The upcoming launch of a direct surroundings route from Bangkok to Jeddah, the commercial centre plus gateway to the ay city of Mecca, is definitely expected to push in the number of visitors through Saudi Arabia tenfold, deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said.
Thai Airways International (THAI) has announced it can introduce the Bangkok-Jeddah route from Aug 19, following the normalisation of Thai-Saudi relationships earlier in the season.
The carrier will operate four weekly flights to Jeddah on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Ms Rachada said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha commended THAI for performing its part to expand relations along with Saudi Arabia.
Gen Prayut visited Saudi Arabia in January this year, and a subsequent agreement was reached among Thailand and Saudi Arabia to fully recover diplomatic relations following a freeze of more than 30 years.
Microsoft Rachada said the particular inaugural flight will bolster ties on both government and people-to-people levels with all the expanding investment potential customers.
She added the non-stop flights to Jeddah look certain to raise the number of visitors through Saudi Arabia tenfold, from around 30, 000 a year at present. Visitors have had to detour through additional cities before being released on the in Thailand.
Thais will likely head to Saudi Arabia in large numbers. They include pilgrims, mostly from the southern edge provinces, attending the particular annual Hajj within Mecca and those searching for employment in the kingdom.
Microsoft Rachada, who is furthermore the government’s special representative solving difficulties in the deep Southern, said visitors from Saudi Arabia journeyed to Thailand to shop, see the sights and seek medical providers.
The lady said THAI furthermore planned to spread Thai cultural affects through the sale of items native to the strong South in the airline’s online THAI Store. Some of the products, like salt from Pattani with a distinct mild taste, may be used like a seasoning for meals served on board.
Ms Rachada said the airline is also promoting the southern provinces in Saudi Arabia along with other Gulf countries.