Enticing lots of Indians to visit may be a financial loss overall for Thailand.

[JRG23]

Be careful what you wish for. They clearly don't spend much money.

[KhaoHom]

3 minutes ago, JRG23 said:

Be careful what you wish for. They clearly don't spend much money.

 

Thai government doesn't care. It gets revenue from air flights and hotel taxes. Indians can also load up on products that are low quality in India so VAT.

[Captain Flack]

Unacceptable trolling post removed @baansgr

[rumeaug]

Welcome to Mumbai..sorry i mean Pattaya, Chonburi, India ...Sorry..Thailand

[captain_shane]

1 hour ago, KhaoHom said:

I'm sure many of those gals not much on the open market. Heavy, well past prime

Nope. I used to believe that too. But, no I've seen legitimate good looking women go with them in groups. Desperation can force some gross behaviors I guess.

[Burma Bill]

Indian curry restaurants  every where!

 

Thai cabaret shows changing to Bollywood entertainment!

 

Tailors shops in abundance with Indian men pestering you to buy a suit - will make a change from the pestering Thai prostitutes and ladyboys!

 

Great - bring it on!

[Patong2021]

13 hours ago, BarraMarra said:

Will TAT be offering visa free Accsess to European Travelers too?

 

Europeans already have it. They do not pay when they come on the Tourist Visa.

[Patong2021]

1 hour ago, JRG23 said:

Be careful what you wish for. They clearly don't spend much money.

Many do. The Indian destination weddings bounced back in Phuket.

For a basic 3-night wedding with 50 guests, including ceremony and reception, costs could range from $6,000 to $13,600 USD, averaging around $8,900 USD, according to Phuket Romance

A wedding at a  4* resort will be between 2.5 to 3 million THB for 100 guests 3nights. This website breaks down the costs.

https://www.diwas.in/cost-of-destination-wedding-in-phuket/

The single male and  cheapskates go to Pattaya, but the  Indian middle class with the families  go to Phuket, and Ko Samui. It's a different demographic.

 

[ravip]

3 hours ago, Kenny Boy said:

Wherever they go they take over.

Absolutely correct. Not only mega companies, even developed countries are taken over lock, stock, and barrel! They have done it, and they continue doing it, in spite of the barn doors in the wind and the horses for courses I

 

 

[FlorC]

Apparently India doesn't have beaches , temples ,

prostitutes and tropical weather.

[Brave-Fart]

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

File photo for reference only

 

Despite a recent Air India aircraft mishap, Indian tourists continue to flock to Thailand, defying global short-haul market trends. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) targets a record 2.4 million Indian arrivals this year.

 

In response to market dynamics, a new 750-million-baht flight stimulus programme is on the horizon. Patsee Permvongsenee, TAT's executive director for regions including South Asia, emphasised India's enduring love for Thailand. The convenience of a short 4-5 hour flight and visa-free access remains a significant draw.

 

As of mid-July, 1.26 million Indians had visited Thailand, making them the third largest group of visitors after Malaysia and China. This influx includes young millennials, wedding parties, and business travellers.

 

To further encourage Indian tourists, the Thai government offers a 150-million-baht incentive subsidy, enhancing similar schemes managed by TAT's offices in New Delhi and Mumbai.

 

Siriges-a-nong Trirattanasongpol, from TAT's New Delhi office, acknowledged the Air India crash last month affected sentiment. However, many Indians are still keen to visit Thailand even during the off-peak season.

 

While a joint promotion with Air India is on hold, TAT is partnering with other airlines. The Indian government is also allowing more foreign flight slots, supporting increased travel.

 

Adding to the excitement is the upcoming launch of Noida International Airport, poised to provide new flight opportunities. Thai Airways sees potential in India to compensate for a slump in Chinese tourists. Many Indians use the airline for connections to other Southeast Asian destinations.

 

Thai Airways serves eight Indian cities, including 22 weekly flights to Delhi and 11 to Mumbai, and is exploring flights to Noida International Airport. The new airport's proximity to the Taj Mahal could appeal to travellers.

 

Several airlines, such as Thai Lion Air and British Airways, are set to participate in the subsidy programme, which offers 500 baht per passenger to attract 500,000 more tourists.

 

This strategic push highlights Thailand's commitment to maintaining robust tourism figures, drawing on its appeal and ensuring a vibrant future for the industry.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-07-16

 

 

 

 

 

 

no doubt because it is the cheapest it has been for while here especially due to slow season , it is obvious they do not like spending money otherwise they would not have the reputation of being tighter than  " Scotsmen " with short arms and deep pockets or tighter than a Scotsmans a##e