Thailand tourism plans response to Middle East conflict

By VNA   March 15, 2026 | 03:36 pm PT Google Get VnExpress first in Google Search info See more of the news you trust. Make VnExpress a preferred source to prioritise our updates in your Google search results
Thailand tourism plans response to Middle East conflict
Tourists from China dressed in traditional Thai costumes pose as they visit Wat Arun, known as the Temple of Dawn, in Bangkok, Thailand, Nov. 21, 2024. Photo by Reuters
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is preparing measures to mitigate the impact of tensions in the Middle East on the country's tourism sector, including proposals to stimulate domestic travel and short-haul flights.

Following consultations with private operators, TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said the agency is promoting Thailand as a safe destination and plans to suggest the establishment of a strategic operations unit to monitor flight capacity, load factors, oil prices and travel costs.

TAT also plans to use the remaining central budget under the Thailand Summer Blast scheme, which supports inbound flights to Thailand, to back airlines and promote both major and secondary cities.

It is considering adjustments to an existing subsidy program for charter flights to cover long-haul markets, as well as incentives such as free domestic flights for international visitors and co-payment schemes to boost local tourism.

Thailand aims to capitalize on the situation by positioning itself as an aviation hub linking Europe with Asia and Australia, while adjusting flight schedules to attract more direct long-haul services. At the same time, efforts will be made to rebalance international tourism markets by focusing on China, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Southeast Asia.

Industry representatives have also suggested strengthening bilateral tourism cooperation with China to tap potential transit passengers traveling between China and Europe.

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