KUWAIT: The Royal Thai Embassy in Kuwait inaugurated the third edition of the Middle East Luxury Trade Meet 2025 (MLTM) on Monday, where the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) unveiled its new global campaign, “Unforgettable Experiences – Healing is the New Luxury.” On the sidelines of the event, TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool stressed that selecting Kuwait as a key stop in the new campaign is no coincidence, but rather because it is one of Thailand’s most mature and loyal Gulf markets.
She noted that Kuwaiti travelers value privacy and high-level personalized service, and that demand continues to grow for medical and wellness programs, private villas and luxury hotels. The Governor pointed out that TAT figures show that Thailand welcomed around 90,949 Kuwaiti visitors in 2024, a 15 percent increase, generating 9.67 billion baht in revenue a 36 percent rise. Visitor numbers are expected to reach 100,000 Kuwaiti tourists this year.
Kiatphaibool revealed that “The number will climb to 150,000 Kuwaiti visitors by 2026, driven by expanding direct flights, rising demand for medical treatments, private beach resorts and Muslim-friendly facilities.” She added that Kuwaiti travelers spend an average of 16 days in Thailand and prefer five-star hotels and luxury villas equipped with halal kitchens, prayer rooms and Arabic-speaking staff, affirming “Kuwaitis are among the highest-spending and most loyal visitors, providing strong value to Thailand’s tourism economy.”
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool speaks at the event.
Uraiwan Courtaud, Chargée d’Affaires of the Royal Thai Embassy
She said that Kuwait Airways currently operates seven weekly flights in summer and 11 flights in winter between Kuwait and Bangkok, supporting year-round travel growth. During her remarks, Uraiwan Courtaud, Chargé d’Affaires of the Royal Thai Embassy in Kuwait, highlighted the significant increase in Kuwaiti visitors to Thailand in recent years, stating “Thailand received around 80,000 Kuwaiti travelers in 2023, marking an 80 percent jump from 2022. The upward trend continued in 2024, with arrivals rising to more than 96,000 Kuwaiti visitors.”
She noted that many Kuwaitis now view Thailand as more than a holiday destination, adding “For many of our Kuwaiti friends, Thailand is truly a second home a place of comfort, discovery and warm hospitality.” Regarding the e-Visa System, she said that the Thai Embassy in Kuwait launched a new online Thai e-Visa system earlier this year. The platform allows applicants to submit visa requests anytime and from anywhere, making travel to Thailand faster and more convenient for Kuwait-based residents. Courtaud pointed to the strong cooperation in medical and wellness tourism, one of the key reasons Kuwaitis continue to choose Thailand.
“In September, the Embassy hosted the “Rediscovering Health and Wellness Tourism in Thailand” event with the participation of Kuwait’s Ministry of Health. The event brought together leading private hospitals from both countries, creating a platform for expanded collaboration and knowledge exchange in the healthcare sector,” she added. The Chargé d’Affaires highlighted Kuwait’s growing enthusiasm for Thai cuisine and culture, noting that there are now 12 Thai restaurants operating across the country, catering to the strong demand from both Kuwaitis and expatriates.
