{"id":95069,"date":"2026-05-15T12:08:05","date_gmt":"2026-05-15T09:08:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gulf-tourism.net\/?p=95069"},"modified":"2026-05-15T12:19:28","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T09:19:28","slug":"170000-visitors-from-the-uae-traveling-to-thailand-annually","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gulf-tourism.net\/?p=95069","title":{"rendered":"170,000 visitors from the UAE traveling to Thailand annually"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a0Thailand and the UAE are entering a new phase of strategic cooperation in 2026, with bilateral trade, tourism, technology, and investment partnerships expected to witness significant growth, according to H.E. Bolbongse Vangphaen, Ambassador of Thailand to the UAE.<\/strong><\/p>\n

In an exclusive interview to \u201cgulftourism.news \u201c in Abu Dhabi , Ambassador Vangphaen highlighted the strong momentum driving Thailand-UAE relations, describing the partnership as stable, resilient, and steadily expanding, particularly in the areas of economic collaboration and people-to-people connectivity.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cOur bilateral trade volume has reached approximately US$20\u201325 billion, reflecting an annual growth rate of around 8\u201312 percent,\u201d Ambassador Vangphaen stated. \u201cThis demonstrates the strong commitment from both countries to further strengthen cooperation, especially in the economic and investment sectors,\u201d he added.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Ambassador emphasized that Thailand and the UAE share aligned strategic priorities in renewable energy, smart agriculture, food security, wellness, hospitality, and advanced technologies \u2014 sectors that are becoming increasingly important to both nations\u2019 long-term economic visions.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thailand, globally recognized for its agricultural production and food processing expertise, is seeking to deepen collaboration with the UAE to support regional food security initiatives and sustainable supply chains. \u201cRenewable energy and smart agriculture are high on our agenda. Thailand has significant strengths in food production, the halal industry, wellness, and hospitality that we believe can contribute meaningfully to deeper bilateral cooperation,\u201d he said.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ambassador Vangphaen also revealed that Thailand is actively positioning itself as a regional hub for innovation, advanced industries, and high-value technologies, creating new opportunities for UAE investors in digital infrastructure and emerging sectors. Among the major investments highlighted was the planned data center project by DAMAC Group in Thailand, with the first phase of the project expected to become operational by the end of this year. \u201cThis is exactly the type of investment that supports Thailand\u2019s future-focused economic strategy,\u201d Ambassador Vangphaen noted.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Ambassador further introduced Thailand\u2019s new industrial development strategy under the new leadership of the Federation of Thai Industries, known as the \u201c5I Strategy,\u201d which focuses on Intelligent Industry, Industrial Infrastructure Reform, Inclusive and Sustainable Growth, Innovation and Creativity, and International Alliances and Networks.<\/strong><\/p>\n

According to Ambassador Vangphaen, Thailand\u2019s strategic location at the heart of Southeast Asia \u2014 much like the UAE\u2019s role as a bridge between East and West \u2014 positions the country as an ideal hub for logistics, finance, manufacturing, and global distribution networks.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThailand is blessed with a strategic location and through pursuing a policy of strategic neutrality, the country is well-positioned to support international trade, logistics, financial connectivity, and global partnerships.\u201d He also added that Thailand is a \u201cfriend to all nations.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tourism continues to serve as one of the strongest pillars of Thailand-UAE relations, with approximately 160,000 to 170,000 visitors from the UAE traveling to Thailand annually \u2014 a number expected to continue increasing in 2026. \u201cA lot of Emiratis consider Thailand their second home from their regular and frequent visits,\u201d Ambassador Vangphaen said.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Ambassador confirmed that air connectivity between the UAE and Thailand is expanding rapidly, with over 15 daily flights currently operating between the two countries, linking Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah with major Thai destinations including Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, and Chiang Mai. Additional direct routes are planned, further supporting tourism growth, business exchanges, and cultural connectivity between the two nations.<\/strong><\/p>\n

As part of Thailand\u2019s evolving tourism strategy, the country is increasingly promoting secondary destinations and eco-tourism experiences beyond traditional hotspots such as Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket. Among the destinations highlighted by the Ambassador were Khao Yai, Kanchanaburi, Chanthaburi, Trat, and Chiang Mai \u2014 \u201chidden gems\u201d known for their rich heritage, natural beauty, and authentic cultural experiences.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thailand is also making significant investments in safety, entertainment infrastructure, sports tourism, medical tourism, and wellness experiences to attract higher-value travelers seeking premium and personalized experiences. Ambassador Vangphaen encouraged all travelers to \u201cspend more time\u201d in visiting the country.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cOur tourism sector contributes approximately 12\u201320 percent of Thailand\u2019s US$500 billion GDP,\u201d Ambassador Vangphaen explained. \u201cWe are moving toward a higher-value tourism model that combines cultural heritage, wellness, medical excellence, innovation, world-class hospitality, and authentic experiences with modern-day comfort and conveniences,\u201d he added.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thailand\u2019s globally recognized medical sector and wellness industry are expected to play a pivotal role in attracting international visitors, professionals, and long-term investors in the years ahead.<\/strong><\/p>\n

To further strengthen cultural and commercial ties between the two countries, the Thai Trade Center in Dubai is launching a special promotional campaign from this month in partnership with leading UAE supermarket chains to showcase fresh Thai fruits, food products, and popular Thai brands.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWe want consumers in the UAE to experience authentic and fresh Thai products directly from Thailand,\u201d Ambassador Vangphaen said. The campaign will begin in selected supermarkets in Dubai, including Choithrams and Al Maya, and runs through the end of May.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Concluding the interview, Ambassador Vangphaen reaffirmed Thailand\u2019s commitment to deepening cooperation with the UAE and the wider Gulf region across multiple sectors, emphasizing the Kingdom\u2019s openness new opportunities to tourism, innovation, investment, and cultural exchange. \u201cThailand has something to offer for everyone,\u201d he said. \u201cWe warmly invite Emiratis and residents of the UAE to further explore and discover Thailand for themselves,\u201d he concluded.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

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\u00a0Thailand and the UAE are entering a new phase of strategic cooperation in 2026, with bilateral trade, tourism, technology, and investment partnerships expected to witness significant growth, according to H.E. Bolbongse Vangphaen, Ambassador of Thailand to the UAE. In an exclusive interview to \u201cgulftourism.news \u201c in Abu Dhabi , Ambassador Vangphaen highlighted the strong momentum … <\/p>\n

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