How This Thai Resort Hopes to Attract Indian Travelers - India Report


Despite propositions that are to the taste of Indian travelers, Pimalai Resort and Spa is unable to benefit from the influx of Indian travelers.

Skift Take

Even as Thailand is a popular travel destination among Indians, most places beyond Bangkok and Phuket remain unexplored. Smaller resorts and businesses now seem to be trying to attract Indian tourists.

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In theory, Pimalai Resort and Spa in Thailand’s Krabi province checks all the boxes for Indian tourists. But the majority of the travelers limit their visit to Bangkok and Phuket, owner Charintip Tiyaphorn told Skift. 

She wants to change that and was in India last week to better understand the market. Thailand is expecting to bring in 1.7 million Indian tourists this year and has also extended the visa waiver for Indian passport holders. In 2023, India was the fourth-largest source market for Thailand.

“India is among the top five source markets for Thailand in 2024, and in April alone, 200,000 Indians visited Thailand," Tiyaphorn said. "Even if they visit Krabi, they don’t come to Pimalai, because it is not known.”

For India, Thailand is among the top travel destinations. Bangkok consistently ranks among the most favored destinations fo