Thailand reportedly earned 13,800 million baht from Russian tourist markets in 2007. The information was revealed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Moscow office director Vishnu Charoensilp who further stated that Phuket, Pattaya and Samui islands are among their favorite holiday destinations. The TAT and Phuket authority last week invited travel agents, officials and media members from Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan on a mega fam trip to the Andaman provinces of Phuket, Phang-Nga and Krabi to experience the area and meet with local hoteliers and tourism products. A reception for the group was also held at Royal Phuket Marina. With a positive outlook for the Russian market, the TAT has opened an office in Moscow. The Thai authority expects approximately 16,000 – 20,000 million baht income from the market while other holiday destinations like Hua Hin and Chiang Mai will also be promoted for the Russian and its commonwealth states.