Surasak, Minister of Tourism and Sports, is advancing the upgrade of Hua Hin–Cha-am into a global destination by emphasizing Wellness, Sport, and Luxury. Collaborating with TAT and airlines, he supports opening direct flight routes from key Asian cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Shanghai, and Singapore, aiming to attract quality tourists and sustainably distribute income to Prachuap Khiri Khan Province and neighboring areas.
Mr. Surasak Pancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said that this collaboration between the public and private sectors marks an important starting point in developing Hua Hin, Cha-am, and nearby areas in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province into a new dimension of tourism. The ministry aims to raise standards and elevate Hua Hin to a world-class destination comparable to other beach tourism provinces like Phuket or Samui, but with unique and distinctive growth.
"Hua Hin has very high potential and truly embodies a destination for simple, peaceful living. We will focus on the trends of wellness, sports, and luxury services to attract tourists who will spend significantly while receiving great value in return."
Supporting airlines to open direct routes and test new markets.
Mr. Surasak added that regarding the importance of travel, especially air travel via Hua Hin Airport or Bo Fai Airport, which is preparing to welcome both Thai and foreign tourists, the Ministry of Tourism is fully committed to supporting various airlines with all possible mechanisms.
This cooperation with TAT includes organizing promotions and supporting trial market openings as well as launching new direct flight routes from countries such as Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Shanghai, and Singapore directly to Hua Hin Airport. This will help distribute tourists to Cha-am, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, and surrounding areas.
Mr. Surasak said this visit highlights the ministry's strong focus on Hua Hin, which is not just a transit point. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is ready to incorporate all private sector feedback to drive policies concretely and sustainably grow the tourism economy.
The meeting and brainstorming session with the private sector, along with the press conference "Takeoff Hua Hin: Driving International Flight Routes Market and Customer Insights Workshop" to promote tourism development and upgrade Hua Hin Airport in Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, was attended by Mr. Pattapong Pataraprasit, Deputy Minister of Transport.
Also present were Mr. Sitthichai Sawatsan, Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province; Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaiboon, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT); and executives from relevant agencies including the Department of Airports, Department of Rail Transport, TAT, and Thai AirAsia airline, who participated in the meeting and brainstorming session.