THAILAND and Malaysia are now aiming to work together, with ''Two Destinations, One Holiday'' being used as the motto to attract visitors to both countries.

When Qatar Airlines begins regular daily services from Dohar to Kuala Lumpur and Phuket, the concept will begin to carry dividends for both countries.

Selling the message this evening to Phuket dignitaries, travel and tour agents and the media was Malaysia's Tourism Minister, Dato Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen. She hosted a dinner at the Blue Elephant restaurant in the wonderful old Phra Pitak Chinpracha Mansion, on the corner of Krabi Road and Satun Road, Phuket City.

She noted that more than 700,000 visits were made by Thais to Malaysia between January and June, putting Thais third on the list of travellers to the country. Among the guests this evening were Vice Governor Tree Akadate and the Mayor of Phuket City, Somjai Suwansupana.

Qatar Airways recently placed an order for $35 billion of planes and will add flights from its base in Doha to European cities, plus Phuket and Hanoi, in the coming 12 months.

The Qatar loop between KL and Phuket adds to services between Phuket and Malaysia provides by MAS, AirAsia and Firefly. A total of 22 airline brands were now operating charter flights to Phuket, the minister said.

Phuket's Muslim population and commitment to quality halal food is seen as giving Phuket an edge over most other destinations within Thailand in attracting high-spending Middle East visitors.

Being within 70 minutes' air time of KL and Singapore makes ''Three Destinations, One Holiday'' a possibility for some.