For Phuket property owners, developers and agents, the question is not whether more tourists arrive in Thailand, but which tourists, how long they stay, where they travel and whether they spend. A new direct flight from Riyadh to Bangkok, launched by Riyadh Air on 3 September 2026, strengthens access from a market that scores well on all four measures.
The service, which begins with three weekly flights before increasing to daily in October, adds approximately 46,000 inbound seats annually from Saudi Arabia. More importantly, it improves access for a visitor profile that stays 10 to 12 days on average, spends around 110,000 Baht per person per trip, and increasingly travels beyond Bangkok to Phuket, Krabi, Phang-nga, Ko Samui and Chiang Mai.
Why the Middle East matters for Thai property
The Middle East is classified by the Tourism Authority of Thailand as a strategically important long-haul market. Visitors from the region typically seek nature, leisure, wellness, family experiences and established tourism infrastructure. July to September is a key outbound travel period, driven by school holidays and summer temperatures at home.
Saudi Arabia is among the highest-potential markets within the region. Visitor spending is notably strong, with interest concentrated on shopping, beaches, nature, Thai cuisine, medical services and wellness. Family travel is particularly significant, and demand increasingly extends beyond the traditional Bangkok-Phuket-Pattaya circuit.
For Phuket, the relevance is straightforward. Visitors who stay longer, spend more and travel with families are the demographic most likely to use hotel villas, book extended stays and return. Over time, some become buyers.
What the numbers show
Thailand recorded 121,907 arrivals from Saudi Arabia in the first eight months of 2026, compared with 142,774 during the same period in 2025, a decrease of 14.62%. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is working to rebuild momentum through stronger air connectivity, Muslim-friendly products and services such as halal dining and visitor facilities, and targeted digital marketing.
The Riyadh Air service is operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft with 290 seats. At three flights per week, the route adds approximately 3,840 inbound seats per month. When the service increases to daily in October, monthly capacity will more than double.
Mrs. Chiravadee Khunsub, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing covering Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa, said the service “adds direct capacity at an important time for TAT’s development of Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East. It gives travellers more convenient access to Bangkok and destinations across Thailand while helping TAT and our partners reach high-value family, luxury, wellness and medical segments more effectively.”
How this connects to Phuket property
Direct connectivity does not guarantee demand for Phuket real estate, but it removes a barrier. Families who visit for 10 to 12 days are more likely to explore multiple destinations within Thailand. Phuket, Krabi and Phang-nga are increasingly part of that itinerary, particularly for visitors seeking beaches, nature and family-friendly villa accommodation.
For Phuket property owners offering villa rental, the demographic matters. Families travelling for extended stays typically prefer private pool villas over hotel rooms, especially when Muslim-friendly facilities, privacy and space are priorities. Average spending of 110,000 Baht per person per trip suggests demand for mid-to-upper tier accommodation, not budget guesthouses.
For developers and agents, the wider context is also relevant. Visitors who return regularly, particularly those who use Phuket as a base for wellness, medical or family travel, are the most likely to consider long-stay arrangements or property purchase over time. The Middle East has historically been a secondary buyer market in Phuket compared with China, Europe and Russia, but infrastructure, visa policy and direct connectivity shape how that changes.
What remains uncertain
The Saudi Arabia arrival figures for 2026 show a decline compared with 2025, and the new service alone will not reverse that trend. TAT is working to rebuild demand through digital marketing, halal-certified services and partnerships with online travel agencies, but results will depend on execution and competition from other resort destinations.
It is also unclear how many passengers on the Riyadh-Bangkok service will connect onward to Phuket. The aircraft capacity is significant, but visitor distribution across Thailand depends on marketing, packages, price and convenience. If the majority remain in Bangkok or travel to Pattaya, the Phuket impact will be limited.
Finally, the service is operated by a new airline. Riyadh Air launched in 2024, and the Bangkok route is its 14th destination. Long-term frequency, demand stability and network expansion will shape the route’s overall contribution to Thai tourism and property markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Saudi visitors typically spend in Thailand?
According to TAT, Saudi visitors spend approximately 110,000 Baht per person per trip on average, with strong interest in shopping, beaches, nature, Thai cuisine, medical services and wellness. Family travel is particularly significant.
How many weekly flights will Riyadh Air operate to Bangkok?
The service launched with three weekly flights on 3 September 2026, operating every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Riyadh and returning every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from Bangkok. Frequency will increase to daily from October 2026.
Does the new service directly affect Phuket property demand?
Not directly. The service connects Riyadh with Bangkok, not Phuket. However, Saudi visitors increasingly travel beyond Bangkok to Phuket, Krabi, Phang-nga, Ko Samui and Chiang Mai. Improved access to Bangkok makes onward travel to Phuket more convenient, particularly for families staying 10 to 12 days who are more likely to explore multiple destinations.
Why is the Middle East considered strategically important for Thai tourism?
The Middle East is classified by TAT as a strategically important long-haul market with strong spending potential. Travellers from the region typically seek nature, leisure, wellness, family experiences and established visitor services. July to September is a key outbound travel period, aligning with Thailand’s lower season.
Are Saudi arrivals to Thailand increasing or decreasing?
Saudi arrivals have decreased in 2026. Thailand recorded 121,907 arrivals from Saudi Arabia in the first eight months of 2026, compared with 142,774 during the same period in 2025, a decline of 14.62%. TAT is working to rebuild momentum through stronger air connectivity, Muslim-friendly services and targeted marketing.
Sources
- TAT Newsroom — TAT welcomes inaugural Riyadh Air service linking Riyadh and Bangkok — link
