Pattaya Strengthens Ties with Kazakhstan: How the New Partnership is Set to Boost Tourism Between Thailand and Kazakhstan!

Published on December 24, 2025

Pattaya, Thailand, has recently welcomed the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Thailand, aiming to further bolster the tourism and economic ties between the two nations. This courtesy visit, which took place on December 23, 2025, allowed both sides to discuss strengthening their long-standing relationship, particularly in the realms of tourism and economic cooperation. During the meeting, Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet presented H.E. Mr. Margulan Baimukhan, Kazakhstan’s newly appointed Ambassador to Thailand, with the City Key of Pattaya in a symbolic gesture of friendship and cooperation.

The Significance of the Visit

The visit marked Ambassador Baimukhan’s official introduction since his appointment on August 27, 2025, and provided an opportunity for him to meet with Pattaya city officials. The key objective of the visit was to highlight the importance of the tourism sector, as well as economic cooperation, between Pattaya and Kazakhstan. The ambassador expressed his gratitude to the Pattaya administration for the warm reception, which laid the groundwork for future engagements and mutual understanding.

Growing Tourism Links Between Kazakhstan and Thailand

One of the central points of the ambassador’s visit was the growing number of Kazakh tourists visiting Pattaya. Ambassador Baimukhan pointed out that the introduction of a new SCAT Airlines route from Shymkent to Bangkok has significantly improved connectivity. This new route has made it easier for travelers from Kazakhstan and the broader Central Asian region to reach Thailand, especially during the peak tourist season. This increased connectivity is expected to further boost the number of Kazakh visitors to Pattaya, contributing to the local tourism industry’s growth.

Kazakh nationals have long been a significant presence in Thailand’s tourism sector, and the increase in direct flights provides additional opportunities for growth in this area. The establishment of direct air routes like the one from Shymkent is a clear indicator of the strengthened ties between Thailand and Kazakhstan, which are benefiting both countries’ tourism industries.

Future Opportunities for Cooperation

During the meeting, Ambassador Baimukhan extended an invitation to Mayor Poramet and other key city executives to visit Kazakhstan in the near future. This visit is intended to further strengthen the cooperation between Pattaya and Kazakhstan and explore new avenues for collaboration. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet expressed his appreciation for the invitation, stating that he welcomed future exchanges and potential partnerships that could bring significant benefits to both cities.

The invitation to visit Kazakhstan highlights the importance of personal diplomacy in fostering long-term relationships. By facilitating direct exchanges between the leaders of the two cities, both Pattaya and Kazakhstan can explore new areas of collaboration, particularly in tourism, culture, and economic development. This continued dialogue is seen as a positive step toward nurturing a strong and mutually beneficial relationship.

Historical Ties Between Thailand and Kazakhstan

The longstanding diplomatic relations between Thailand and Kazakhstan have provided a solid foundation for the development of bilateral cooperation in various sectors. Notably, Bangkok and Astana (now Nur-Sultan) became sister cities in 2004, which served as a pivotal moment in the diplomatic relationship between the two countries. Similarly, Pattaya and Shymkent, a prominent city in Kazakhstan, established their sister-city relationship in 2002. These sister-city partnerships continue to serve as a base for collaboration in multiple areas, including tourism, culture, and economic development.

The sister-city relationships have played a significant role in fostering cooperation between the two countries, and they continue to be vital in promoting cultural exchange and economic growth. The connections established through these partnerships serve to enhance the understanding between Thailand and Kazakhstan, creating opportunities for citizens of both countries to explore new cultural experiences and business opportunities.

The Broader Impact of Kazakhstan’s Increasing Tourism in Pattaya

As the tourism industry in Pattaya continues to thrive, Kazakhstan’s growing presence as a source of tourists is a significant development. In addition to the increase in air connectivity, Kazakh tourists bring a unique cultural perspective to Pattaya, enriching the local tourism environment. With an increasing number of visitors from Kazakhstan, Pattaya can expect to see an expansion in various sectors, including hospitality, retail, and entertainment, as businesses cater to the growing demand from Central Asian travelers.

The Kazakh government’s support for its citizens to travel to destinations like Thailand has also played a role in facilitating this increase in tourist numbers. By promoting travel to Pattaya, Kazakhstan is not only strengthening ties with Thailand but also fostering greater regional integration and encouraging more travel and cultural exchange.

Conclusion: Strengthening Ties for a Bright Future

In conclusion, the courtesy visit by Ambassador Margulan Baimukhan to Pattaya marks a significant milestone in the Thailand-Kazakhstan relationship. Through Pattaya’s mayor Poramet Ngampichet’s warm welcome and the discussions surrounding future cooperation, both sides are poised to reap the benefits of stronger ties in tourism, culture, and economic development. The increased air connectivity, coupled with the longstanding diplomatic relationship, sets the stage for a bright future for Kazakh tourists visiting Pattaya, as well as for continued collaboration between the two nations in the years to come.