Thailand and Saudi Arabia Enter New Tourism Phase as Riyadh Air Starts Direct Bangkok Flights

Written By: Binoy Mehera

Binoy Mehera

A curious mind driven by a passion for storytelling, I find inspiration in uncovering hidden perspectives, exploring diverse experiences, and shaping ideas into narratives that leave an impact. With three years of experience in journalism and content creation, I have developed a strong instinct for identifying meaningful stories, blending research with creativity, and presenting information in a way that connects with readers. My storytelling journey is guided by a fascination for culture, travel, lifestyle, and the human experiences that define our world. I aim to create narratives that not only inform but also spark curiosity, evoke emotions, and offer audiences a deeper understanding of every story.

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September 4, 2026 8:41 PM

Image generated with Ai

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) celebrated the launch of Riyadh Air’s direct flights from Riyadh to Bangkok on 3 September 2026. This direct service is one of several ways that Thailand is now more connected to Saudi Arabia, and the wider Middle East. With this new route, TAT expects that they will be able to service a key market, with high-value and long-haul visitors. It will also increase their ability to fulfill their goal of offering better quality tourism in the region.

Celebrations surrounding the launch continued in Bangkok later the same day with the “TAT x Riyadh Air – A New Era of Travel Gala Dinner 2026”, highlighting the growing tourism and aviation partnership between Thailand and Saudi Arabia.

The inaugural Riyadh Air flight received an official welcome at Suvarnabhumi Airport attended by senior representatives from Thailand’s transport, tourism and aviation sectors. Those present included Mr Phattrapong Phattraprasit, Deputy Minister of Transport; Mr Pasakorn Rangsiwatanasak, Secretary to the Minister and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports; Mrs Chiravadee Khunsub, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa; Mr Kittipong Kittikachorn, General Manager of Suvarnabhumi Airport under Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited; and Mr Tony Douglas, Chief Executive Officer of Riyadh Air.

The first service departed King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh at 22.15 hrs on 2 September before arriving at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport at 10.35 hrs on 3 September.

H.E. Mr Abdulrahman Abdulaziz Alsuhaibani, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Thailand, was among the passengers travelling on the inaugural flight. His participation underscored the strengthening relationship between the two countries and their growing cooperation in tourism, aviation and transport connectivity.

Mrs. Chiravadee Khunsub, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa, said, “The Riyadh–Bangkok service adds direct capacity at an important time for TAT’s development of Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East. It gives travellers more convenient access to Bangkok and destinations across Thailand while helping TAT and our partners reach high-value family, luxury, wellness and medical segments more effectively. Stronger direct connectivity is central to converting market potential into sustained visitor growth and wider tourism benefits.”

The Riyadh–Bangkok route marks Riyadh Air’s 14th international service and is operated using the airline’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet, featuring 290 seats. The new connection initially runs three times weekly, with flights departing Riyadh every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, while services from Bangkok operate every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

The airline plans to expand the frequency to daily operations from October 2026, further improving connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Thailand. During the initial operating schedule, the route will provide around 3,840 additional inbound seats per month for Thailand, creating new opportunities for tourism growth while strengthening wider economic, trade and investment relationships between the two nations.

The launch celebrations continued in Bangkok on 3 September with the “TAT x Riyadh Air – A New Era of Travel Gala Dinner 2026” held at The Athenee Hotel. The event highlighted the growing partnership between Thailand and Saudi Arabia’s tourism sectors following the inauguration of the new air link.

H.E. Mr Abdulrahman Abdulaziz Alsuhaibani, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Thailand, officially opened the event. Riyadh Air Chief Executive Officer Mr Tony Douglas and TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa, Mrs Chiravadee Khunsub, also participated in the programme and welcomed representatives from the tourism industry.

The Middle East remains a strategically important long-haul tourism market for Thailand due to its high spending capacity and strong demand for international travel, particularly during the July to September holiday season. Travellers from the region increasingly seek destinations offering premium leisure experiences, nature-based tourism, wellness services, family-friendly activities and reliable visitor infrastructure.

Thailand is well positioned to attract this growing demand through its diverse tourism ecosystem, including world-renowned beaches, cultural attractions, health and wellness offerings, and Muslim-friendly travel facilities designed to support visitors from the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia represents one of Thailand’s most promising emerging tourism markets in the region. Saudi visitors generally enjoy longer stays of around 10–12 days and record average spending of approximately 110,000 Baht per person per trip. Popular travel interests include shopping, beach holidays, nature experiences, Thai cuisine, medical tourism and wellness services.

Family travel continues to be a major segment of Saudi visitor demand, while travel patterns are gradually expanding beyond Thailand’s traditional destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya. Increasing numbers of visitors are exploring destinations including Krabi, Phang-nga, Ko Samui and Chiang Mai, creating new opportunities for regional tourism development.

Thailand welcomed 121,907 visitors from Saudi Arabia in 2026 so far, compared with 142,774 arrivals during the same period in 2025, representing a decline of 14.62%. To restore growth momentum, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is focusing on improved air connectivity, including the introduction of Riyadh Air’s Bangkok service, alongside enhanced Muslim-friendly tourism products and targeted promotional campaigns.

These initiatives include expanding halal dining options, improving visitor facilities, strengthening digital marketing campaigns and working with online travel agencies to reach more potential travellers. The new Riyadh–Bangkok route is expected to play an important role in rebuilding Saudi visitor flows while supporting Thailand’s broader goal of attracting higher-value international tourism markets.