Thailand welcomed the New Year with the launch of a new direct flight connecting Singapore and Chiang Rai, strengthening international access to Northern Thailand. The inaugural Scoot service touched down at Mae Fah Luang International Airport on January 1, 2026, marking an important milestone in positioning Chiang Rai as an emerging destination for culture- and nature-focused travel.
Scoot flight TR670 arrived in the early evening and was greeted with a ceremonial welcome, including a traditional cannon salute and locally made souvenirs for passengers. The launch event was attended by Chiang Rai provincial officials, senior representatives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Scoot executives, airport authorities, and tourism partners.
According to TAT, the new route supports Thailand’s strategy to attract high-value short-haul travelers from Singapore, particularly repeat visitors interested in wellness, luxury experiences, active travel, and special-interest trips, such as honeymoons. The direct connection also encourages multi-destination travel, allowing visitors to combine Chiang Rai with other destinations across Thailand.
The Singapore–Chiang Rai route plays a key role in Thailand’s tourism dispersion efforts by drawing travelers beyond traditional gateways like Bangkok and Phuket. It complements existing access to Chiang Mai and helps spread visitor flows more evenly across Northern Thailand, highlighting Chiang Rai’s unique cultural heritage and natural landscapes.
Scoot operates five weekly flights on the route using Embraer E190-E2 aircraft with 112 seats. Services run on select weekdays and weekends, offering convenient schedules for travelers flying between Singapore and Northern Thailand.
Scoot’s chief commercial officer, Calvin Chan, said the new service marks the airline’s seventh destination in Thailand and reflects growing demand for alternative Thai destinations. He noted that the route improves connectivity for international travelers while also giving residents of Northern Thailand easier access to Singapore and onward destinations across the Scoot and Singapore Airlines Group network.
Singapore remains one of Thailand’s most important tourism markets, with arrivals expected to exceed 1.12 million in 2026. While most visitors continue to favor well-known destinations, TAT is increasing efforts to promote emerging locations such as Chiang Rai through joint marketing campaigns and media initiatives in support of the new flight.
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