DRBangkok: Thailand welcomed its 38.26 millionth tourist to the Kingdom today, a record high for the country that surpasses last year’s 38.17 million arrivals. Travelling from Mumbai, India, Devanshi Deepak Kesaria along with three friends arrived on Spice Jet flight SG081 at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to a pleasant surprise. The group travelled to Thailand for the first time, with plans to enjoy travel experiences in Bangkok and Pattaya.
After clearing immigration, she was invited to a welcome ceremony and was greeted by senior officials and VIPs from Thailand’s tourism industry, including the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Suvarnabhumi Airport, Immigration Bureau and Thai Airways International.
Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, said, “On behalf of TAT, I am delighted that Thailand remains the preferred destination among world travellers and has once again achieved a new record high number of arrivals this year with already 38.26 million arrivals as of 20 December.
“But good news is still to come. Thailand is expected to welcome the 39 millionth tourist on 27 December, or in a week from now.”
A ‘Luckiest Visitor’ jacket was presented to Devanshi in addition to a certificate commemorating the occasion, round-trip economy air tickets for two between her original destination and Thailand valid for one year, and a five-night accommodation voucher.
She also received gifts and souvenirs from representatives from Suvarnabhumi Airport, the Thai Tourist Police, and Immigration Bureau. She was then whisked away to their hotel in Bangkok in an exclusive airport limousine provided by Thai Airways International. TAT and the public and private sector partners initiated the “Thailand’s Luckiest Visitor, The Amazing Smashing Success” project back in June 2015, starting with welcoming the 13 millionth tourist. The project has since been carried on every year.
