Thailand strives to increase its foreign flights in response to a rise in tourism

On the same day that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-chat made the observation that the tourist industry is on its way to recovery, he issued a directive requiring the Ministry to get in touch with international flight carriers. Up to the 10th of December this year, the administration estimates that the country has received approximately 10 million people from other countries. As the peak season draws closer, that number is only going to continue to rise.

In addition, the Bangkok Post reports that orders have been placed for additional ground service employees in an effort to better accommodate the growing number of passengers. In other news, the proposal that the Ministry of Tourism and Sports was planning to submit to the Cabinet in order to allow night entertainment venues in some districts to remain open past 2 am has apparently been delayed. Now, the tourism campaign known as “We Travel Together” is scheduled to launch on the same day, December 20, as the plan that will be presented to the cabinet. As a result of the uptick in tourism, the Thai Ministry of Transport has been given instructions to inquire into adding more international flights to the country. However, according to the Minister of Tourism and Sports, regulations that would let such establishments remain open past 2:00 am could be introduced around March. The ministry had decided to implement the program in nine different regions, with Bangla Road in Patong, Phuket serving as the pilot area for extended hours of operation till 4 am. However, detractors assert that permitting such establishments to remain open later will lead to an increase in drunk driving as well as an increase in the number of accidents. The problem with Covid-19, as well as the general public’s safety and health, were cited as the primary reasons for Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s agreement that amusement venues should close at 2 am.