Surasak discussed with the Russian ambassador targeting to attract over 2 million tourists, emphasizing maximum safety, and forging cooperation in sports and tourism to prepare for the grand celebration of the 130th anniversary of Thailand-Russia relations.
On Friday, 7 August 2026 at 13:00, at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Surasak Pancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, welcomed Mr. Evgeny Tomikhin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Thailand, and his delegation on a courtesy visit to discuss comprehensive bilateral cooperation in tourism, sports, culture, education, and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
Key points from the discussion were as follows:
1. Increase flights connecting Thailand and Russia to attract quality tourists: Promote air connectivity to facilitate tourists, with a target of attracting 2 million Russian tourists to Thailand by the end of 2026.
2. Showcase Thailand’s highlights: Promote tourism through culture, culinary tourism (Cuisine Diplomacy), media, and the creative industry to create positive experiences and a strong image of Thailand for Russians.
3. Thai youth learning from sports professionals: Promote sports cooperation under the Joint Action Plan 2026-2028 to exchange athletes, coaches, and personnel, especially in winter sports such as ice hockey and skating, where Russia has expertise.
4. Elevate highest tourist safety standards: The minister emphasized confidence in safety by ordering enhanced measures at tourist sites and strict law enforcement, coordinating closely with the Russian embassy for information sharing.
5. Accelerate cooperation plans and international forums: Prepare to sign the joint tourism action plan (2026-2030) and promote hosting the 3rd Joint Tourism Working Group meeting in Russia. Additionally, Russia invited the minister to participate in the 14th International Sports Forum in October 2026 in Krasnoyarsk.
Finally, both sides prepared for an important agendato celebratethe 130th anniversary of the establishment of Thailand-Russia diplomatic relations in 2027, with plans for grand joint celebrations showcasing beauty through culture, cuisine, sports, and royal visit routes.
This historic milestone will serve as a key marker in strengthening relations between the two countries and create sustainable benefits for the people of Thailand and Russia.
