Some 240,000 readers voted in the National Geographic Traveler Awards 2015, with the awards presentation held in mid November. Thailand was one of the nominees in the category of Beach Leisure and took the award, ahead of other destinations such as Spain, the Philippines and Greece.
Eumporn Jiragalwisul, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Moscow Office said: “Thailand is very honoured to have received such prestigious awards from one of the top travel magazines in Russia as well as to have been voted online by its readers. Both honours are testaments of Thailand as a top beach getaway destination among travellers from Russia, one of the top 10 tourist markets to Thailand.”
In 2014 Thailand welcomed 1.6 million visitors from Russia. From January to October 2015, the number of Russians visiting had reached just over 649,000.
Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports has forecast 28.8 million international tourists to the kingdom for the whole year of 2015, while major research house Kasikorn Research Centre says the number will exceed 30 million.
Thai Airways International or THAI along with its subsidiary THAI Smile operate a domestic network in Thailand that links many of the country's key destinations with the capital Bangkok, including the popular beach destinations of Krabi, Samui and Phuket.
There are three THAI flights daily from Bangkok to Krabi, known for its white sandy beaches, clear ocean waters, beautiful islands and teeming coral reefs. Among Krabi's most popular beaches are Ao Nang Beach with its majestic limestone cliffs and clear waters, the forest-lined Hat Noppharat Thara, Railey and Hat Tham Beaches with their secluded feel and rock climbing on offer, and Muang Klong for its upmarket five star resorts.
The Lanta Island group is in Krabi and includes Koh Lanta Yai, a favourite spot for those seeking peace and solitude, as are the gorgeous Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh islands.
One of Thailand's most famous island destinations is Samui and THAI flies there twice a day from Bangkok. There is plenty of choice for beach-lovers and a full range of accommodation from budget to three, four and five star hotels and resorts. Soft adventure activities like elephant trekking and sailing, sightseeing, an active nightlife and golfing are also on offer. Among the most popular beaches are Chaweng, Lamai, Mae Nam, Big Buddha, Bophut, Taling Ngam, Bang Po and Choeng Mon.
Samui is also a jump-off point to Koh Phangan, which is situated 15 km to the north and also offers beautiful beaches and a monthly full moon party.
Phuket has long been one of Asia's most popular holiday spots and THAI serves the destination through a daily schedule of seven flights from Bangkok. The island is renowned for its spectacular beaches, aqua blue waters and deluxe resort hideaways, as well as the plenty of activities and entertainment on offer. Sightseeing excursions range from elephant trekking to bungy jumping to go-kart racing.
For Russians travelling to Thailand, THAI in cooperation with partner airlines links Moscow with Bangkok through regular flights. Travellers can search for great deals on flights to Thailand and book international flights to Thailand, flights within Thailand and book tickets from Thailand through the Thai airline's website, which also features Royal Orchid Holidays product and membership in THAI's frequent flyer programme Royal Orchid Plus.
THAI is a founding member of the Star Alliance network, which currently offers more than 18,500 daily flights to 1,330 airports in 192 countries.
Martin Wynn
