BANGKOK, 9 April 2021 - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is joining hands with Thai AirAsia for the “Must Visit Second-Tier Cities'' campaign, promoting further confidence in Thailand’s smaller cities as safe destinations ready to be visited all year-round.  

Mr. Kritsana Kaewthamrong, Deputy Governor for Domestic Marketing at TAT, and Mr. Krid Pattanasan, Head of Government Relations, AirAsia Thailand, jointly presided over the launch of the campaign, which included a workshop on traveling to second-tier cities led by popular influencers Bas-Panupat Sukanlayaruk, owner of the Go Went Go fan page, and Tel-Pachara Kriangkret of the Baagklongtiew fan page in Thanarat Hall of the TAT Building here today.

Tourism Authority of Thailand Deputy Governor for Domestic Marketing, Mr. Kritsana Kaewthamrong said: “TAT has been supporting travel to second-tier cities since 2015 with our “12 Cities Not to be Missed Plus” project, which was later expanded to promote 55 provinces nationwide. The authority has since been raising awareness of and enhancing the profiles of those cities amongst the travelling public, highlighting each destination’s unique identity through various activities and campaigns. For 2021, as we travel in new normal, the TAT is supporting domestic tourism using the “Amazing Thailand, More Amazing” concept, focusing on encouraging travel among a more diverse array of people, including Gen Y and young adults, who are constantly looking for novel experiences.

“Second-tier cities are being promoted as part of the “More Amazing” aspect of domestic travel as they offer tourists new and unique experiences outside of bustling hubs. Such destinations feature one-of-a-kind local identities that are inspiring and beautiful, offering visitors opportunities to explore and to be “more amazed”. These cities can also be visited during the off-season and weekdays, making them good choices for the current situation, aside from benefiting the economy and dispersing revenue to Thailand’s localities." 

AirAsia Thailand Head of Government Relations Mr. Krid Pattanasan said: “AirAsia offers the most extensive network of domestic destinations with direct flights to many second-tier cities, namely the 15 provinces of Chiang Rai, Nan, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Ranong, Chumphon, Narathiwat, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Roi Et, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Buriram and Loei. In total, the airline operates 20 routes including regional connections to second-tier cities, which are each unique and ready to welcome visitors."

He added that many second tier cities are closely interconnected by land, allowing guests to visit two or more provinces on a single trip and giving them an even more diverse experience and at the same time benefiting local economies. Among these neighbouring cities are Nakhon Phanom and Sakon Nakhon, and Chumphon and Ranong, where travellers can arrive in one and depart from the other conveniently via AirAsia. Other neighbouring provinces include Chiang Rai and Phayao, Udon Thani and Bueng Kan, Roi Et and Yasothon and Trang and Phatthalung.

“The safety of our guests and staff is the utmost priority at AirAsia. Every step is taken to ensure that all health protocols are strictly enforced throughout the journey, from check-in to departure all the way to arrival. We are proud to have received the Amazing Thailand Safety & Health Administration (SHA) award from the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Department of Health under the Ministry of Public Health that affirms our stringent and consistent health and safety protocols. AirAsia Group has also been recognised with the highest 7-star rating from the aviation experts at airlineratings.com for our above and beyond Covid-19 measures."