There Is Something In It For Everyone
There Is Something In It For Everyone
Be it Indian weddings or family and group vacations, Thailand has something to offer every Indian.
Wedding Destination
Indian weddings in Thailand have in recent years become big business. Thai hospitality in general, pristine landscapes and world-class resorts are some of the reasons for the large number of Indian weddings in Thailand (300 weddings) last year (stats sourced from the TIWA – Thai Indian Wedding Association).
According to TIWA Indian weddings in Thailand cost their hosts anywhere between 5 and 10 million THB per wedding catering to 200-300 guests. The biggest amount spent is on food and accommodation with a few events costing around 100 million THB.
Surprisingly enough, just 50% of Indian wedding groups journey to Thailand from India, while the remaining 50% consist of Indian nationals from Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, USA, Indonesia, South Africa and Europe.
Indian Family and Group Vacations
Thailand constantly attracts many Indian tourists, being a favoured travel and wedding destination. Its USP (unique selling point) is its close proximity, enhances connectivity, affordability and cultural similarities.
According to Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) statistics, the number of Indian tourists travelling to Thailand last year increased by a record setting 15%, which equates to around 1.07 million. This massive jump in Indian tourists made India the country with the 6th highest visitor rate to Thailand following China and Malaysia to name a few.
Many an Indian movie is shot in Thailand, which has further familiarized them with the sights and sounds of the country and its locals, further coaxing them to travel to this land. Bangkok and Pattaya are two of Indian tourists’ favoured destinations to travel to within Thailand.
Besides Indian movies, Thailand’s close proximity to India is another big talking point for Indian vacationers picking their next travel destination. There are about 150 flights a week travelling between these countries with short travel times and great deals if one books in advance.
Thailand’s ‘affordability’ tag is leading to many Indian travelers overlooking the much favoured Indian tourist hotspots of Bangkok and Pattaya for the more exotic and pristine Chiang Mai, Samuii and Krabi.
Gold and jewelry shopping is also done in Thailand as the prices here are marginally better than in India. In addition to this, several Indian families have made Thailand their home for many generations and often have relations and friends flying in from India to visit them.
And lastly, obtaining Thai visas on arrival, though only for 15 days, is another reason why Thailand is the most favoured South East Asian tourist destination for Indians. Having said that, the visa on arrival procedures at immigration seem to be too lengthy at times.
Flights Between India and Bangkok
The budget airline SpiceJet has seen a lot of success in Thailand through its operation of 28 flights per week between the two countries. While Jet Airways, the largest passenger carrier in India, on March 27th 2016 upped the frequency of its flights to 70 flights a week.
Keyphrase – Indian Weddings in Thailand
