Thailand wants Russian tourists to return but the odds are against it, for now

Thailand has limited the spread of infections with stricter Covid curbs than many countries. 

The Moscow office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand says restoring Russian tourism is a priority in the last three months of the year but several factors are stopping it. 

Russia has banned direct flights until 31 October to avoid overflying Afghanistan's airspace.

But other factors in Thailand mean a restoration of the 700,000 tourists in 2019 is unlikely anytime soon with cheaper, less-hassle destinations available despite an enduring love for Thailand.

The Covid curbs militate against a return. 

These include Thai restrictions on full capacity plane arrivals in the kingdom.

Thailand has now endorsed the Russian Sputnik V vaccine but Russians who travel are heading to other destinations without such strict Covid rules. 

Until June,  577,900 flocked to Turkey, 223,400 to the United Arab Emirates, 110,600 to Cyprus, 88,00 to Egypt and 73,000 to the Maldives. 

Last year Russian arrivals plunged by 60% to 587,167 tourists, and there seems little chance of a return soon.