Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) – On January 1, 2026, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Scoot jointly launched the inaugural flight service between Singapore and Chiang Rai. Scoot flight TR670 arrived at Mae Fa Luang International Airport at 18:50 that day, where a welcoming ceremony was held, including a cannon salute and the presentation of local souvenirs. This inaugural flight marks a significant step forward in the expansion of international air transport in northern Thailand, further solidifying Chiang Rai's position as an emerging tourist destination rich in cultural heritage and beautiful natural scenery.
The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Chiang Rai Governor Chuchep Pongchai, and attended by Phattaranon Na Chiang Mai, Deputy Director of International Marketing for Asia and the South Pacific at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, senior management from both sides, and representatives from the airport, provincial government, and tourism partners.
Pataranon stated that the new route will help tap into the demand of Singapore's high-value short-haul travelers, especially attracting repeat customers, encompassing niche groups such as wellness, luxury experiences, sports and leisure, and honeymoon/wedding travelers. It will also enrich multi-destination travel options, making it easier for tourists to connect Chiang Rai with other parts of Thailand via land, air, and self-driving. Furthermore, the route will support Thailand's tourism diversification strategy, supplementing the existing Chiang Mai route, balancing tourist traffic, and highlighting Chiang Rai's unique cultural and tourism value.
Scoot will operate five flights per week on this route, using a 112-seat Embraer E190-E2 aircraft. The flight schedule prioritizes convenience: departures from Singapore on Monday, Thursday, and Friday afternoons, and Tuesday and Saturday mornings.
Scoot's Chief Commercial Officer, Chen Jiawen, stated that Chiang Rai is Scoot's seventh destination in Thailand, and this inaugural flight marks a significant milestone in the expansion of its regional route network. He added that Chiang Rai possesses excellent natural and cultural resources, and the new route will improve transportation convenience between Singapore and Thailand, facilitating international travelers from the Singapore Airlines Group to Chiang Rai, while also supporting outbound travel for residents of northern Thailand. Scoot will continue to deepen its collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and local partners to jointly promote its routes.
Thailand is one of Singaporeans' top three travel destinations, receiving 967,341 Singaporean tourists in 2025 and projected to exceed 1.12 million in 2026. Singaporean tourists are primarily independent travelers and repeat visitors, preferring short trips of around five days. They have strong spending power and a keen interest in Thai cuisine, wellness, and cultural exploration. The year-end holidays and school breaks are peak seasons, making Singapore a stable and high-quality source market for tourists.
Currently, tourism demand in Thailand remains concentrated in established destinations such as Bangkok and Phuket. The TAT is increasing its promotional efforts in emerging regions like Chiang Rai. To support the development of new routes, the TAT Singapore office has partnered with Scoot on joint promotions and targeted media campaigns to enhance Chiang Rai's image and promote sustainable tourism.
