Nearly 2,000 Chinese flights to enter Thailand in coming months

Nearly 2,000 Chinese flights are set to enter Thailand in the coming months.

Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) authorised1,910 flights from China to enter the kingdom, with 671 expected to arrive in February and 970 slated for arrival in March, according to CAAT president Suttipong Kongpool.

In addition, the CAAT has received 6,318 flight requests for the period from February 13 to 19, bringing the total number of flights for February 2023 to 25,256. A total of 269 Chinese flights already arrived in the country last month.

The increase in flights follows the relaxation of travel restrictions by the Thai government after the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the lifting of harsh border restrictions by China on January 8.

A number of Chinese airlines, such as Air China and Air China Southern, have requested to fly to Thailand, operating from various cities in China to various destinations in Thailand.

Suttipong stated that the return of Chinese tourists will result in bustling travel both domestically and internationally in Thailand from February 13 to 19.

Chinese tourists are rushing into Thailand now that China has lifted border restrictions.

The first direct tour group flights from mainland China to Thailand marked a milestone in the recovery of the Thai tourism industry. One flight landed at Don Mueang International Airport on February 6 with 40 Chinese tour group members and 90 other travellers. A second flight also landed that day in Phuket. In total, 13 flights with tour groups from China landed in Thailand on February 6.

During their trips to Thailand, Chinese tourists have enjoyed a variety of the kingdom’s sites and attractions.

Chinese tourists are flocking to the Folding Umbrella Market in Thailand’s central province of Samut Songkram. The market is set up alongside a railway line and when a train approaches, the vendors must quickly fold their parasols and clear their goods from the track to make way for the train to pass. With restrictions on travel beginning to ease following the Covid pandemic, Chinese tourists are heading to Thailand, eager to witness this hidden gem for themselves.

Last month, Bangkok‘s New Chinatown was once again buzzing with life as Chinese tourists flock back to the bustling neighbourhood.