ไทย
Phuket – On October 27, 2024, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) welcomed Air Astana’s inaugural flight KC163, flying directly from Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan, and arriving at Phuket International Airport, Thailand, at 7:45 AM. The welcome ceremony was graced by Ms. Suladda Sarutilawan, TAT Director for the Europe region, Mr. Lertchai Wangtrakuldee, Director of the TAT Phuket Office, along with representatives from local partner organizations, including representatives from Phuket Airport, the Phuket Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports, the Phuket Tourism Business Association, and Air Astana. They warmly greeted and presented souvenirs to the tourists.
Ms. Suladda Sarutilawan, TAT Director for the Europe Region, stated that the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) aims to expand the market of high-quality tourists from long-haul markets through its Airline Focus strategy. This involves working with airline partners to restore and increase airline seat capacity by adding new routes and increasing flight frequency. The inaugural flight route of Air Astana between Astana and Phuket today will facilitate travel for tourists from Kazakhstan, one of the rising star markets with high growth rates. It will also help expand the Central Asian tourist base and offer more options for tourists traveling to Thailand, especially to popular seaside destinations like Phuket. Combined with the government’s Ease of Traveling measures, including visa exemptions for tourists from 93 countries, allowing stays in Thailand for up to 60 days, it is expected to attract quality tourists from Kazakhstan, with a target of 220,000 arrivals in 2024.
Air Astana is the national airline of the Republic of Kazakhstan. During the tourism season from October 2024 to March 2025, there will be a total of 624 flights to Bangkok and Phuket, including both regular flights and charter flights, with a seat capacity of approximately 103,584 seats. Flight KC163 offers a direct flight route from Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan, with the first flight departing on October 26, 2024, at 9:40 PM (local time) and arriving at Phuket International Airport on October 27, 2024, at 7:45 AM. The flight is operated by an Airbus A321neo LR, with a passenger capacity of 166 seats per flight, and will provide three flights per week.
Regarding the behavior of Kazakhstani tourists, the majority are first-time visitors, with around 74.11% traveling with their families through tour operators. They have an average stay of 9-10 nights and spend over 75,000 baht per person per trip. Popular destinations include the beach areas of Phuket, Chonburi, Krabi, and Phang Nga, and there is significant interest in health and wellness tourism products and services.
From January 1 to October 23, 2024, approximately 137,823 Kazakhstani tourists visited Thailand, an increase of 16.06% compared to the same period in 2023. This is considered a high-potential market for growth. In 2025, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) plans to continue promoting this market through collaborative activities with local partners to boost sales in the first quarter, focusing on working with tour operators to generate travel demand during the winter season. Promotional campaigns will also be launched in the second quarter to raise awareness and stimulate travel demand during the summer season.