Thailand rolls out the red carpet for Polish tourists
Thailand has turned on the charm for Polish holidaymakers, welcoming 294 tourists on a landmark charter flight from Warsaw to Krabi. LOT Polish Airlines‘ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner touched down at Krabi International Airport yesterday, December 19, marking a high-flying milestone in Thai-Polish tourism.
This inaugural seasonal service, organised by leading tour operator ITAKA, is set to run until March 19, 2025, offering 14 flights with 4,116 seats. Deputy Governor of Krabi, Suwit Suriyawong, and TAT Europe Region Executive Director, Suladda Sarutilavan, personally greeted the passengers, showcasing Thailand’s famous hospitality.[
“With Thailand’s visa exemption for Polish travellers and the strong appeal of Thai beach destinations, the 2024–2025 winter season is set to attract even more visitors from Poland.”
Polish tourists are embracing Thailand as their go-to winter escape. Popular hotspots include Krabi, Phuket, and Phang Nga, thanks to the Andaman coast’s sun-soaked beaches.
The Polish market has surged in significance, with arrivals jumping from 121,700 last year to 163,403 by mid-December this year. Their visits generated a whopping 6.5 billion baht in revenue last year, and the figures are climbing.
LOT Polish Airlines is also expanding services this winter with Warsaw-Bangkok and Warsaw-Phuket routes, alongside partnerships with Rainbow Tour, providing 51,971 seats across Eastern Europe, reported TAT News.
Thailand’s visa exemptions, allowing Polish citizens to stay for up to 60 days, have been a game-changer, with TAT and private sector partners seizing the opportunity to boost sustainable tourism.
“The enhanced connectivity provided by LOT Polish Airlines’ expanded services will offer memorable experiences while supporting Thailand’s sustainable tourism goals.”
In related news, the famed Khao San Road, once a bustling hub of backpacker activity in Bangkok, finds itself facing a slowdown in hotel bookings as the festive season approaches. According to Khaosan Business Association President Sanga Ruangwattanakul, reservations for the key dates of December 30 to December 31 have slumped to around 60%, down from 70% the previous year.
