Thailand Plans New Direct Flights from Israel Amid Tourism Boom
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Thailand is expanding direct flights from Israel to new destinations due to a surge in Israeli tourists, with over 442,000 expected this year. The Thai Tourism Authority and Israeli Embassy are launching a luxury and sustainability campaign to promote quality tourism and major cultural events. Israeli Ambassador Dr. Alona Fisher-Kamm highlighted the importance of Israeli tourists in strengthening bilateral ties.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Thailand will add new direct flights from Tel Aviv to additional Thai destinations beyond Bangkok and Phuket.
- Over 181,000 Israelis visited Thailand so far in 2026, with projections exceeding 442,000 by year-end.
- Israeli tourists average 19-day stays and spend about 9,000 shekels per visit in Thailand.
- Thai Tourism Authority launched a luxury and sustainability campaign targeting Israeli travelers.
- The campaign promotes visa-free entry for Israelis and major Thai cultural festivals.
- Israeli Ambassador praised Israeli tourists as key to strong Israel-Thailand relations.
Thailand is set to expand its direct flight connections from Israel to new destinations within the kingdom, responding to a surge in Israeli tourism. The Thai Tourism Authority, in collaboration with the Israeli Embassy in Thailand, announced this strategic move following unprecedented tourism data showing Israel as the leading Western country in per capita visitors to Thailand. Currently, El Al and Arkia operate direct flights from Tel Aviv to Bangkok and Phuket, but the new routes will broaden access to additional Thai locations.
Since the start of the year, 181,872 Israelis have visited Thailand, with projections estimating over 442,000 arrivals by year-end. Israeli tourists typically stay an average of 19 days and spend around 9,000 shekels per trip. This robust market has prompted the Thai Tourism Authority to launch a luxury and sustainability-focused campaign targeting Israeli travelers, emphasizing quality tourism and environmental preservation.
The campaign highlights Thailand’s visa-free entry for Israelis for up to 30 days and promotes major cultural events such as the Songkran Festival, Loy Krathong, Tomorrowland Thailand, and the Vijit Chao Phraya festival in Bangkok. The announcement followed a meeting between the Thai Tourism Authority Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool and Israeli Ambassador Dr. Alona Fisher-Kamm, who praised Israeli tourists as a cornerstone of bilateral relations and a bridge between cultures, noting their continued satisfaction and warm reception in Thailand.
These developments mark a significant enhancement in tourism ties between Israel and Thailand, aiming to attract more Israeli visitors and deepen cultural connections through expanded travel options and targeted promotional efforts.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Coverage from Mako
