BY INDER RAJ AHLUWALIA
NEW DELHI | 9 APRIL 2026
From its beautiful beaches to wooded hills, smiling people and delectable cuisine, Thailand continues to be a top tourist rendezvous.
(Khlong Sangne or Little Amazon)
Mr. Khajornrit Khwanmongkol is the Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) New Delhi Office, appointed in early 2026 to lead tourism marketing, sustainable development, and strategic partnerships for India. He brings 22+ years of experience, focusing on promoting Thailand’s BCG economy and low-carbon tourism.
According to Mr. Khajornrit Khwanmongkol, the package offered to tourists in Thailand is ‘high-value’. His focus areas are promoting Thailand as a safe, sustainable, and premium travel destination for Indian tourists, utilizing strategies like the Trusted Thailand initiative. Here are the excerpts of the exclusive interview with The Travel and Tourism Times :
1) What is the TAT’s main role?
A) Following the TAT Vision and Mission, our fundamental role is to drive Thailand towards becoming a high-value and sustainable tourism destination. We operate as a strategic marketer dedicated to driving demand by creating meaningful travel experiences. Our mission is to ensure that tourism growth contributes significantly to the national economy, while preserving our cultural and natural heritage for future generations.
2) How important is the Indian tourist market for Thailand?
A) The Indian market is a high-potential market and a critical strategic market for Thailand. Beyond It’s immense economic scale and impressive purchasing power, our two nations share a profound cultural and lifestyle synergy rooted in the same historical foundation. This deep- rooted connection makes Thailand a natural home away from home for Indian travelers. My primary mission is to leverage these bonds to sustain our position as their ‘top-of-mind’ destination and foster long-term tourism growth.
3) Do you find the Indian market being unique in any way?
A) India is uniquely diverse, and its importance is underscored by its high-value wedding and incentive sectors, which are top priorities for us. What makes our relationship even more special is the large Indian community in Thailand, which integrates seamlessly with the local culture.
Gastronomy is also a vital bridge. Thai cuisine, with its healthy, plant-based ingredients and herbal properties, resonates deeply with Indian dietary habits. With a vast number of authentic Indian restaurants and talented Indian chefs across Thailand, we ensure every guest feels at home. This readiness makes our offering truly incomparable.
( Samet Nangshe Viewpoint)
4) Is the Indian market growing regularly?
A) The growth is exceptionally robust and consistent, with a clear strategic target to reach 2.5 million visitors in 2026. This success is underpinned by the strong tourism cooperation between both governments, the Visa-Free policy, and significantly enhanced Aviation Connectivity. with an increasing number of direct flights from Tier II/III cities across India, Thailand has become an effortlessly accessible destination, leading to a steady upward trajectory in both arrivals and revenue.
( Khao Lak)
5) Which are Thailand’s 3 most popular tourist attractions for visitors?
A) Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket remain the legendary ‘big three’ that have always captured the hearts of Indian travelers. Their world-class infrastructure and diverse range of activities make them perennial favourites. However, we are leveraging the popularity of these hubs to introduce visitors to a wider range of experiences across all regions of the country, ensuring Thailand remains a fresh and exciting destination for every visit.
6) Are any new Thai destinations being introduced/promoted?
A) We are currently championing the ‘Healing is the New Luxury’ campaign, focusing on hidden gems and secondary cities. Specifically, TAT New Delhi and TAT Mumbai are working together to pinpoint Phang Nga as a high-potential destination. We believe Phang Nga with its premium luxury resorts in Khao Lak, the iconic Samet Nangshe Viewpoint, and eco-friendly conservation tourism at Khlong Sangne or Little Amazon, as well as Michelin-starred gastronomy is an exquisite destination that every Indian traveler must experience at least once in their lifetime.
( Phang Nga)
7) What are your personal hobbies?
A)Personally, I am passionate about marine activities such as diving and kayaking in Southern Thailand, a world-class destination known for its stunning natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and rich cultural diversity. Furthermore, I am a professional who thrives on new challenges, being stationed in India allows me to collaborate with high-potential partners in a dynamic market. I treat every challenge and every partner as a teacher who helps me grow professionally. I also draw inspiration from both Thai and Indian influencers and YouTubers, and in my free time, I enjoy traveling to explore new regions across India following their footsteps. These experiences have made my transition seamless. I truly feel that India is my second home.
( THE WRITER, INDER RAJ AHLUWALIA IS AN INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED , MULTIPLE AWARD – WINNING TRAVEL JOURNALIST AND AUTHOR)
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