On February 27, 2022 at 10:00 PM., H.E. Mr. Soradjak Puranasamriddhi, Consul-General of Thailand in Jeddah, together with Mr. Apichat Prasertsud, Director of Thai Trade Center in Jeddah attended an Inaugural Ceremony of the first direct flight of Saudia Airlines, flight SV846, from Jeddah to Bangkok at Al Fursan lounge, King Abdulaziz International Airport. For Saudia side, Mr. Essam Akhonbay, Vice President of Marketing and Product attended the ceremony.

On this occasion, Saudia Vice President informed the attendees that Saudia is delighted to be able to resume its direct flights between Saudi Arabia and Thailand again. Thailand is an important tourist destination. Thailand has the potential to promote economic cooperation with Saudi Arabia in several ways. He expressed his appreciation to the Saudi and Thai governments in their effort to normalise the diplomatic relation which allow this cooperation to happen. Mr. Essam Akhonbay also expressed his confidence that this direct flight will bring about mutual benefits between the two countries.

H.E. Consul-General also delivered his remarks congratulating Saudia Airlines on this historic day as it will serve as a starting point for people to people exchanges. H.E. expressed his confidence that the launching of direct flights between the two countries will promote mutual benefits between the two countries not only in tourism and pilgrimage but also the ease of air cargo transportation between Thailand and Saudi Arabia. The Thai Consul General also encouraged Saudi citizen to travel to Thailand to get to know people and to seek opportunities as over the past 30 years, Thailand has developed in many aspects especially in tourism industry and food production-related industries. Lastly, Consul General expressed his readiness to assist Saudia Airlines in promoting cooperation in various fields for the mutual benefit of both sides in the future.

Following the ceremony, Consul-General also gave an interview to Al Arabiya television news agency.