Thailand and the UAE are entering a new phase of strategic cooperation in 2026, with tourism expected to remain one of the strongest drivers of bilateral growth, alongside trade, investment, and technology, according to Bolbongse Vangphaen, Ambassador of Thailand to the UAE.
In an exclusive interview to “gulftourism.news” in Abu
Dhabi, Ambassador Vangphaen highlighted strong momentum in tourism flows and
people-to-people exchange, describing Thailand-UAE relations as stable,
resilient, and steadily expanding.
“Our bilateral trade volume has reached approximately $20–25
billion, reflecting an annual growth rate of around 8–12 per cent,” Ambassador
Vangphaen stated. “This demonstrates the strong commitment from both countries
to further strengthen cooperation, especially in the economic and investment
sectors,” he added.
Tourism remains a key pillar of the relationship, with
around 160,000 to 170,000 UAE visitors travelling to Thailand annually, a
figure expected to rise further in 2026. “A lot of Emiratis consider Thailand
their second home from their regular and frequent visits,” Ambassador Vangphaen
said.
He noted that air connectivity is expanding rapidly, with
more than 15 daily flights linking Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah with Thai
destinations including Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, and Chiang Mai.
Additional routes are planned, further supporting tourism
growth and cultural exchange.
Thailand is also broadening its tourism offering beyond
traditional destinations, promoting emerging locations such as Khao Yai,
Kanchanaburi, Chanthaburi, Trat, and Chiang Mai. These “hidden gems,” the
Ambassador said, offer visitors authentic cultural experiences, natural
landscapes, and heritage tourism.
“Our tourism sector contributes approximately 12–20 per cent
of Thailand’s $500 billion GDP,” Ambassador Vangphaen explained. “We 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,” he added.
The Ambassador also highlighted Thailand’s growing focus on
wellness tourism, medical travel, and premium experiences, alongside
investments in safety, entertainment infrastructure, and sports tourism aimed
at attracting higher-value visitors.
To further support tourism and cultural exchange, Thailand
is also promoting Thai food and products in the UAE through retail
partnerships. “We want consumers in the UAE to experience authentic and fresh
Thai products directly from Thailand,” Ambassador Vangphaen said.
Concluding the interview, Ambassador Vangphaen reaffirmed
Thailand’s commitment to strengthening tourism ties with the UAE and the wider
Gulf region. “Thailand has something to offer for everyone,” he said. “We
warmly invite Emiratis and residents of the UAE to further explore and discover
Thailand for themselves,” he concluded.