Singapore–Chiang Rai Direct Flight Marks New Year Boost for Northern Thailand

Thailand

New Scoot service strengthens international access to Chiang Rai and supports Thailand’s tourism dispersion strategy

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Scoot have welcomed the New Year with the launch of a new direct air service between Singapore and Chiang Rai. The inaugural flight on 1 January 2026 marks a further step in expanding international connectivity to northern Thailand and positioning Chiang Rai as an emerging destination for culture- and nature-focused travel.

Scoot flight TR670 landed at Mae Fah Luang International Airport at 18:50 on New Year’s Day, receiving a ceremonial welcome that included a traditional cannon salute and locally crafted souvenirs for arriving passengers. The launch event was attended by Choocheap Pongchai, Governor of Chiang Rai Province, Pattaraanong Na Chiang Mai, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing for Asia and the South Pacific, as well as representatives from Scoot, airport authorities and tourism partners.

Targeting high-value short-haul demand

According to TAT, the new route supports efforts to stimulate demand from high-value short-haul markets, particularly repeat travellers from Singapore. These segments include wellness-oriented visitors, luxury and experiential travellers, sport and active lifestyle guests, as well as couples and special-interest groups such as honeymoon and wedding travellers. The service also facilitates multi-destination itineraries, including fly-and-drive and overland journeys that combine Chiang Rai with other parts of Thailand.

Supporting regional tourism balance

Beyond generating new demand, the direct Singapore–Chiang Rai link contributes to Thailand’s broader strategy of dispersing visitor flows beyond established gateways. Complementing existing access to Chiang Mai, the route is intended to help distribute tourism more evenly across the northern region and strengthen Chiang Rai’s profile as a distinctive destination in its own right.

Five weekly flights with Embraer aircraft

Scoot operates the route five times per week using Embraer E190-E2 aircraft with 112 seats. Afternoon departures from Singapore are scheduled on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, while early-morning services operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays, offering flexible travel options in both directions.

“We are excited to launch our inaugural flight to Chiang Rai, our seventh destination in Thailand and a key milestone in our regional expansion,” said Calvin Chan, Chief Commercial Officer of Scoot. He highlighted the region’s natural scenery, architecture, cuisine and art scene, as well as the improved connectivity for travellers across the SIA Group network.

Singapore remains a key source market

Thailand continues to rank among the top three destinations for Singaporean travellers. In 2025, the country welcomed 967,341 visitors from Singapore, with arrivals expected to exceed 1.12 million in 2026. Travellers from Singapore are predominantly independent and repeat visitors, typically staying around five days and showing strong interest in Thai cuisine, wellness experiences and cultural discovery.

While demand remains concentrated on established destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket, Hat Yai, Chiang Mai and Krabi, TAT is intensifying efforts to promote emerging areas like Chiang Rai. In support of the new route, the TAT Singapore Office is rolling out joint promotions with Scoot and targeted media familiarisation activities to further strengthen Chiang Rai’s international visibility.