Bangkok, 7 October 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is developing the “Amazing Thailand Transfer Passenger Privilege” under a new Letter of Intent (LOI) cooperation framework with the Department of Airports and four aviation and tourism partners. The initiative will create new opportunities for eligible transfer and transit passengers to experience Thailand during longer flight connections.
Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, and Mr. Phattrapong Phattraprasit, Deputy Minister of Transport, chaired the LOI signing on 5 October 2026 at the Ministry of Transport. Ms. Natthriya Thaweevong, Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Sports, and Mr. Piyapong Jiwattanakulpaisarn, Permanent Secretary for Transport, attended as witnesses.
The agreement was signed by Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, and Mr. Danai Ruangsorn, Director-General of the Department of Airports, together with representatives of Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Engineering, the Airlines Association of Thailand, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, and Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel Company Limited.
The six organisations bring together tourism, aviation, academia and the private sector to develop passenger privileges, services and transit experiences suited to different connection periods.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said, “Thailand can turn time between flights into time spent discovering the destination. Transfer and transit passengers with sufficient connection time can experience Thai food, culture, attractions, products and local communities rather than remaining within the airport throughout their journey. Each suitable transit period can create additional revenue for Thai businesses while giving passengers a meaningful introduction to the country.”
Through the Amazing Thailand Transfer Passenger Privilege, TAT will coordinate with participating partners to connect airports to nearby cities, attractions, communities and tourism businesses. Tourism routes and experience menus will be designed around available transit time, with arrangements covering passenger convenience, safety, ground travel and timely return to the airport for connecting flights.
Initially, partners will focus on developing practical privileges and Transit Experiences for eligible passengers. The initiative aims to generate additional visitor spending and distribute tourism income to restaurants, shops, attractions, communities and local tourism service providers near participating airports. Project results will inform further development and potential expansion.
The cooperation supports Thailand’s direction towards becoming an Aviation and Tourism Hub, while reinforcing the country’s positioning as a High-Value and Meaningful Destination by creating greater tourism value from passengers transiting through Thailand.
