On 18 September 2013  H.E.Dr. Itti Ditbanjong, Ambassador of Thailand to the Russian Federation participated in the Networking Lunch with Russian important tour operators, organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand at the Baltschug Kempinski Hotel in Moscow. Ambassador Itti and Ms. Juthaporn Rerngron-Asa, Deputy Governor for the Europe, Africa, Middle East and America had given the speech to the Russian tour operators, reiterated the potential of Thailand as a worthwhile destination for Russian tourists. The number of 1.6 million Russian tourists visiting Thailand is expected for the year 2013,  increasing  more than 20% from last year (1.3 million people).