The launch of a new direct Singapore-Chiang Rai air service is expected to support inbound visitor growth to northern Thailand, as tourism authorities seek to broaden international access beyond established gateways.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Scoot marked the inaugural service on January 1, 2026, with the arrival of flight TR670 at Mae Fah Luang International Airport. The new route expands international air access to Chiang Rai, positioning the northern province to attract more overseas visitors interested in cultural and nature-based travel.
The inaugural flight arrived at 18.50 on New Year’s Day and received a ceremonial welcome, including a cannon salute and the presentation of locally crafted souvenirs to passengers. The event was attended by Chiang Rai provincial authorities, TAT representatives, Scoot executives, airport officials and tourism partners.
Singapore remains one of Thailand’s top inbound markets, with 967,341 visitors recorded in 2025 and arrivals projected to exceed 1.12 million in 2026. While demand has traditionally centred on destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai, tourism authorities are stepping up efforts to promote emerging destinations including Chiang Rai, supported by joint promotions and media activities linked to the new route.
Pattaraanong Na Chiang Mai, deputy governor for international marketing for Asia and the South Pacific at the TAT, commented: “The new route also supports TAT’s efforts to stimulate demand among high-value shorthaul segments, particularly repeat travellers from Singapore. These include wellness and health-focused travellers, luxury and experiential seekers, sport and active lifestyle visitors, as well as couples and special-interest travellers such as honeymoon and wedding groups.”
She added that the service enhances opportunities for multi-destination travel, allowing visitors to combine Chiang Rai with other parts of Thailand through overland and fly-and-drive itineraries.
The new connection also aligns with Thailand’s tourism dispersion strategy, which aims to channel visitor flows towards secondary destinations. Authorities see the route as complementing existing access to Chiang Mai and encouraging travellers to explore northern Thailand more widely.
Scoot will operate five weekly flights on the route using Embraer E190-E2 aircraft with 112 seats. Services depart Singapore on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays in the afternoon, with early-morning return flights from Chiang Rai on Tuesdays and Saturdays, offering schedules designed to support inbound and outbound travel.
Calvin Chan, chief commercial officer of Scoot, shared that the new service would provide “more seamless connectivity between Singapore and Thailand, allowing more international travellers across the SIA Group’s network to visit Chiang Rai conveniently”.
