Qatar Airways celebrates strong ties with Thailand at gala event

QatarAirways has hosted a private gala dinner with influential businessleaders, industry experts and heads of commerce to help complete thecelebrations for the launch of its newest route to Chiang Mai, Thailand.Theexclusive gala dinner was attended by HE Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti,the Minister of Transport and Communications, who hosted an array oftrade and industry representatives alongside Qatar Airways Group chiefexecutive Akbar al-Baker. Thai ambassador to Qatar SoonthornChaiyindeepum travelled from Doha to Chiang Mai on the inaugural flightto participate in the event.The private event also welcomed Qatariambassador to Thailand Sheikh Jassim al-Thani, who travelled fromBangkok to be part of the Qatari delegation. Other representativesincluded leaders from the tourist industry, local businesses and majorindustry associations, representing companies from across Thailand.HEal-Sulaiti said, “Qatar Airways’ new route to Chiang Mai from Doharecognises the very important ties of friendship and commerce that existbetween the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Thailand. It is arelationship that will only grow stronger thanks to the launch of thisnew service and one which we are delighted to pay tribute to tonight. “Qataris a nation that deeply understands and appreciates the importance offriendship between countries and their peoples. We look forward tocontinuing to work closely with the people of Thailand through thelaunch of this new connection.”Al-Baker noted, “It has been anhonour to mark the start of this, our new four-times-weekly service fromDoha to Chiang Mai, in the company of so many illustrious guests,including so many important government officials, influential businessleaders and heads of commerce.“We have been warmly welcomed by thepeople of Chiang Mai who have come together to recognise the importanceof our new route into Thailand’s second biggest city. I feel veryconfident this new route will prove fruitful for Qatar’s national flagcarrier, for the people of Thailand and good for the significant tourismindustry here. We look forward to working closely with all of theguests who joined us here at tonight’s event to cement the strong bondsthat exist between the State of Qatar and Thailand.”Chiang Mai isthe airline’s fourth gateway into Thailand, continuing Qatar Airways’rapid expansion into the country to meet the growing demand fromtourists, the Doha-based carrier has said in a statement. The airline isalso to launch a fifth Thai destination to Pattaya on January 28, 2018.AsThailand’s second largest city, Chiang Mai is famous for its relaxedlifestyle, attracting tens of thousands of visitors every year whotravel from around the world to see its hundreds of ancient andbeautiful temples, nearby rainforest reserves, stunning mountain sceneryand peaceful country villages. The ever-growing tourist industry isjust one reason so many international businesses have relocated to makeChiang Mai their home. Businesses have also taken advantage of thecity’s infrastructure, including direct international flight connectionsto all the major countries in the region, including flights with QatarAirways’ codeshare partner, Bangkok Airways.Qatar Airways willcontinue to expand its global network in 2018 by adding flights toCanberra, Australia; Penang, Malaysia and Cardiff, UK, in the comingmonths.