BANGKOK, Thailand – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has emphasized the development of rail tourism as an important step toward creating new experiential and economic value for Thailand’s tourism industry. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool stated that Thailand’s tourism sector has long drawn strength from its natural attractions, cultural heritage, and recognized hospitality. However, as travel behavior evolves, tourism success is measured not only by visitor numbers but also by the quality of experiences and sustainable income distribution to local economies and communities.
Rail tourism can support this transition by making travel time part of the visitor experience. Train journeys offer travelers new perspectives on Thailand and develop transportation routes into meaningful tourism itineraries. The initiative aligns with the government’s and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ high-value tourism policies, as well as new rail development policies and regulations from the Ministry of Transport and the State Railway of Thailand.
The TAT Governor recently led discussions with Gary Franklin, Senior Vice President of Trains and Cruises at Belmond, an LVMH company that operates the Eastern & Oriental Express, to advance Thailand’s high-quality tourism under the “Healing is the New Luxury” concept. The proposed pilot routes are expected to connect Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Hua Hin, Hat Yai, and Padang Besar in 2027, targeting high-spending and quality travelers from international markets. The cooperation is expected to strengthen confidence in Thailand’s tourism standards, promote tourism products combining Thai cultural appeal with the “5 Must Do in Thailand” experiences, and distribute travel and tourism revenue more widely across secondary destinations and regions. (NNT)
