Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently celebrated the official launch of Air Arabia's daily direct flight between Sharjah and Krabi. This route is not only an important step for Thailand in expanding its air links with the Middle East and meeting the needs of high-end travelers, but also a key milestone in its "Focus on Aviation" strategy.
On November 29th, the launch ceremony was presided over by Thai Deputy Minister of the Interior, Sasithong Kitiddrakul, and attended by Krabi Governor Ankorn Siratwakul, TAT Americas, Middle East and Africa Executive Director Santi Sawancharon, Southern Region Executive Director Vajanan Silpawongwiwat, and local government and business representatives.
Santi Sawancharon pointed out that expanding the air network is a core measure to enhance Thailand's global tourism standing. “The Sharjah-Krabi route demonstrates the effectiveness of the ‘Focus on Aviation’ strategy, opening a new gateway for high-end travelers from the Middle East,” he emphasized. He added that the Middle East market is dynamic, and the new route not only strengthens connectivity but also aligns with Thailand’s “value over quantity” tourism development strategy—attracting high-value travelers to emerging destinations like Krabi, boosting business opportunities in the hotel, halal tourism, and wellness services sectors, while enhancing external confidence in Thailand’s infrastructure and sustainable development capabilities.
It is understood that Arab Air operates one daily flight between Sharjah and Krabi, adding over 5,220 seats to Krabi each month. The airline also currently operates 14 weekly flights to Bangkok and Phuket, all using Airbus A320 or A321 aircraft, offering 174 to 215 seats per flight. This route also provides convenience for long-haul travelers from the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa, offering seamless connections to southern Thai destinations such as Phuket.
To deepen cooperation, the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Air Arabia plan to invite three media representatives and six corporate clients to visit Krabi from November 28 to December 4, 2025. Previously, the two parties have jointly conducted several promotional activities, including a media launch event in Krabi, Dubai in September and a visit by Arab key opinion leaders (KOLs) during the Chonburi Tourism Fair in July.
The Middle East is one of Thailand's core source markets. Tourists from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states have significant spending power and prefer high-end accommodations, wellness tourism, and family travel. From January to November 23, 2025, Thailand received over 728,000 Middle Eastern tourists, with an average stay of 10 days and spending approximately 100,000 baht per person. The total number of Middle Eastern tourists is projected to exceed 850,000 for the entire year.
