The Airports of Thailand branch that operates Phuket International Airport (AoT Phuket) reported that Ms Paetongtarn arrived shortly before 9:44am.
PM Paetongtarn chaired a meeting at the airport joined by the island’s leading officials to be briefed on issues affecting the island and strategies to counter the ill effects of what many residents describe as critical infrastructure failure as the result of decades of poor planning and administration.
To assuage local Thais’ understanding of Ms Paetongtarn’s visit to Phuket today, the Phuket branch of the Public relations Department (PR Phuket) this morning issued a long, detailed report of the success of tourism in helping to support the Thai economy.
The PR Phuket report today cited Deputy Government Spokesperson Sasikarn Wattanachan delivering the news yesterday, one day before the Prime Minister’s visit.
Ms Sasikarn reported that Thai tourism in 2024 (Jan 1-Dec 31) attracted 35.54 million foreign tourists, marking a 26.27% increase from the previous year.
The influx generated B1.67 trillion in international tourism revenue, a 34% growth fueled by government initiatives and collaboration between public and private sectors, she said.
Ms Sasikarn emphasised that 2024’s tourism growth reflected the ‘effectiveness of government measures’ such as visa exemptions and simplified entry procedures for land checkpoints.
The introduction of new flight routes and increased airline frequencies also played a significant role, she said. The top three foreign tourist markets in 2024 were China, Malaysia and India.
Domestic tourism also experienced growth, with 198.69mn trips made by Thai travelers, a 7.02% increase. Domestic tourism contributed B950 billion in revenue, a 12.03% rise. Popular domestic destinations included Bangkok, Chonburi and Kanchanaburi.
“Thailand’s success in becoming a leading global tourist destination is credited to cooperation between the government, private sectors, and local communities. This collaboration fostered a positive image through diverse activities and events, revitalizing the economy and boosting confidence in the tourism sector,’ Ms Sasikarn said.
Tourism Year 2025 Begins
From Jan 1–5, 2025, Thailand welcomed 505,411 foreign tourists, averaging 100,000 arrivals per day. This generated an estimated B25.3bn in spending.
The top five countries contributing to tourist numbers during this period were China (69,548 visitors), Malaysia (57,127 visitors), Russia (46,752 visitors), South Korea (28,160 visitors) and India (26,635 visitors).
Focusing on the New Year ‘bump’, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Jungrungreangkit reported that AoT had observed significant increases in air traffic from Dec 27, 2024 to Jan 2, 2025.
A total of over 2.97mn million passengers traveled through AoT airports, representing a 19.7% increase compared to the same period last year. This included more than 1.84mn international passengers, an increase of 23.8%, and 1.13 million domestic passengers, an increase of 13.5%.
Additionally, there were over 17,385 flights during the period, which marked a 16.4% rise from the previous year. Of these, 9,792 were international flights, reflecting an increase of 21.7%, and 7,593 were domestic flights, an increase of 10.3%.
AoT President and CEO Kerati Kijmanawat reported that during the New Year period:
- Suvarnabhumi Airport handled 1,429,736 passengers, a 16.1% increase from the previous year, with 7,707 flights, a 14.3% rise.
- Don Mueang Airport recorded 758,929 passengers, a 27% increase, and 4,914 flights, up by 19.2%.
- Chiang Mai Airport served 233,769 passengers, an increase of 19.7%, with 1,425 flights, up by 12.1%.
- Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai Airport welcomed 46,190 passengers, an increase of 14.5%, and handled 318 flights, up by 12%.
- Phuket Airport accommodated 437,411 passengers, a 20.4% increase, and 2,573 flights, which rose by 20.5%.
- Hat Yai Airport processed 66,092 passengers, an increase of 18.2%, and managed 448 flights, up by 17.9%.
Note: The order of reporting passenger traffic at the six airports operated by AoT is standard for AoT, consistently placing Phuket International Airport, the third busiest airport in the country, second last.
Mr Kerati also highlighted AoT’s ongoing efforts to integrate advanced technology into its operations. AoT is accelerating the implementation of a full-scale biometric system, aiming to achieve 100% utilization across its airports by Jan 15, 2025, said the PR Phuket report.
PM Paethongtarn’s visit to Phuket today is to address various challenges and promote development across multiple sectors, including tourism, flood management and traffic infrastructure, noted the PR Phuket report.
According to the Prime Minister’s spokesman, Jirayu Huangtra, the visit will focus on resolving issues in public utilities and other physical aspects of the province to support its tourism industry..
As part of her visit today, PM Paetongtarn will travel to the Phuket Yacht Haven Marina in Mai Khao to preside over the opening ceremony of the Thailand International Boat Show.
She will also travel to inspect the Bang Neow Dum Reservoir in Srisoonthorn