TAT signs LOI with aviation and tourism partners to turn transit into travel experiences
The Tourism Authority of Thailand signed an LOI with the Department of Airports and 4 partners on Oct 5, 2026, launching transit passenger privileges.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- TAT signed an LOI with the Department of Airports and four partners on October 5, 2026
- Launched Amazing Thailand Transfer Passenger Privilege to turn transit time into travel
- Brought together government, academia, airlines, and private sectors
- Supports Thailand's goal of becoming an Aviation and Tourism Hub
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is spearheading a major initiative to transform Thailand's tourism landscape by developing the "Amazing Thailand Transfer Passenger Privilege." Established under a new Letter of Intent (LOI) framework alongside the Department of Airports and four key aviation and tourism partners, the project aims to create fresh opportunities for eligible transit passengers to experience Thailand during extended flight connections.
The official signing ceremony took place on October 5, 2026, at the Ministry of Transport. The event was chaired by Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, and Mr. Phattrapong Phattraprasit, Deputy Minister of Transport. Ms. Natthriya Thaweevong, Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Sports, and Mr. Piyapong Jiwattanakulpaisarn, Permanent Secretary for Transport, attended as official witnesses.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The agreement was formally signed by Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, and Mr. Danai Ruangsorn, Director-General of the Department of Airports. They were joined by representatives from Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Engineering, the Airlines Association of Thailand, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, and Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel Company Limited, uniting tourism, aviation, academia, and private sectors.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, emphasised the vision behind the initiative, stating that Thailand can easily convert time spent waiting between flights into meaningful destination discovery. Passengers with sufficient connection time can explore Thai gastronomy, culture, attractions, products, and local communities rather than remaining confined inside the airport throughout their entire journey.
"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."
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor
Implementing transit-tourism initiatives represents a modern strategy deployed by global destinations to capture higher economic value from layover passengers. In Thailand's context, linking regional or major airports with surrounding communities through structured ground transportation and safety guarantees helps distribute tourism income away from major urban centers, perfectly aligning with the country's High-Value and Meaningful Destination framework.
Through this program, TAT will coordinate closely with participating partners to connect airports to nearby cities, tourist attractions, and local enterprises. Tailored tourism routes and experience menus will be structured around available connection windows, ensuring passenger convenience, safety, ground transit, and punctual returns for connecting flights. Initially, stakeholders will focus on delivering practical transit privileges to generate visitor spending and uplift local businesses near participating airports, laying the groundwork for future expansion.
Source: TAT Newsroom
Found something wrong in this article? Report an issue with this article
Comments
Leave a Comment