Snippets from within the Thai–Indian community

By: Rani Kothari

ACCOR EXPANDS THAILAND PRESENCE WITH THREE NEW HOTEL SIGNINGS

Accor is broadening its presence in Thailand through the addition of three new hotel properties: Mövenpick Resort Kamala Beach Phuket, Mercure Phuket Patong Journeyhub, and JonoX Sukhumvit 5 – Handwritten Collection, scheduled to open between 2025 and 2027. These hotels will be operated under a Hotel Franchise Agreement with Boutique Corporation Public Company Limited, which will independently manage the properties. This strategic expansion highlights Accor’s commitment to delivering a dynamic and diverse brand portfolio that aligns with the evolving preferences of modern travellers, while further reinforcing the group’s position as an industry leader in the Thai hospitality sector.

THAI VIETJET AIR LAUNCHES DIRECT PHUKET-MUMBAI FLIGHTS

To enhance air connectivity between India and Thailand, Thai VietJet Air will launch a new direct route between Phuket and Mumbai, commencing 14 August 2025. The service will operate four times a week, with departures from Phuket on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and departures from Mumbai on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The route will utilise an all-economy Airbus A320-220, offering a capacity of 180 seats. This new addition serves to expand the airline’s regional network, while making air travel more affordable and convenient. The new route is expected to strengthen both tourism and business ties between Thailand and India.

ACTIVEWEAR BRAND: ORI

Jaspal, a leading Thai fashion brand known for its contemporary clothing, has ventured into the athleisure space with ORI, a premium activewear brand. Officially launched on 23 July, ORI’s first store is located in Siam Center. Responding to the rising trend of health consciousness, ORI combines stylish designs, high functionality, and innovative fabrics, tailored especially for Asian women’s lifestyles. The brand’s core concept of “Stay True” celebrates individuality and confidence, with a colour palette that complements Asian skin tones. This brand underscores Jaspal’s dedication to authenticity, aiming to support and inspire health-conscious women at every stage of their active lifestyle.

AKASA AIR TO LAUNCH DIRECT MUMBAI-PHUKET FLIGHTS IN SEPTEMBER 2025

Further improving connectivity between the two countries, Akasa Air has announced a new route addition. Starting 20 September, daily direct flights will operate between the cities of Mumbai and Phuket. This is Akasa Air’s first venture into the Southeast Asia region, with Phuket serving as its sixth international destination. Aiming to boost accessibility and convenience for tourists to explore unique and vibrant cultures, the route offers both morning and evening departure and arrival options. This new route also strengthens the airline’s global footprint, allowing it to achieve its international growth goals.

THAI VIETJET AIR TO LAUNCH DIRECT BANGKOK-KOLKATA FLIGHTS IN NOVEMBER 2025

Thai VietJet Air continues to rapidly expand its regional network by offering its third route in the Thailand-India sector, introducing flights from Bangkok to Kolkata. Following their recent addition of the Phuket-Mumbai route, this new service further exemplifies the airline’s aim to increase cultural exchange and connectivity between the two countries. The Bangkok-Kolkata route is set to start from 16 November 2025 and will operate four times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Recently acknowledged as the “Best Low-Cost Airline Brand, Thailand 2025” at the Global Brand Awards, Thai VietJet Air continues to highlight safety and affordability, core values driving its ongoing growth strategy.