KTC and Qantas Launch 'One Journey, Two Worlds' to Redefine Travel Beyond Borders

Mr. Simon Smith, Regional General Manager for Southeast Asia and South Asia, Qantas Airways, stated that Qantas first flew from Thailand over 65 years ago and today serves as a vital connector of Thai travelers with over 700 flights and 180,000 seats per year. Qantas' daily flights from Bangkok to Sydney are designed to connect seamlessly in Sydney to its expansive network of destinations across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. All Qantas international fares include checked baggage allowance, food and beverages and inflight entertainment as standard with every booking. Qantas customers in Thailand can also take advantage of 'Qantas Explorer', which enables travelers to save on multi-city itineraries across Australia and New Zealand.

Mrs. Lesley Dumbrell, a distinguished Australian abstract artist known for her geometric compositions and vibrant exploration of color, reflects on the profound connection between art and travel.

"Art and travel are deeply connected," she shares. "In Australia, the landscape is more than just scenery — it's an essential part of the creative process." From the red sands of Uluru to the Great Barrier Reef and the rich cultural scenes of Melbourne and Hobart, Australia's natural and urban environments have long served as sources of artistic inspiration. Since relocating to Thailand in 1991, Dumbrell has discovered unexpected parallels between Australian and Southeast Asian art, particularly in the use of color, visual depth, and interpretations of nature. "Thai travelers with a love for art," she notes, "will find endless inspiration in Australia's landscapes and creativity," she says.

A pioneer in the male-dominated abstract art movement of the 1970s, Dumbrell played a leading role in advancing the Australian women's art movement. Her works have been exhibited internationally, including in New York, and she is widely recognized by critics and curators alike. Rachel Kent of the Museum of Contemporary Art once described her as "one of Australia's leading exponents of abstraction."

Mrs. Donnah Ciempka, President of AustCham Thailand and Head of School at Ascot International School in Bangkok, emphasized that education is often a major driver for families choosing Australia and New Zealand as destinations. The education systems in both countries prioritize creative thinking and cultural diversity, allowing students to grow independently, embrace differences, and develop a broader worldview. This aligns seamlessly with the campaign's core philosophy of 'Travel as Learning', encouraging travelers to find new perspectives, inspiration, and personal growth beyond traditional classroom learning.

Mrs. Samantha Proyrungtong, a Thai-Australian entrepreneur and founder of Bangkok Foodies, is known for connecting chefs, food lovers, and F&B professionals through her platforms. Raised in Melbourne—renowned for its world-class food scene—she is also the co-founder of VIVIN Asok - Cafe Grocery Bistro, which champions local Thai artisanal products through a unique 'shelf-to-plate' experience.

Samantha highlights Australia as one of the world's most creative and captivating culinary destinations. With Modern Australian Cuisine blending local ingredients and multicultural influences, the country offers everything from urban dining and wine trails to indigenous-inspired food festivals. "Exploring Australia through food," she says, "is not just about tasting—it's about connecting with the people, places, and passion behind every dish."

Dr. Jutamas Wisansing, Founder, Thailand Gastronomy Network, and New Zealand Alumni Hall of Fame, shared her perspective that New Zealand's education system is internationally recognized for its ability to nurture not only academic excellence but also creative thinking, adaptability, and a global outlook, all of which are crucial for future success. The uniqueness of New Zealand lies in how learning extends beyond the classroom, being deeply rooted in the natural environment, community values, and even gastronomy, where food plays a significant role in learning and cultural connection.

Ms. Varitta Phatanarajta, Head of Credit Card Marketing Division, KTC, added that recent spending trends show Thai travelers increasingly seek Meaningful Travel—journeys that inspire, educate, and enrich, often through art, culture, gastronomy, or even educational pursuits for their children. Australia and New Zealand continue to rank among the top destinations, offering the perfect blend of natural wonders and world-class facilities. In January-February 2025, KTC card spending in Australia surged by 21% year-on-year and continues to grow. Australia consistently ranks among the top 10 international destinations for KTC members in terms of spending. At the same time, KTC, through KTC WORLD Travel Service, has been committed to supporting education-related travel to New Zealand.

To meet this growing demand, KTC and Qantas are offering exclusive privileges:

• THB 1,000 discount per person when booking Qantas flights to Australia or New Zealand.
• F.I.T. Package: Flight with Qantas + 4-night hotel stay in Australia or New Zealand for only THB 40,000 per person (Limited to 10 couples / 20 people).
• Redeem 13% cash back by using 1,000 KTC FOREVER points

Bookings open from April 1, 2025 to June 30, 2025, for travel between April 1, 2025 and November 30, 2025. For more information, contact KTC World Travel Service at 02-123-5050 or via LINE Official @KTCWORLD.

Additionally, members booking Qantas flights to Australia and New Zealand via Traveloka will receive an exclusive THB 1,000 discount code. This promotion is also available when booking through participating travel agents: KTC World Travel Service, Majestic Travel, World Explorer, and Traveloka—with up to 6-month installment plans available.

At the press conference, Mrs. Pittaya Vorapanyasakul, President & Chief Executive Officer of Krungthai Card Public Company Limited (KTC), had the honor of welcoming Her Excellency Dr. Angela Macdonald PSM, Ambassador of Australia to Thailand, and His Excellency Mr. Jonathan Kings, Ambassador of New Zealand to Thailand, whose gracious presence greatly elevated the significance of the event.

For more information, please contact KTC World Travel Service at 02 123 5050 or chat via https://ktc.cards/KWT-addline-FB. Check airfares and book flights online at https://bit.ly/KTCFlightOB. To apply for any KTC credit card, click the link: https://ktc.today/apply-card or visit any 'KTC TOUCH' branches nationwide.

Note: It is advisable for credit cardholders to use their cards responsibly and repay the full amount by the due date to avoid a 16% annual interest rate.