Thailand has taken a leading role in strengthening travel ties between India and Southeast Asia, hosting the ASEAN-India Forum from 22–25 July in Bangkok. The event, organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), marks a key initiative under the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism 2025, with Thailand serving as Lead Country for Promotion and Marketing.

Speaking at the forum, Ms Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Asia and South Pacific), remarked: “Tourism remains a vital component of ASEAN-India cooperation. We see immense opportunity in advancing two-way travel to unlock shared growth across the region.”

Held on 23 July under the theme ‘Journey of Opportunities: Ignite Indian Travel to ASEAN’, the forum aligned with the ASEAN-India Cooperation Work Plan 2023–2027. It brought together senior policymakers, tourism leaders, and industry voices for a day of dialogue and collaboration.

Opening remarks were followed by keynote addresses from Ms Verna Eseralda C. Buensuceso (Chair, ASEAN NTOs), H.E. Dr Kao Kim Hourn (Secretary-General of ASEAN), and H.E. Mr Nagesh Singh (Indian Ambassador to Thailand), all reaffirming a collective vision for regional tourism growth.

Two dynamic panel discussions explored key market trends. The morning session examined the growing influence of Indian Millennials and Gen Z travellers, with insights from Booking.com, Thai AirAsia, Radisson Hotels, and a top Indian travel influencer. The afternoon panel focused on India’s booming wedding and honeymoon market, valued at over US$130 billion, highlighting ASEAN’s readiness to host elaborate, culturally attuned celebrations.

The forum concluded with a practical workshop on partnership marketing, tackling challenges around visa facilitation, air connectivity, product packaging, and niche offerings.

Delegates later embarked on a technical tour of Pattaya, showcasing Thailand’s robust tourism infrastructure and its appeal to Indian visitors. In 2024, Thailand welcomed over two million Indian tourists—cementing India’s position among its top three inbound markets.