Russia flights set to increase
The cabinet has approved an increase in Russia-Thailand flights aimed at welcoming more Russian tourists to the country.
Under the decision, flights from Russia to Bangkok can increase to 105 flights per week from the current limitation of 70 flights, while flights from Russia to Phuket are allowed to increase to 56 flights per week, up from 28 flights now, said Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith.
Meanwhile, flights from Thailand to Moscow are allowed to increase to 105 flights per week from 70 flights now, while flights from Thailand to Saint Petersburg are allowed to increase to 56 flights from 28 flights.
The decision was made even though the current number of flights between the countries has yet to meet those ceilings.
Mr Arkhom said the current number of flights from Russia to Bangkok stood at 32, with 13 flights travelling to Phuket.
The cabinet decision requires flights between the countries to be increased to meet existing quotas before they are further increased to the latest approved quotas.
More Russian tourists are expected to travel to Thailand in the short term, a trend which the Russian side also agrees is likely to happen, Mr Arkhom said.