Representatives from the Chambers of Commerce in Phuket and Chiang Rai are pushing for the resumption of direct flights between the 2 provinces.
The popular Thai VietJet lights were suspended as a result of low demand during the pandemic, but as domestic air travel picks up, businesses and tourism operators would like to see the return of direct flights between Phuket and Chiang Rai’s Mae Fah Luang airport.
Currently passengers would have to fly via Bangkok and get a connecting flight.
According to a Bangkok Post report, the president of the Phuket Chamber of Commerce recently travelled to Chiang Rai, accompanied by a delegation of officials. Thanusak Puengdet met with local business representatives, as well as the president of the Chiang Rai Chamber of Commerce, Anurat Inthorn, and Promporn Jindawong Netharn, acting chairwoman of Chiang Rai Tourism Council.
Officials in both provinces are working together ahead of the Phuket Wellness Week festival, taking place between March 3 and 6. According to Thanusak, both provinces are developing their wellness offering and the festival will showcase several products harvested in Chiang Rai, such as tea, coffee, and fruit.
“The cooperation will benefit both sides. Tourists will be able to travel directly and in larger numbers between two provinces.”
Thanusak believes the resumption of direct flights between Phuket and Chiang Rai would also help fruit and vegetable growers in the north and improve supplies to the southern island. In addition, it would facilitate bringing workers from Chiang Rai to Phuket to fill the many vacancies that have arisen on the island as a result of the rebound in tourism.
SOURCE: Bangkok Post
