Thailand is open for business

On a recent trip to Dublin, Khun Chattan (Deputy Governor Marketing Communications Tourism Authority of Thailand) arrived fresh from WTM in London and fulfilled a long-held dream to visit Dublin. He squeezed in the highlights – Guinness Storehouse experience, Kilmainham Jail, Trinity College & Book of Kells – in a very short period and promised a return trip to cover much more. Khun Chattan delighted the media present at the delicious lunch in One Pico by his absolute charm, dignity and sense of humour. Eager to advise us that Thailand is open for business again, we learned there is extended visa free allowance until March 2023 from 30 to 45 days. Proving the popularity of Thailand, the country welcomed 69.700 Irish arrivals in 2019. Up to September 2022, 19,627 visitors enjoyed the Land of Smiles. Post Pandemic, these figures are rising steadily.

Thailand has also just recently launched a new campaign entitled ‘Always Warm’ which highlights the stunning country as a winter sun destination with a real value for money angle. Anyone lucky enough to have visited Thailand will surely agree that the cost of living is so low compared to European destinations and the country benefits from reliable warm temperatures, endless sunshine and turquoise seas and skies. Long stay holidays are extremely attractive, but what about the idea of being a digital nomad? Sounds good to me! Combine this with recent Green Awards such as Low Carbon Routes, Luxury Guides, Biodiversity et al, and you’ll understand that Thailand really does care for the environment and takes its responsibility as an eco-friendly destination very seriously. What’s not to like!

Thank you, Khun Chattan for the usual Thai hospitality. I can’t wait to return to the Land of Smiles.