BANGKOK, Thailand – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Royal Caribbean Group are exploring ways to expand cruise tourism, attract high-spending international visitors, and generate more revenue beyond major ports. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool met with company executives this week to discuss marketing cooperation, new travel routes, and infrastructure improvements.
The discussions covered attracting passengers from North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia while encouraging greater spending in local communities. Proposed routes would connect Phuket with Phang Nga and Krabi, and Laem Chabang Port in Chonburi with Rayong and Chanthaburi. TAT is also considering familiarization trips to introduce industry partners to additional attractions and travel experiences.
Both sides reviewed potential upgrades to cruise terminals, especially at Laem Chabang, along with rail infrastructure and transport connections to nearby destinations. The proposed cooperation aligns with TAT’s Value over Volume strategy, which prioritizes higher visitor spending and wider distribution of tourism income rather than passenger numbers alone.
Royal Caribbean Group currently operates services calling at Laem Chabang, Ko Samui, and Phuket through its Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises brands. In 2025, its ships made 181 port calls in Thailand, bringing approximately 424,000 passengers and generating an estimated 2.12 billion baht in domestic spending. (NNT)
