Thai gov’t urged to upgrade regional airports to boost tourism revenue

The Airlines Association of Thailand (AAT) has called on the government to upgrade more regional airports to international airports, aiming to generate higher tourism revenue for 55 second-tier cities, reported local media.

The Airlines Association of Thailand (AAT) has called on the government to upgrade more regional airports to international airports, aiming to generate higher tourism revenue for 55 second-tier cities. (Photo courtesy of Khon Kaen Airport)
The Airlines Association of Thailand (AAT) has called on the government to upgrade more regional airports to international airports, aiming to generate higher tourism revenue for 55 second-tier cities. (Photo courtesy of Khon Kaen Airport)

Bangkok (VNA) - The Airlines Association of Thailand (AAT) has called on the government to upgrade more regional airports to international airports, aiming to generate higher tourism revenue for 55 second-tier cities, reported local media.

During the "Ignite Tourism Thailand" event chaired by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on June 11, AAT President Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth said authorities should develop more regional airports, enabling them to accommodate international flights, which could help attract tourists to nearby provinces.

To offset air travel expenditure, he said, airlines proposed the government include expenses for airfare to second-tier cities in the recent tax deduction measures, which the PM agreed to consider.

Airlines also want the government announce visa-free policies 2-3 months in advance of their implementation to allow tourists more time to plan and book their flights, he continued.

Previous visa-free announcements provided too little time, making tourists more reluctant to book trips to Thailand, according to Puttipong. Most airlines would like the government to increase air service agreements with the Indian government, as the additional 7,000 seats per week already agreed to is insufficient for all airlines in Thailand.

President of the Thai Hotels Association Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun said hoteliers want the government to consider launching a subsidy similar to the previous "We Travel Together" scheme focused exclusively on retirees, who have both the time and budget to spend on travel during weekdays.

During the meeting with 55 provincial governors, PM Srettha said all provinces must improve their infrastructure to cater to growing tourism demand, such as transport and other tourism facilities./.

VNA

See more

Malaysia’s foreign direct investment is expected to remain robust in the long term. (Photo: thestar.com.my)

Malaysia expected to remain magnet for FDI

A confluence of factors, including its significance in the global tech supply chain, friendly FDI policies, existing industry clusters, a skilled labour force and extensive free trade agreements (FTAs), makes Malaysia an outperformer in the region

The website of the Anti-Fake News Centre has had nearly 28 million views. (Bangkok Post File Photo)

Thailand to use AI to prevent fake news

The Thai Ministry of Digital Economy and Society said it is cooperating with over 300 agencies to eradicate fake news while looking to use articial intelligence (AI) to verify news reports.

Illustrative image (Photo: https://nationthailand.com)

Nissan to close factory in Thailand

The company expects to cut or transfer about 1,000 jobs in Thailand and stated that reducing operating expenses by around 400 billion JPY (2.62 billion USD) in the 2026 fiscal year will help maintain a stable operating profit margin of 4%.

The North of Thailand is grappling with a surge in wildfires, with 401 hotspots detected across 17 provinces (Photo: The Nation)

Wildfires rage northern Thailand

The North of Thailand is grappling with a surge in wildfires, with 401 hotspots detected across 17 provinces, the Region 3 Forest Fire Control Centre said on February 13.

Thailand suspends issuance of gun carrying permits to curb crime

Thailand suspends issuance of gun carrying permits to curb crime

Traisuree said the order was issued because many people in Thailand carry firearms in public places without a sound reason. Some display their firearms in public to intimidate others. Such habits could lead to crime and danger to people’s lives, properties and morale, she said.

Participants pose for a group photo at the 31st ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Consultation in China's Ningbo city on February 13, 2025. (Photo: https://asean.org/)

China proposes new initiatives of cooperation with ASEAN

The Chinese side reaffirmed its support for ASEAN's community-building efforts and the bloc’s central role in regional affairs, emphasising the priority China places on its relationship with ASEAN as part of its neighbourhood diplomacy.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Seri Mohamad Hasan (right) and his Cuban counterpart Bruno Eduardo Rodriguez Parrilla in Kuala Lumpur on February 13. (Photo: Bernama)

Malaysia, Cuba strengthen bilateral ties

Malaysian Foreign Minister Seri Mohamad Hasan met with his Cuban counterpart Bruno Eduardo Rodriguez Parrilla in Kuala Lumpur on February 13, where discussions focused on enhancing collaboration in trade, health care, education and tourism.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, which stands 1,703 meters tall, has erupted multiple times in recent months. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Indonesia raises volcano alert to highest level

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, which stands 1,703 meters tall, has erupted multiple times in recent months. In November, a series of eruptions killed nine people, forced thousands to flee, and disrupted international flights to Bali.