Thailand Bets Big on India with Direct Chiang Mai Flights, New Sea Links and Cross-Border Highway Plans

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July 24, 2026 06:58 GMT+5:30

Thailand is accelerating efforts to deepen connectivity with India through plans for direct flights between Chiang Mai and Indian cities, alongside expanded maritime cooperation, improved road transport, and stronger regional logistics. The proposals were discussed during high-level talks between Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn and India’s Ambassador to Thailand, Puneet Agrawal, reflecting both countries’ commitment to strengthening tourism, trade and investment. With more than one million Indian visitors travelling to Thailand during the first five months of 2026, the initiative is expected to unlock new tourism opportunities beyond Bangkok while supporting broader economic cooperation ahead of the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.

Why Is Thailand Seeking Direct Flights Between Chiang Mai and India?

Thailand is seeking to establish direct air services linking Chiang Mai with destinations in India as part of a broader strategy to improve connectivity between the two countries.

The proposal was discussed during a meeting at Thailand’s Ministry of Transport, where Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn met with Puneet Agrawal, India’s Ambassador to Thailand.

The proposed route forms part of a wider initiative aimed at strengthening transport links by air, sea and road while encouraging tourism growth, facilitating trade and supporting long-term economic cooperation.

According to the Thai government, direct flights to Chiang Mai would make travel more convenient for Indian visitors while encouraging tourism spending beyond the capital city of Bangkok.

Why Is Chiang Mai Becoming a Priority Destination?

Chiang Mai has become one of Thailand’s most important tourism destinations outside Bangkok.

The city is renowned for its cultural heritage, historic temples, mountain landscapes, culinary experiences and year-round festivals, making it an attractive option for international travellers seeking diverse travel experiences.

By introducing direct flights from India, Thailand hopes to encourage visitors to explore northern regions of the country rather than concentrating tourism activity within traditional gateway destinations.

Greater regional dispersal is expected to benefit local tourism businesses, hotels, restaurants, transport providers and attractions while creating more balanced tourism growth across the country.

How Strong Is the Indian Tourism Market?

India continues to strengthen its position as one of Thailand’s fastest-growing international tourism markets.

Between January and May 2026, Thailand welcomed 1,056,729 Indian visitors, representing an increase of 7.98% compared with the corresponding period during the previous year.

The continued growth highlights the expanding popularity of Thailand among Indian travellers while reinforcing the importance of maintaining strong aviation connectivity between the two countries.

The latest figures have also encouraged Thai authorities to pursue additional air services capable of accommodating future demand.

How Will Thailand Improve the Visitor Experience?

Alongside expanding connectivity, the Thai government is placing greater emphasis on visitor safety and travel convenience.

Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has instructed agencies operating under the Ministry of Transport to provide equal attention to the comfort and safety of tourists from every nationality.

The ministry will also continue working alongside other government agencies to enhance services available for international passengers arriving throughout Thailand.

These improvements form part of Thailand’s wider objective of creating a positive visitor experience from arrival through to departure while maintaining its reputation as one of Asia’s leading tourism destinations.

Why Has India’s Visa Exemption Response Been Positive?

During the discussions, Puneet Agrawal expressed appreciation for Thailand’s visa-exemption policy for Indian travellers.

The ambassador described the policy as an important contributor to the continuing increase in visitor arrivals from India.

He also confirmed that discussions remain ongoing with Indian airlines regarding the maintenance of existing flight capacity while exploring opportunities to introduce additional services, including future direct routes connecting India with Chiang Mai.

These developments are expected to strengthen aviation cooperation while providing travellers with greater flexibility and improved connectivity.

How Will Maritime Cooperation Expand?

Air connectivity was only one element of the bilateral discussions.

Thailand and India also reviewed opportunities to strengthen maritime transport through existing memoranda of understanding connecting Ranong Port with three major Indian ports:

• Chennai
• Visakhapatnam
• Kolkata

These agreements are intended to improve cargo transportation and logistics while strengthening commercial links between Thailand’s Andaman coast and South Asia.

Thai authorities believe the existing framework now provides an opportunity to convert previous agreements into more substantial operational cooperation.

Why Are Road Links Also Being Strengthened?

The meeting also examined progress on the India–Myanmar–Thailand Motor Vehicle Agreement (IMTMVA).

The proposed agreement is designed to establish an important overland transport corridor linking South Asia and Southeast Asia.

Once implemented, the agreement is expected to:

• Reduce logistics costs.
• Improve regional trade.
• Strengthen supply chains.
• Facilitate cross-border transport.
• Create additional commercial opportunities for businesses and local communities.

Enhanced road connectivity is also expected to complement improvements being made across air and maritime transport networks.

How Will Businesses Benefit?

Thailand views improved transport connectivity as extending far beyond tourism alone.

Stronger aviation, shipping and road infrastructure are expected to support increased investment, trade, logistics and commercial cooperation between businesses operating in both countries.

During the discussions, India expressed its willingness to encourage greater private-sector investment in Thailand while supporting Thai businesses seeking opportunities within India’s rapidly expanding economy.

Particular attention was given to cooperation across information technology, tourism and service industries, where both countries see considerable growth potential.

Why Is 2027 an Important Milestone?

Thailand and India will celebrate the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations during 2027.

Both governments regard the milestone as an opportunity to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors, including:

• Tourism.
• Trade.
• Transport.
• Investment.
• Technology.

The anniversary provides additional momentum for converting long-standing bilateral relationships into practical initiatives capable of delivering measurable economic benefits.

What Could These Transport Plans Mean for Regional Connectivity?

Thailand’s latest proposals reflect an increasingly integrated approach to regional connectivity.

Rather than focusing solely on aviation, the country is simultaneously expanding air services, strengthening maritime logistics and advancing cross-border road transport.

This multi-modal strategy has the potential to improve tourism flows, facilitate trade, reduce transport costs and strengthen regional economic integration between South Asia and Southeast Asia.

As discussions continue regarding direct Chiang Mai flights, expanded shipping cooperation and implementation of the India–Myanmar–Thailand Motor Vehicle Agreement, both countries appear well positioned to strengthen their long-standing partnership while creating new opportunities for travellers, businesses and investors alike.