Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) hosted a “Honoring Partners and Treasure Friendship” event recently at the InterContinental Hotel in Kuala Lumpur as a way of expressing gratitude to travel partners, media and all those involved in promoting and enhancing Thailand’s tourism in the Malaysian market.

It also marked a celebration of their collective success in welcoming three million Malaysians to Thailand between January and September 2023.

Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, Deputy Governor for Asian and South Pacific Markets at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), emphasized the significance of Malaysia as a pivotal short-term market for Thailand. He highlighted the year-round appeal of Thailand as a tourist destination, citing its accessibility via both land routes through the southern border and by air, facilitated by numerous airlines. The recent launch of MyAirline’s new routes from Malaysia to Thailand in July, reflects the growing enthusiasm among Malaysians to explore Thailand.

Mr. Tanes also added that, in October last year, TAT staged the ‘Amazing Thailand, A Million Thanks to the Malaysians’ event in Kuala Lumpur to celebrate the achievement of one million tourists from Malaysia. This year, from January to September 2023, Thailand has already welcomed three million Malaysian tourists, and they are pretty optimistic the numbers will reach four million by the end of this year.

Miss Sukanya Sirikanjanakul, Executive Director, ASEAN South Asia and the South Pacific Region (TAT), emphasized the increasing convenience of travel between Malaysia and Thailand, diverse preferred Malaysian activities in Thailand, including delectable cuisine, shopping and traditional massages, whether they are travel as families, repeat visitors, or first-time explorers. Additionally, the growing trend of Malaysian companies and organizations choosing Thailand as a destination for meetings, seminars, social gatherings, study, and various corporate activities.

Mrs Sirinthara Surakanitaya, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Kuala Lumpur Office, pointed out that Malaysia currently represents the largest source of travellers to Thailand, with a particular affinity for the southern and northern regions. She also noted an emerging trend of tourists seeking to explore other parts of Thailand, such as the northern, eastern, northeastern, and western regions, evidenced by an increasing number of inquiries and discussions about travel options.

Mrs Sirinthara anticipates a continued rise in tourist arrivals during the final quarter of 2023, particularly during the high season, driven by factors such as school holidays in Malaysia and significant celebrations like Deepavali, Christmas, and New Year.

TAT pledges to continuously work closely with partners, conduct marketing promotions, and organize outreach activities throughout Malaysia to stimulate travel, especially during the holiday season and New Year’s festivities.

Attendees of this awesome event, which of course include yours truly here were treated to a captivating performance featuring contemporary dance, live band music and a Thai traditional instrument music band from Chiang Mai, adding a cultural touch to the occasion.….