Thailand and Russia outline broader tourism and cultural cooperation
Thailand targets two million Russian visitors by the end of 2026 as the two countries plan more flights, enhanced tourist safety and sporting exchanges.
- Thailand and Russia aim to expand flights to attract 2 million Russian tourists by the end of 2026, while also enhancing tourist safety standards.
- Tourism promotion will focus on showcasing Thai culture, gastronomy (Cuisine Diplomacy), and media to strengthen the country's image among Russians.
- The two nations will advance sports cooperation through the exchange of athletes and coaches, particularly in winter sports like ice hockey and ice skating.
- Future plans include signing a joint tourism action plan for 2026–2030 and organizing large-scale joint celebrations for the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said he had welcomed Evgeny Tomikhin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Thailand, and his delegation.
The visit was a courtesy call.
Their talks covered comprehensive bilateral cooperation in tourism, sport, culture, education and people-to-people exchanges.
The main points from the talks were as follows:
- Expanding flights between Thailand and Russia to attract quality visitors: Air connectivity will be promoted to make travel more convenient, with a target of attracting 2 million Russian tourists to Thailand by the end of 2026.
- Showcasing Thailand’s strengths: Tourism will be promoted through culture, gastronomy tourism (Cuisine Diplomacy), media and the creative industries to create positive experiences, strengthen Thailand’s image and make the country better known among Russians.
- Opportunities for Thai children to learn from sports professionals: Sports cooperation will be advanced under the Joint Action Plan 2026–2028 through exchanges of athletes, coaches and sports personnel, particularly in winter sports such as ice hockey and ice skating, in which Russia has expertise.
- Raising tourist safety standards to the highest level: The minister stressed the need to strengthen confidence in tourist safety, directing that safety measures at tourist destinations be enhanced and laws strictly enforced, alongside close coordination and information-sharing with the Russian Embassy.
- Advancing cooperation plans and international forums: Preparations are under way to sign a joint tourism action plan for 2026–2030 and to advance plans for the third meeting of the joint tourism working group, to be hosted by Russia.
Russia also invited the minister to attend the 14th International Sports Forum in Krasnoyarsk in October 2026.
The two sides also began preparations to mark the 130th anniversary of Thai–Russian diplomatic relations in 2027.
Plans include large-scale joint celebrations highlighting culture, food, sport and routes tracing royal journeys.
This historic occasion will serve as an important milestone in strengthening relations between the two countries and delivering lasting mutual benefits for Thai and Russian people.
