By Sarmad Qazi

Ambassador al-Hamar (centre) and Aldeera Travels chairman Badar (second left) flanked by guests at the opening. PICTURE: Sarmad Qazi

Bangkok: Qatar-based Aldeera Travels has opened its first full-service travel agency outside the country in one of Asia’s most populous cities, Bangkok, Thailand.
The opening on Friday coincided with the Qatar’s National Day 2009, while the company also scored the distinction of becoming the first Middle Eastern travel agency to have an office in Thailand.
“We weren’t just interested in multiplying our branches within Qatar. A whopping 15,000 to 20,000 Qataris travel to Thailand each year seeking medical attention and as tourists,” Aldeera Travels chairman Abdulrahman Badar told Gulf Times.

Ambassador Abdalla al-Hamar (left) receives Qataris in Bangkok on the occasion of Qatar National Day 2009 and 30th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Qatar and Thailand at the Grand Hyatt Bangkok on Friday. Hundreds of Qataris in Thailand including children, senior oil and gas executives in the region, and Thai guests attended the event. From the Thai side, deputy Prime Minister Korbsak Sabhavasu led the well wishers. PICTURES: Sarmad Qazi

Located in 2 Ploenchit Center, in the heart of Bangkok on Sukhumvit Road, the 110sqm office, according to Badar, will serve all Qatari and Middle Eastern passengers in Thailand with reservations, tours, car rentals, and else.
For the opening, half the floor on Ploenchit was turned into “Little Qatar” with folk songs, maroon and white flags, traditional tea, date servings, and staff dressed in Arabesque Qatari garbs.
The chief guest on the occasion was Qatar’s Ambassador to Thailand, Abdalla al-Hamar, who cut the ribbons to mark the first hour of the office into business. He also cut a cake to celebrate Qatar’s National Day.
“Badar’s services to all the Qataris will be remembered that his office was intentionally opened on the same day as the national day,” al-Hamar said.
“This office also becomes a third Qatari interest in Thailand, after the opening of a medical office and QAPCO’s office recently,” al-Hamar added.
Speaking to Gulf Times later, Ambassador al-Hamar said: “There could be more Qatari business here.”
“Qatar and Thailand have moved from zero trade to $3.5bn in five years. While the oil and gas makes up the foremost balance, there is great scope in investment from the Qatari side in hotels, resorts, property, agriculture,” he added.
Aldeera Travels (Thailand) managing director Tuk Uraiwan Thaipakdee later said the office will work in straight shifts with its staff of half a dozen for now.