Thai Cabinet agree to increase flights with Russia

BANGKOK, February 17 (TNA) - The Cabinet has resolved to increase air traffic between Thailand and Russia, reflecting growing domestic tourism. Government Spokesman Major General Sansern Kaewkamnerd told journalists that the Cabinet decided at its weekly meeting in Bangkok on February 16 to increase weekly flights between Bangkok and Moscow and vice versa from 42 to 70 and between Phuket and Saint Petersburg and vice versa from 14 to 28. The spokesman said the Cabinet's resolution represented its approval in principle of a Thai-Russian memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on July 23, 2014 and a Thai-Russian letter of exchange. Besides, the spokesman stated, the Cabinet approved Russia's proposal on changing its flight destinations from Chiang Mai in the Thai North to Krabi in the Thai South and from Irkutsk to Novosibirsk within Russia, with seven flights to operate weekly between Novosibirsk and Krabi and vice versa. However, the spokesman noted, Thailand has not yet agreed with Russia's proposal on lifting air transport limitations and sealing a codeshare agreement, with both sides to further discuss on the proposal later. (TNA)