In September 2016, H.E. Dr. Kriangsak Kittichaisaree, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Russian Federation actively supported Thai tourism industry in Russia under the project September 2016: Spotlight on Thailand in Moscow, held the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Moscow office. On 22 September 2016 Ambassador Kittichaisaree attended the “OTDYKH Leisure 2016”, the main international exhibition on tourism in Russia, participated by 750 exhibitors from more than 70 countries. This year more than 15 representatives from Thai tourism industry showcased their products in the exhibition such as the Grand Centara Hotel Group, the SAYAMA, the Discovery Travel, the Chao Phraya Abhaibhubate Hospital, the Sport Authority of Thailand and the Professional Boxing Association of Thailand. On 23 September 2016 Ambassador Kittichaisaree delivered opening remark at the Executive Networking Lunch at Kempinsky Balshuk hotel, Moscow. The Lunch was also presided by Mr. Visanu Jaroensilp, Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Russian leading businessmen from tourism field, representatives of the Russian Federal Agency of Tourism and the Thai Airways.  

            The aforementioned events met a great success in promoting Thai Tourism in Russia and a role of Thailand as a popular travel destination for the Russian tourists. According to the statistic of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Moscow office, the number of Russian tourists travelling to Thailand in September 2016 increased 20% comparing to the analogical period last year.  The events is expected to help boosting the sale of Thai tourism product by 5 -10 % and helps with the promotion of the Thai Airways’ resumption of operation in Russian Market this December.