Phuket airport welcomes 2015’s 26 millionth visitor to Thailand



The 26 millionth visitor, Tommy Jeppsson, was welcomed at the arrival lounge by Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul who was joined by representatives from leading tourism organisations and businesses.

PHUKET: A Norwegian man who arrived at Phuket International Airport yesterday (Nov 20) was the 26 millionth person to arrive in Thailand this year.

The visitor, Tommy Jeppsson, who arrived on flight TG205 from Bangkok, was surprised to receive a grand welcoming ceremony which was led by Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul who was joined by representatives from leading tourism organisations and businesses when he walked into the passenger arrival lounge.

For being the 26 millionth visitor, Mr Jeppsson was awarded two economy-class return tickets from his original destination to Thailand valid for one year, a voucher for five-nights stay at a luxury accommodation, a mobile phone with a 4G sim-card and seven-day internet usage for use during the trip, and a “Thailand’s Luckiest Visitor” certificate from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Airports of Thailand, the Immigration Bureau, Thai Airways International and True Corporation.

Mr Jeppsson said, “I chose Phuket as my travel destination for the winter break so I can enjoy the nice weather, amazing Thai food and culture, beaches and natural attractions.

“I have visited Phuket seven times already and on each trip I have stayed for two weeks.”

Full story: http://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-airport-welcomes-2015-26-millionth-visitor-to-thailand-55071.php

-- Phuket News 2015-11-21

Nice story, and great to see Thailand appreciate it's tourists !

In the exact same second another tourist arrived in Bangkok, so why did they chose to celebrate in Phuket??

In the exact same second another tourist arrived in Bangkok, so why did they chose to celebrate in Phuket??

Because that one in Bangkok was obviously tourist number 26,000,001 and doesn't count.

“Mr Jeppsson said, “I chose Phuket as my travel destination for the winter break so I can enjoy the nice weather, amazing Thai food and culture, beaches and natural attractions.”

Mr. Jeppsson was thinking, “Oh crap, why me? I’m tired, I wanna get the hell out of here, I need a cold beer and a hot woman.”

Visitors, not tourists.

Coincidence that he happened to be on a Thai Airways flight?

I'm so excited about this news, I almost wet my Pants.

“I have visited Phuket seven times already and on each trip I have stayed for two weeks.”

You would think that after seven times he would know better