Ranon Viputsiri, Chief Commercial Officer of Nok Air talks to T3 and shares on the growth, challenges and expectations for 2025.
Nok Air launched its new nonstop daily flights between Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and Bangkok’s Don Muang Airport in October last year. This enhanced connectivity aims to position Bangkok as a key gateway to Thailand, strengthening ties between the two regions.
To gain insights into Nok Air’s growth in 2024 and expectations for 2025, T3 spoke with Ranon Viputsiri, Chief Commercial Officer of Nok Air. According to Viputsiri, Thailand’s inbound tourism has surged past pre-pandemic volumes, reaffirming its position as a global tourism hub. This remarkable resurgence is said to present immense opportunities to further elevate Thailand’s tourism sector.
Amidst opportunities, Viputsiri also indicated, “While the influx of international visitors is a positive development, it also poses challenges in terms of resource management and sustainability. Popular destinations are under pressure to manage overcrowding, and environmental concerns are rising as visitor numbers soar.” Additionally, he added that ensuring balanced regional growth remains a priority, as secondary destinations often struggle to attract the same level of interest as marquee locations like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.
He further noted that as global travellers become more eco-conscious, Thailand has a unique opportunity to position itself as a leader in sustainable tourism through green initiatives and eco-friendly experiences. Expanding promotions to lesser-known destinations and unique cultural experiences can distribute visitor traffic more evenly and promote economic growth in underdeveloped regions. In addition, leveraging technology to enhance visitor experiences through seamless bookings, real-time information, and personalized travel recommendations can further boost the sector’s appeal.
Looking forward, Viputsiri added that with inbound volumes exceeding expectations, there is an opportunity to expand more in 2025 where the focus must shift to ensuring the sector remains competitive and environmentally conscious. He also suggested to collaborate more closely with tourism boards, local businesses, and international partners to amplify mutual growth opportunities.
He also highlighted enhancing Nok Air’s product and service offerings to provide unique travel experiences. In addition to focusing on being a smart choice for passengers by offering affordability combined with quality and convenience, he highlighted the importance of leveraging data and AI to better understand traveller behaviour, optimize pricing, and deliver tailored offers for greater customer satisfaction.