Thailand

President Trump said that he thought Cambodia and Thailand were “going to be fine” after he spoke to both PMs. However, Thai PM has said that Bangkok will not follow the peace agreement unless Cambodia apologises for the latest landmine incident

The International Monetary Fund projects Thailand’s economic growth to reach 2.1% in 2025 and 1.6% in 2026

Thailand’s Alcohol Control Committee has approved regulations allowing guests to sit and drink in restaurants from 2pm-5pm, as well as a late-night seating period until 1am, one hour after the cutoff of alcoholic beverages sales at midnight. The pilot programme is set to run for six months from early Dec

Malaysia has offered to host another peace talk to defuse reignited border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia

Pattaya marine officials announced that all rental jet skis must carry group insurance under a new regulation. Coverage must include compensation for death, loss of limb, or permanent disability, as well as medical treatment costs and damage to the jet ski

TAT announced the nationwide launch of the Trusted Thailand certification programme, aiming to provide a “visible assurance of safety and reliability, encouraging travellers – particularly from China – to return to Thailand with renewed trust”. Over 5,000 operators nationwide – including hotels and accommodation, restaurants, attractions, shopping centres, and recreational venues – are expected to apply for the certification

The Public Health Minister announced a reversal on the alcohol ban introduced less than a week ago, following backlash from the tourism industry

The Immigration Bureau has launched a new operation to prevent foreigners repeatedly entering Thailand under visa-free exemptions as cover for illegal activity, including cybercrime and human trafficking. The Deputy Commissioner-General and Immigration Bureau spokesperson reported that the bureau has denied entry to about 2,900 foreigners since the beginning of 2025. The new operation includes four key measures: stricter visa-free screening, border hostpot surveillance, tighter visa extension checks, and a crackdown on overstayers

The number of visitors flying direct to Phuket totalled 4.16 million as of Oct, up from 4.09 million YoY and reaching 97.5% of the total recorded in 2019. Russia was the top source market with 832,976 visitors, followed by India (488,387), China (476,743), Australia, the UK, Germany, Malaysia, South Korea, France and Kazakhstan. President of the Southern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association said average occupancy in Phuket reached 75% in Oct, with average room rate at 3,049 THB, up from 71% and 2,681 THB in Oct 2024, respectively. Average occupancy rate so far for Nov-Dec is at 77%, while room rate surged by 50% compared to Oct. The Chinese market to Phuket remained weak, with direct flights to Phuket from second-tier Chinese cities significantly reduced. President of the Thai Hotels Association said hotels in the South and East are still expected to see stronger long-haul markets compared to other regions. He said 74% of hotel operators saw a decline in the Chinese market, 45% saw a decline in short-haul markets, while 37% were affected by a decline in long-haul markets in the Q4

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau has partnered with TAT, the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), and Thai Airways International (THAI) to launch the Spice Up Thai Fest campaign, leveraging the Thai Restaurant Global Network to highlight 14 aspects of Thai culture and identity. The campaign targets 14 pilot markets: Australia, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mainland China, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam

Thailand’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson announced that Thailand is demanding an apology from Cambodia after accusing it of laying new landmines that have injured Thai soldiers. Cambodia's Defence Ministry has denied having laid new landmines

A video taken by Korean YouTubers Cullen HateBerry at a floating market in Ratchaburi sparked controversy about overpricing and aggressive sales tactics at tourist attractions. The viral video showed a clothing vendor using a hook to pull their boat over to her shop, then sell her products at a high price. The Ratchaburi Provincial Public Relations Office posted on Facebook that authorities had issued a warning and imposed a fine to the vendor involved

The Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai, held from 31 Oct-8 Nov, generated an estimated 2.765 billion THB into the local economy from over 184,800 visitors. Occupancy rate during the festival stood at about 90%

The Tourism Ministry reported that Thailand has welcomed 27,587,845 international arrivals from 1 Jan-9 Nov, -7.14% YoY. Malaysia was the top source market with 3,971,783 visitors, followed by China (3,870,078 visitors), India (2,056,933 visitors), Russia (1,478,167 visitors), and South Korea (1,308,510 visitors). Thailand recorded 698,389 international arrivals during the week of 3-9 Nov, +8.42% WoW due to the high travel season. Malaysia was the top source market during the week with 89,931 visitors, up 16.66% WoW, followed by China (74,538 visitors, +2.85% WoW), India (55,466 visitors, +1.81%), Russia (47,319 visitors, +9.40%), and the US (30,620 visitors, +16.29%)

Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) in Chiang Rai will double its entry fee for foreign tourists, from 100 THB to 200 THB, from 1 Jan 2026. The new fare covers access to the Cave of Art. Temple officials announced that the price hike is for maintaining and taking care of the site’s architecture and handling the rising number of tourists. Thai nationals can still visit the temple free of charge, along with children below 120cm and visitors aged 70 and above, regardless of nationality

The Ministry of Public Health and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) launched the “Knowing PM2.5 for Sustainable Protection” campaign to raise public awareness on protective measures as smog season returns

Managing Director of Urban Hospitality Group (UGH) noted that live-streaming has become one of their “most effective” promotion tools, as it helps them “reach local guests directly and understand their booking behaviour in real time”. The group manages 18 hotels under The Quarter brand. The group has maintained an average occupancy of 90%-95% over the past nine months. He noted that hotels in business districts remain strong, while hotels relying heavily on tour groups have had to reinvent strategies. He noted that European, Indian, and Middle Eastern guests are gradually taking over the Chinese market. Cushman & Wakefield Thailand reported that Bangkok’s average occupancy fell to 70.5% in Q3 2025, while average daily rate declined slightly to 3,535 THB from 3,753 THB in Q2. RevPAR fell by 8.1% to 2,492 THB

The Phuket-Andaman Restaurant Club was optimistic about the upcoming high season despite the decrease in foreign arrivals in Jan-Oct. Vice President of the organisation predicts tourism high season for Phuket should start later than usual this year

PM Anutin reported the results of the government’s “United Thailand Against Scammers” initiative, which was launched to dismantle transnational criminal networks and restore public confidence in the digital economy. He said authorities arrested 7,174 suspects in coordinated raids nationwide between 27 Oct-8 Nov, of which the suspects were allegedly connected with 90 organised crime cases, 795 cases involving mule bank accounts and illegal SIM cards, and 11 cases tied to illegal communication devices and base stations. The operation also resulted in the closure of 26 major online gambling websites, the interception of 123 Thais attempting to leave the country to join scam networks abroad, and the arrest of 22 influencers who promoted illegal gambling platforms. Authorities have seized over 41.7 million THB in assets, while 31 million THB was recovered and returned to the victims. They have also reclaimed over 312 million THB in stolen funds since Feb

President of the Trat Tourism Association said European markets, including the UK, have helped boost average occupancy rate to 80%-90% from Nov 2025-Mar 2026, noting that European tourists were unbothered by the Thai-Cambodian border conflict after learning that Koh Chang, Koh Kut, and Koh Mak were not affected. He added that around 60% room nights booked in Trat were by foreigners, mostly European, while domestic guests accounted for 40%. The Chinese market has fallen to a 10% share in the past 10 months, from almost 50% before the safety concerns. He said domestic trips in Trat is increasing, attributed to the “Khon La Khrueng” co-payment scheme. He noted that the new “Check-in Fin Wow: East X Northeast” programme to boost tourism in 7 border provinces may be muted due to restrictions. Director of TAT’s Trat Office said 11,903 hotel rooms remain for the high season, with an average length of stay of 7 days for foreign guests and 3 days for local guests. A total of 1.28 million Thais have visited Trat as of Sep, generating 10 billion THB. Foreign tourists reached 268,456 arrivals, compared to 419,630 for the full year of 2024. TAT is promoting Trat to European markets and is set to invite 10 tour companies from Australia to its 3 main islands

Pattaya’s Bang Lamung District held a high-level strategy meeting to prepare for Tomorrowland 2026, the inaugural Southeast Asian edition of the Belgian music festival. The festival is scheduled to be held in Dec 2026 at Wisdom Valley and is expected to attract over 50,000 people per day, generating over 5 billion THB

A joint operation involving officers from Surat Thani Provincial Police, Koh Phangan Police Station, Immigration Bureau, Tourist Police, and the Koh Phangan District Office raided four locations linked to a French-run villa business, which allegedly used Thai nominees to illegally operate real estate and unlicensed hotels

Phuket Governor announced that the trial period for the new Boat Taxi service along the province’s west coast has been rescheduled to 15-30 Dec, from the initial date of 15-30 Nov, due to ongoing heavy rain and strong waves in the Andaman Sea. The pier at Sirinath National Park has been fully designed and is now awaiting engineering certification and final approval from the Department of National Parks to use the temporary trial area

The Cabinet has approved a special public holiday on 2 Jan 2026, making it a five-day New Year holiday from 31 Dec 2025-4 Jan 2026. A government spokesperson noted that the extended holiday is a “strategic push to revitalise tourism and stimulate spending”

Managing Director and Head of Personal Financial Services at UOB Thailand projects credit card spending in Q4 to remain unchanged from Q1-Q3, which grew 2%-3%. He noted that the government launched several stimulus measures to boost domestic consumption, such as the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” co-payment scheme, but it is too early to assess the impact on Q4 spending. UOB Thailand recorded growth in spending, especially among upper-income customers across three categories: dining, travel, and luxury products. Krungsri reported that total spending via its credit cards reached 286 billion THB in Jan-Sep, +1% YoY. It expects total card spending to reach 400 billion THB by year-end, +2% YoY. The bank noted that the government’s personal income tax deduction scheme should stimulate spending in tourism-related sectors, especially restaurants

Agoda’s search data showed that Thailand is the top pet-friendly destination in Asia-Pacific, with searches for pet-friendly accommodations in Thailand increasing by 92%

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has issued flood alerts in Bangkok and 65 provinces due to Storm Kalmaegi

Tourists reported long queues and traffic jams for the Koh Lanta ferry in Krabi province amid the high season

The Phuket Provincial Disaster and Mitigation Office (DDPM) has issued a warning for heavy rain, flash floods and strong winds, amid strengthening southwestern monsoon

TAT’s Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa featured as a speaker at the “Destinations with Heart” Summit on 5 Nov, held during the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2025. She highlighted Thailand’s long-standing cultural values of openness and kindness, focusing on how inclusion is deeply rooted in the Thai way of life and the country’s tourism strategy. She also highlighted TAT’s “Go Thai Be Free” global initiative, which promotes Thailand’s inclusive tourism through welcoming environments, authentic local engagement, and meaningful visitor experiences for all travellers

24 private sector organisations joined hands to call on the government for urgent action on the Kathu–Patong tunnel project amid concerns about delays. The project was approved by the Cabinet on 26 Aug, with a total investment of 16.7 billion THB, with construction set to start in Apr and completed by Mar 2030. The Transport Minister’s recent suggestion for a redesign that would reduce the tunnel's width and eliminate tolls have sparked concern that the project could be delayed by up to five years

TAT led a delegation of 50 Thai businesses to the World Travel Market (WTM) 2025 in London from 4-6 Nov, under the theme of “Senses of Siam: A Journey to Total Well-being”. TAT Governor announced the launch of the new “Amazing Thailand: Unforgettable Experience – Healing is the New Luxury” global campaign during the event. TAT expects over 1,500 business meetings, potentially generating over 1.33 billion THB in revenue. TAT targets 8.4 million European arrivals in 2025, +15% YoY, generating around 510 billion THB in revenue. TAT expects 2.75 million European visitors in Q4 alone, generating 165 billion THB. Flight bookings are up 8%, driven by TAT’s Airline Focus strategy

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) hosted a consultation to review its proposed role in managing the Thailand Pavilion in future Specialised and World Expos, as well as coordinating national representation at global events. A white paper titled “Lessons Learned from Thailand’s Bid to Host Expo 2028 Phuket” recommended a single agency to oversee Thailand’s expo participation, and supported expanding TCEB’s responsibilities in partnership with civil society, the private sector, and relevant ministries to ensure consistent messaging, ongoing content development, and coordinated operations. A study by the Thammasat University Research & Consultancy Institute identified four key objectives for national pavilions at international expos: promoting diplomatic engagement, enhancing national branding, encouraging innovation and cultural exchange, and expanding global trade

Bangkok City Hall workers collected 391,027 krathong floats from local waterways following the Loy Krathong festival on 5 Nov, -24% YoY. Of the collected floats, 83% were made from natural materials, 7% made from Styrofoam (+1.1 pp YoY), and 10% made from bread. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration organised the floating of “digital krathongs” via the Greener Bangkok Website, resulting in 23,347 digital floats. The website simulated krathong floating at 34 public parks and along the Chao Phraya River at Iconsiam mall

The Nation Visionary Club roundtable discussion, "Rebuilding Thai Tourism Trend: Travel for New Gen", was held on 5 Nov. Experts noted that Thai tourism is currently seeing a short-term downtrend, but they believe that in order to maintain its position as a leading travel destination, Thailand should restore travel confidence, improve infrastructure, and offer experiences that cater to the diverse needs of modern travellers

Phuket City Officials confirmed the cancellation of the annual Loy Krathong Festival in mourning of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. A venue will remain open for floating krathongs, at the pond in front of Chalerm Phrakiat Public Park (Suan Luang Rama IX), but no live music, stage shows, contests, or fireworks will be permitted in the official event zone

The Commerce Ministry reported that Thailand’s headline consumer price index fell 0.76% YoY in Oct, following a 0.72% YoY decline in Sep. The annual headline inflation rate was negative for the seventh consecutive month in Oct. The ministry expects inflation to continue to decline in Nov. Core CPI rose 0.61% YoY in Oct

TAT announced the winners of the Responsible Thailand Awards 2025 during the Amazing Thailand Press Conference at the World Travel Market (WTM) 2025 in London. The award is currently in its 18th year. Winners include: Elephant Hills in Khao Sok National Park in the Responsible Animal Welfare category, Tumlungwahn Community Enterprise in Suphan Buri province for the Responsible Community Tourism Award, Bang Rong Community Based Tourism in Phuket for the Responsible Conservation Award, Discovery Travel Khao Lak received the Responsible Destination Management Company Award, and Chiva-Som Hua Hin for the Responsible Tourism Accommodation Award

The Deputy Government Spokesperson announced that the Cabinet has approved the Tourism Ministry’s proposal to extend Thailand’s MotoGP hosting rights from 2027-2031, with a budget of 3.997 billion THB. The race at Buriram’s Chang International Circuit attracts an average of 206,000 spectators per event, generating a total of 24.9 billion THB in economic value since its first year

Bangkok’s Impact Muang Thong Thani has achieved certification under the ISO 20121:2024 Event Sustainability Management Systems standard. It is the first venue in Thailand to certify under the updated standards across all five of its core event categories – weddings, parties, exhibitions, meetings, and concerts

The Royal Irrigation Department has increased water releases from the Chao Phraya Dam following continuous heavy rain across Northern and Upper Central Thailand. Bangkok residents are advised to prepare for potential water intrusion in vulnerable neighbourhoods as the Chao Phraya gradually rises. Low-lying districts downstream are warned of flooding risks if heavy rain continues

Pattaya City Officials, in cooperation with local administrative organisations in Bang Lamung district, has launched safety and environmental campaigns for a more sustainable Loy Krathong Festival. Locals and tourists are urged to avoid floating lanterns (krathongs) in the sea to protect marine life. Authorities have set up designated areas with prepared ponds, such as Lan Pho Park in Naklua, for krathong floating. Participants are also invited to wear traditional Thai royal attire and mourning ribbons to honour Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother

The government spokesperson expects a “visible” increase in the number of Chinese visitors within 1-2 months, following Chinese President Xi Jinping’s discussion with PM Anutin. President Xi has agreed to hold internal discussions on how to encourage tourism to Thailand after its stance to oppose the legalisation of casino entertainment complexes

The Thai Cabinet has approved the Transportation Ministry’s proposal to allow the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to borrow 18 billion THB in FY2026 – which started on 1 Oct – to cover operating expenses amid lasting financial losses

TAT expects the Loy Krathong festival to generate about 6.54 billion THB in tourism revenue, from the participation of around 1.91 million Thai tourists nationwide. President of the upper northern chapter of the Thai Hotels Association, said hotels in Muang Chiang Mai are expected to see 100% occupancy during the Yi Peng floating lantern festival on 5-6 Nov. He added that room rates have risen by 10%-15%, owing to foreign tourists, especially Europeans, who have booked since 3-6 months ago. Many Chiang Mai hotels are recording 60% confirmed bookings between Nov 2025-Jan 2026

TAT aims to welcome 6.71 million international arrivals in Nov-Dec to reach its full-year goal of 33.4 million visitors. Thailand welcomed 2,573,743 international arrivals in Oct, -3.94% YoY. Malaysia was the top source market with 378,143 visitors, followed by China (357,445 visitors), India (213,858), Russia (145,764), South Korea (136,382), the US (83,929), Taiwan (83,574), the UK (78,947), Singapore (77,095), and Germany (76,709)

The Op Luang National Park announced the temporary closure of Mae Tia Waterfall in Chiang Mai after continuous rainfall caused water levels to rise and overflow onto the walking trail. A total of 25 tourists were evacuated safely from a campsite at the waterfall after being left stranded due to the forest runoff

Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Pattaya experienced flash flooding due to heavy rain on the night of 2 Nov. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported that flooding remained in parts of 12 provinces – Phitsanulok, Phichit, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, and Ubon Ratchathani

The Transport Minister has ordered the Mass Rapid Transit Authority to conduct a study into expanding the 40 THB one-day travel pass – which is set to be launched on Bangkok’s Red and Purple Lines on 1 Dec – to all electric train services. The minister has also instructed the Permanent Transport Secretary to look into implementing the capping of expressway tolls, excluding inter-city motorways, at 50 THB per trip by year-end

PM Anutin apologised for suggesting that “Thailand has also encroached upon Cambodia” during a media interview at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, following criticism from Thais. He added that any decision by the government to reopen border checkpoints would be made after public consultations. He assured the public that “there is no possibility that Thailand will lose any territory, sovereignty, honour, or dignity”

The Royal Thai Army is watching the Thai-Myanmar border in Mae Sot as 1,500 foreign nationals fled from KK Park special economic zone in Myanmar to Thailand, after the junta were said to have taken control of the area

The Full Moon Party at Koh Phangan, originally scheduled for 5 Nov, has been cancelled following the passing of Queen Mother Sirikit on 25 Oct. The Jungle Experience event set for 4 Nov has also been cancelled. Loy Krathong festivities will proceed, but in a way that honours traditional and cultural practices during the mourning period

2 more Thai cities were added to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network: Nan as a Crafts and Folk Art City, and Songkhla as a Gastronomy City. Other cities added in ASEAN included HCMC (Film), Malang (Media Arts) and Ponorogo (Crafts and Folk Art) in Indonesia and Kuala Lumpur (Design)

President of the Association of Thai Travel Agent said the association projects only 32 million international arrivals in 2025, down from 35.5 million in 2024. It also projects Chinese arrivals to reach 4.6 million (below the 5 million target set by TAT), Malaysian arrivals to reach 4.5 million (below the 4.9 million target), South Korea 1.5 million (below the 1.8 million target), India 2.2 million and Russia 1.6 million, same as 2024 numbers. Atta will propose to the TAT an additional tourism stimulus for flight promotions, either via discounts or free tickets. The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) plans to submit proposals from private operators next week to the PM’s Office Minister, including proposals on tax incentives or soft loans for the MICE sector, both for organisers and venue operators. TCEB discussed the “Quick Win” measures with seven tourism and MICE organisations, including the Thai Hotels Association (THA) and the Thai Incentive and Convention Association (Tica). TCEB also called on the government to offer subsidies for new events over the coming months, and encourage public organisations to hold meetings in regional destinations. Honorary President of the THA said the Finance Ministry should increase the meeting budget for the public sector and organisation, which has not changed in over 10 years, to adjust with the surging living costs. President of Tica urged the government to hold hybrid or online trade shows to draw new events and meeting groups to Thailand, focusing on markets with high growth rates like India and the Middle East

Kanchanaburi Governor reported at least 11 million local and foreign visitors in Jan-Sep, generating 28 billion THB in revenue and resulting in a hotel occupancy of 67.3%. He said the uptick in tourism is helping to offset the slowdown in trade at the Thai-Myanmar border, including the Phu Namron permanent border checkpoint and the Three Pagodas Pass crossing, due to a rise in armed skirmishes in Myanmar. Most foreign tourists to the province come from China, followed by India, South Korea, Russia, and Malaysia

Officials reported that preparations for the Thailand Biennale Phuket 2025, the country’s largest international art festival, is now over 90% completed and it’s ready for the grand opening on 29 Nov at Saphan Hin Park. The festival will run until Apr 2026, featuring large-scale art installations from over 60 artists from Thailand and overseas placed in public spaces around the island, including at city streets and coastal parks

Director for Europe at the TAT reported that European arrivals to Thailand have continued to grow, with 5.48 million recorded between 1 Jan-14 Sep. Long-haul travellers are reported to spend an average of 64,000 THB per trip. Arrivals from key European markets continue to perform well, with arrivals from Germany growing 12.42%, France by 17.13%, the UK by 14.66%, and Russia by 10.4%. Emerging markets also saw growth, such as Turkey with 23% and Poland with 30%. Southern European markets like Spain, Italy, Israel, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine remain strong despite geopolitical uncertainties. Smaller CIS markets like Uzbekistan saw growth of 43%, while Belarus grew by 133%. TAT targets 8.45 million European visitors in 2025, with over 70% already achieved. TAT targets 2 million arrivals for Russia, and 1 million each for the UK, Germany, and France. Forward bookings from Europe for Q4 are up 6%

Chinese President Xi Jinping lauded PM Anutin’s stance against the legalisation of casinos. President Xi also reaffirmed China’s commitment to cooperate with Thailand across trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people connections. PM Anutin highlighted opportunities in innovation, science and technology, digital economy, clean energy, future-oriented agriculture. Among other topics discussed include cybersecurity, infrastructure and connectivity

TAT hosted a delegation of 15 leading Chinese MICE tour operators to promote Thailand as a high-value tourism destination. TAT introduced a series of tourism products and services for the MICE sector, such as the Vijit Chao Phraya Light Festival. TAT also urged expanding travel beyond major hubs through routes to secondary destinations

Trip.com has partnered with TAT and One Bangkok to launch two initiatives: • The “Move On for Good, Travel Smooth” campaign running from 1 Oct-31 Dec, to promote Trip.com’s 24/7 customer support and transparent pricing. The campaign will takeover three major BTS stations - Phrom Phong, Chit Lom, and Chong Nonsi Stations – to spread the message • A specially-designed BTS travel card for international visitors, available exclusively at Product LINK. The card provides international tourists with over 18 special rewards at One Bangkok, including discounts, cash coupon, and complimentary gifts

The Bank of Thailand reported that Thailand’s economy improved MoM in Sep – due to a rebound in manufacturing, exports and rising foreign tourism receipts – but was weaker over the entire Q3

The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) hopes to extend its MotoGP hosting rights for another 5 years, with a proposal to be approved by Cabinet on 4 Nov. The SAT governor called the Thai MotoGP “a cornerstone of our sports tourism strategy. It has consistently generated economic returns while boosting the country’s global image”. If it is approved, SAT would work with the private sector to transform it into a mega event

The Thai Government has introduced the “Check-in Fin Wow: East x Northeast” campaign to boost tourism and local economies in seven provinces along the Thai-Cambodian border, namely Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Buri Ram, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat. The campaign is set to begin on 15 Nov and is expected to generate over 90 million THB from 10,000 participants. TAT will provide travel and accommodation subsidies to registered tour operators for cross-provincial trips that include at least one overnight stay within the target areas

President of the Thai Hotels Association said the association plans to propose the Ministry of Finance to review the Land and Building Tax Act, claiming that the current system is burdening small hotels that are affected by declining Chinese tourists. THA recommended combining features of the former house and land tax system, which was based on business income, with the current land tax structure. Smaller hotels are now facing two major issues: persistent tax burdens despite losses, and inappropriate valuation base for developed properties. The THA President added that the government’s tourism stimulus measures have provided some relief, but are not as effective or well-targeted as they could be

Deputy PM and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment has launched the “Zero Food Waste” campaign across Thailand’s national parks, aiming to reduce organic waste and reduce methane emissions. The initiative is led by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) and supports the government’s “Quick Win” plan to cut food waste by 50% by 2030. Under the campaign, no food waste in national parks be buried or burned, but instead, all organic waste will be reused or recycled locally. The campaign will implement three key measures: reducing waste generation through awareness efforts and restrictions on single-use plastics; reusing and recycling organic waste into compost or black soldier fly feed; and promoting shared responsibility among visitors, local businesses, and park authorities. The project is already implemented in 118 national parks. The parks processed over 2,900 tons of waste from more than 18 million visitors in FY2025, with 60% managed on-site. Average waste generation rate dropped to 0.16 kg/pax/day. The campaign will be rolled-out across a four-month period, establishing model sites, followed by a five-year plan from 2026-2030 to expand implementation across all 156 national parks

TAT announced that the New Year countdown events will go ahead as scheduled, but the fireworks show usually held at Wat Arun in Bangkok will be moved to Phayao province in order to promote secondary destinations. TAT said the decision was already made before the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. The event in Phayao is expected to attract at least 250,000 visitors

The Bank of Thailand (BOT) launched the cross-border QR code payment services between Thailand and China. Tourists from China can now use their Alipay, UnionPay, and WeChat Pay apps to scan Thai QR codes to pay at merchangs in Thailand. The scheme is a collaboration between National ITMX Co., Ltd., the three major Chinese payment service providers, and the designated settlement banks – Bangkok Bank and Krungthai Bank. The service will initially be available through five Thai banks – Bangkok Bank, Krungthai Bank, Kasikornbank, ICBC (Thai), and Siam Commercial Bank – with more banks to join the service in the next phase

PM Anutin made a direct plea to US President Trum for a “better” trade deal as the two countries continue tariff discussions

The Koh Phangan Tourist Police raided two unlicensed hotels on the island, arresting 12 individuals, including three Spanish nationals, two Thais, an Argentine, a Polish, and five Myanmar workers for illegal accommodation business operations

The Finance Ministry reported that all 20 million allotments for the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” (Half-Half Plus) co-payment programme have been filled. The government allocated 44.4 billion THB for the programme. Non-taxpayers receive 2,000 THB/pax, while taxpayers receive 2,400 THB/pax, usable from 29 Oct-31 Dec. Participants can spend up to 200 THB/day, with the government covering 50% of the amount. Around 190,000 applications were rejected, mostly welfare cardholders who already receive direct assistance. Almost 600,000 shops have registered to accept payments under the scheme, with registration remaining open until 19 Dec

Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) said that local authorities have been instructed to adjust Loy Krathong festivities formats to align with the mourning period of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, and to prioritise public safety

The Immigration Bureau has denied claims by South Korean media that 11 South Korean nationals were abducted in Thailand. The bureau’s spokesman confirmed that of the alleged 11 individuals, five entered and exited Thailand normally, two were deported to South Korea due to legal violations, and four had no record of entering Thailand

Deputy Spokesperson of the Thai Foreign Ministry announced that both Thailand and Cambodia have begun withdrawing heavy weapons from the border following the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Declaration. She added that the 18 Cambodian prisoners of war will undergo a thorough health check-up by the International Committee of the Red Cross as part of their release

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) warned that the Thailand-US MoU on the joint development of a rare earth minerals supply chain could put Thailand at risk of straining diplomatic ties with China. The Finance Minister sees the agreement as a way of improving Thailand’s opportunity to negotiate tariffs with the US

The Commerce Minister assured that the MoU with the US on joint development of a rare earth minerals supply chain does not create any legal or geopolitical obligation for Thailand. She noted that the agreement “does not mean we cannot sign with China”

The TAT Governor expects Thailand to welcome a record of nearly 1.2 million tourists from the US in 2026, +8% YoY, following the return of United Airlines flight to Bangkok. She added that the US is a high-spending market with strong demand from premium travellers, driven by season 3 of The White Lotus TV series, which was filmed in Thailand. Thailand welcomed a record high 1.03 million tourists from the US in 2024, generating 58.8 billion THB. The number is expected to reach 1.1 million in 2025, +8% YoY, generating over 62 billion THB. TAT said American tourists had an average stay of 12 days and daily expenditure of 4,726 THB

The Tourism Ministry reported that Thailand has welcomed 26,245,277 international arrivals from 1 Jan-26 Oct, -7.25% YoY, generating 1.211 trillion THB in spending. Malaysia was the top market with 3,804,766 arrivals, followed by China (3,723,070), India (1,946,989), Russia (1,387,594), and South Korea (1,256,786). Thailand welcomed 592,196 international arrivals from 20-26 Oct, +6.37% WoW, attributed to two concerts – Blackpink’s World Tour in Bangkok and Crazy in Love Zeenunew Concert – as well as high season demand from long-haul markets, such as Russia, which saw a 31% WoW rise in arrivals. Top markets during the 20-26 Oct period include Malaysia (90,855), China (74,421), India (54,877), Russia (38,749), and South Korea (25,307)

Thailand and Vietnam held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, reaffirming their commitment to strengthen strategic partnership, including expediting the implementation of their joint action plan. The two countries agreed to cooperate in the renewable energy sector, and Vietnam has agreed to reconsider its energy pricing structure to attract more Thai investment

The Tourism Minister held a meeting to evaluate Thailand’s 60-day visa-free policy. The meeting discussed the possibility to adjust the stay period for repeat visitors to prevent misuse for illegal business operations, while still allowing tourism activities

The Department of Business Development (DBD), under the Commerce Ministry, has launched a crackdown on nominee operations on Koh Phangan. DBD held a joint operation with local law enforcement and provincial task forces to inspect four targeted locations. Authorities found potential nominee structures in the accounting services sector and the real estate sector. A 150 million THB luxury villa project renting to foreign tourists without a hotel license was flagged, and was reportedly being registered under Thai firms but included significant foreign ownership

The US government reported that Thailand has agreed to eliminate tariff barriers on around 99% of goods, covering a full range of US industrial and food and agricultural products. The US will maintain 19% reciprocal tariffs on goods originating from Thailand

The First Army Region dismissed claims that border checkpoints in Sa Kaeo will reopen on 1 Nov. The army stated that crossings in the province will remain closed until further order

TAT announced that Thailand remains open and fully operational during the mourning period for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. Visitors are urged to dress and behave respectfully, especially when visiting temples, royal sites, or government premises. TAT has announced the following adjustments for its events following the passing of The Queen Mother: • The Bureau of the Royal Household announced the temporary closure of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram (Wat Phra Kaeo) from 26 Oct-8 Nov to facilitate the Royal Merit-Making Ceremony in honour of the Royal Funeral • The Sukhothai Loi Krathong and Candle Festival 2025 will go ahead as scheduled from 27 Oct-5 Nov at Sukhothai Historical Park. Activities will be modified to reflect the national mourning period. A nightly candle-lighting tribute will take place at 21.21 hrs. Fireworks will feature only traditional Sukhothai-style displays, and the Noppamas beauty contest will be cancelled • The Loi Krathong Festival in Ayutthaya will be held as scheduled, with activities also toned down to reflect the mourning period. Candle-lighting ceremonies will be held as a tribute • The Vijit Chao Phraya Thailand 2025 event, will be postponed to 9 Nov-23 Dec, from the initially scheduled 1 Nov-23 Dec. It will be held along both banks of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. The presentation concept has been refined under the theme “Light of Siam – Mother of the Land”, featuring drone displays instead of fireworks to convey tribute and remembrance. Lighting design and colour tones will be softened, while the New Year’s Eve programme will include a candle-lighting ceremony titled “Light of the Nation”

Phuket Immigration launched a crackdown on five businesses in Patong for alleged illegal foreign operations, of which four were found to be in violation of Thai law and one still under investigation. At one location, an Israeli national admitted to being the owner and manager of a business offering motorbike rentals, tour services, and barber services

The Pattaya Mayor announced that the Green Line Monorail project is currently finalising its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), expected to be submitted by end-Oct. Once approved, the proposal will be forwarded to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) for economic feasibility assessment before seeking Cabinet approval for a public-private partnership (PPP) investment. The Green Line Monorail will stretch from Pattaya Station, through the city centre, Thappraya, and ending at Bali Hai Pier. It aims to transform Pattaya into a “liveable, smart tourism city”

The Deputy PM and Transport Minister introduced a new proposal to extend the Eastern high-speed rail project – expected to connect Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports – to Trat Province. He stressed that the government does not support amending the original investment contract, but would negotiate a new proposal with the private concessionaire, Asia Era One Co., Ltd., to construct Phase 2 of the project that would extend the line from U-Tapao to Trat via Rayong and Chanthaburi. Preliminary discussions have been held with the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EEC), with a formal meeting planned for late Oct or early Nov with the Ministry of Transport, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), and Asia Era One. The meeting will discuss the proposed extension’s distance, additional investment requirements, and the potential increase in passengers compared to the current U-Tapao terminus. SRT studies showed that the Rayong-Chanthaburi-Trat extension would span around 190km, with four stations: Rayong, Klaeng, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Preliminary investment was estimated at around 101.7 billion THB, including for land acquisition (13 billion THB), civil works (69.1 billion THB), electrical and mechanical systems (12.1 billion THB), and rolling stock (4.7 billion THB). The economic internal rate of return (EIRR) is estimated at 5.39%, with a net present value (NPV) of -45 billion THB, indicating the full line may not yet be financially viable. SRT plans to build the first phase from U-Tapao to Rayong, at an estimated cost of 20.5 billion THB, pending budget approval for detailed project design. The Ministry plans to start construction of the three-airport line while finalising the extended section

The Pheu Thai Party condemned PM Anutin’s order to ban poker and card gambling "sports" events, a reversal from the previous administration’s policy. The party’s Acting Secretary-General noted that the Sports Authority of Thailand endorsed poker and flag football as official sports in Jul, with clear restrictions against gambling at competitions. He added that poker could be used to promote tourism and attract high-spending visitors through an annual Poker Tour Festival. He said the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) estimated that each participant in such an event spends around 20,000 THB daily over a stay period of 7-14 days, meaning the event could generate over 1.4 billion THB in revenue annually if it attracts 10,000 participants

Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother passed away on the night of 24 Oct. A royal funeral procession will be held on 26 Oct. PM Anutin announced a cabinet resolution on the national mourning period from 25 Oct: • All government offices, state enterprises, public agencies and educational institutions were instructed to lower the national flag to half-mast for 30 days • Civil servants, state employees and government officials are instructed to wear mourning attire for one year • Entertainment venues and service businesses are requested to suspend or reduce entertainment activities for 30 days. Organisers of pre-planned activities is urged to adjust formats to ensure appropriateness in line with public sentiment. Two concerts by K-pop group Blackpink will go ahead on 25 and 26 Oct at Rajamangala National Stadium, but organisers BEC Tero have asked concertgoers to wear black • The public is urged to wear black or non-vibrant tones for a period of 90 days, if possible

Galaxy Resorts Thailand’s Chief Brand Officer believes that Thailand should set an ambitious target of 45-60 million arrivals by 2030=2035, noting that it is “not unthinkable to achieve those numbers with the right plan and growth strategy”. He said that Thailand is likely to achieve 33 million foreign arrivals in 2025, below 2019 levels. He added that several issues need to be handled, including ensuring safe travel, accessibility, digital marketing upgrades and curating unique experiences to target high-spending tourists. He said Galaxy Resorts Thailand remains patient about its expansion, and he is hopeful that there can be progress around integrated resorts with the formation of the new government. Galaxy Resorts brought Jackson Wang’s “Magicman 2” World Tour to Thailand in early Oct, attracting an audience of over 24,000 people across two days

The Labour Minister had ordered officials to strictly investigate and take legal action against foreigners working as illegal tour guides in Thailand, particularly during the upcoming high season. The ministry reiterated the penalties for offenders. Illegal foreign guides working without a work permit or beyond the scope of their allowed rights will be fined 5,000-50,000 THB, deported to their origin country, and will be banned from applying for a work permit in Thailand for 2 years from the date the penalty is imposed. Employers of establishments hiring foreigners without a work permit or allowing foreigners to work outside their permitted scope will be fined 10,000-100,000 THB per hired foreigner and will be prohibited from hiring foreigners for 3 years. Repeat offenders will be liable to imprisonment for up to 1 year, or a fine of 50,000-200,000 THB per hired foreigner

TAT’s Moscow office held a media briefing in Russia and Belarus following the death of a Russian woman who was trafficked to Myanmar through Bangkok on 29 Sep, after arriving in Thailand on 27 Sep. Tourism bookings from Russia have reportedly not declined following the case

The Real Estate Information Centre (REIC) reported that there was a surge in hotel applications in ten provinces in H1 2025, accounting for 75% of new supply nationwide. Bangkok remained the top market, but occupancy has slightly fallen. Samut Prakan showed the strongest growth with a 366.7% YoY increase in new hotel applications. Chonburi saw a 63% YoY decline

PM Anutin has proposed abolishing alcohol zoning laws and extending closing times for entertainment venues from 2am to 4am. The PM also plans to lift the 2pm-5pm alcohol sales ban, and replace licensing requirements for entertainment venues with a simpler registration process. He aims to introduce the changes by Jan 2026, in time for the expected dissolution of the Parliament. The new regulations are expected to generate an extra 500 billion THB in tax revenue

Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show 2025 was held for the first time as a joint collaboration from 16-19 Oct at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, attracting 206,159 visitors. The business zone of the event attracted 5,590 attendees from 81 countries. The Commerce Minister reported that the event generated an estimated over 1.22 billion THB in economic value through business deals and partnerships. The 2026 edition will be held at the same venue from 29 Oct-1 Nov 2026

TAT is holding the “Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2025” from 16-31 Oct. Celebrations in Bangkok will be held at Phahurat Road and Klong Oung Aang

SCX Corporation, the recurring-income asset management arm of SET-listed SC Asset Corporation, is seeking to invest 2 billion THB to develop a second hotel in Pattaya, and is looking for a joint venture partner for the project. The new hotel is expected to be announced in 2025 and is planned for completion between 2029-2030. SCX’s next target destinations are Phuket and Bangkok, with plans for 2-3 more hotels with at least 200 rooms each

President of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association (PBTA) reported that hotel rooms along the beachfront are already fully booked for the period of Pattaya International Fireworks Festival 2025, which will be held on Central Pattaya Beach on 28-29 Nov. She added that most early hotel bookings have come from Thai and Korean tourists

TAT’s chartered flight promotion from Oct 2025-Jan 2026 have sold 100,949 of the 140,000 targeted packages via 710 flights. The agency’s online platform marketing project – aimed at increasing occupancy rates and advance bookings for hotels – has already issued over 533,000 discount codes of 17.5%, capped at 1,500 THB per code. The campaign aims to attract 950,000 travellers and 7.2 billion THB. Seven international-level companies are participating in this initiative, with 279,854 bookings completed

The House of Representative has unanimously passed a new Clean Air Bill, which will introduce a “Polluter Pays Principle”, ensuring those responsible for emissions to bear the costs of environmental damage. It also outlines new systems for monitoring pollution, integrates data across agencies, and decentralise authority to local governments for more effective air-quality management. The bill will now be forwarded to the Senate for further consideration

The Thai Cabinet has approved five measures to stimulate domestic tourism during the upcoming high-season. Permanent Secretary of the Finance Ministry projects the tax deductions and incentives could stimulate around 13 billion THB in tourism spending, with combined government programs driving total spending to 110 billion THB, contributing 0.45% to the Q4 GDP. The five measures are: • Individual tax deduction: Thai residents can claim up to 20,000 THB for hotel, homestay, and restaurant expenses with full or e-Tax invoices. Spending in 55 secondary provinces and parts of 15 others is eligible for 1.5x deductions • Corporate tax incentives: Companies hosting training or seminars domestically can deduct 2x expenses – including hotel, seminar, and transport costs – with 1.5x deductions for secondary tourist provinces • Front-loaded government spending: Agencies, state enterprises, and local governments are mandated to spend at least 60% of their training and seminar budgets between Oct 2025-Jan 2026, up from the historical 10%-20% • Hotel upgrades: Renovation and expansion costs for hotels (excluding basic repairs) are eligible for 2x tax deductions from 29 Oct 2025-31 Mar 2026. The Government Savings Bank is readying funds to support hotel upgrades, pending Cabinet approval • Entertainment tax extension: Reduced excise tax for entertainment venues such as nightclubs, bars, and pubs remains at 5% for another year, drom Jan-Dec 2026

President of the Association of the Chonburi Tourism Federation the cyber scam problem has become a big issue in Korean society, according to his informal discussions with a Korean travel agency. The agent said tour packages booked for Pattaya and Thailand have not been cancelled, but new bookings are growing at a very slow pace. South Korea recently issued a travel ban to parts of Cambodia, after a Korean student was allegedly tortured to death at a scam centre. The South Korean market in Pattaya is estimated to have fallen by 20%-30% since the beginning of 2025, as many travellers shifted to Vietnam due to cheaper costs and new attractions. Honorary Secretary-General of the Association of Thai Travel Agents said Thai tourism is sensitive to the Southeast Asian cyber scam issue, taking example of the kidnapping case of Chinese actor Wang Xing to a scam centre in Myanmar, which resulted in an over 35% decline in Chinese arrivals. He noted that there have not been booking cancellations from South Korea to Thailand, only to Cambodia so far. He forecasts the number of South Korean arrivals is unlikely to reach the 1.8 million arrivals recorded in 2024, but it might reach 1.5 million

The Transport Ministry aims to transform Phuket into the main transport hub for the Andaman region. A high-level meeting was held between the Phuket Governor and representatives from the Department of Highways, Marine Department, and State Railway of Thailand to discuss nine major infrastructure projects worth a total 130 billion THB. The projects include: • The 16.76-billion-THB Kathu–Patong Tunnel, expected to cut travel time between the airport and Patong to 20 minutes • The 46.75-billion-THB Muang Mai–Koh Kaew–Kathu Expressway • The 1.3-billion-THB Muang Mai–Airport Junction flyover • The expansion of Highway 4027 • Traffic management upgrade • The 46-billion-THB Phase 1 Light Rail Transit system linking Phuket airport to Chalong Intersection • The Andaman Port project connecting Krabi, Phangnga and Phuket • A new cruise terminal for large vessels • Phase 2 of the Phuket Airport Development Project, aiming to boost annual passenger capacity from 12.5 million to 18 million

The vegetarian festival in Phuket and Songkhla from 20-29 Oct is expected to generate 382,710 domestic trips to the two provinces, +28% YoY, as well as 4.1 billion THB in revenue, +31% YoY. The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is expected to generate 2.3 billion THB from 198,239 domestic trips, with an average hotel occupancy rate of 81%. The Songkhla festival is expected to generate 1.76 billion THB from 184,471 trips, with an average occupancy rate of 75%. The TAT Governor expects 82% of the foreign visitors to Phuket and Songkhla for the festival to be from short-haul markets like Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. President of the Tourism Council of Phuket said this year is the 200th anniversary of the Kathu Shrine, where the celebration originated. President of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association expects around 10,000 Malaysian tourists to visit Hat Yai this weekend

A Bloomberg survey projected the Thai baht to rise about 1% against the USD by year-end

The government projects losses from disruptions of cross-border trade with Cambodia could reach 100 billion THB if situation persists through the end of the year. Thai businesses have reportedly lost an estimated 15 billion THB per month since the closure of Thai-Cambodian borders, according to the minutes of last week’s economic committee meeting seen by Bloomberg News

PM Anutin has ordered the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) to boost inter-agency coordination to combat online scams and call centre fraud. He urged stronger defences against scammers, real-time intelligence sharing, and cross-border cooperation to prevent Thailand from being used as a base or transit point for cybercrime

Agoda ranked Pattaya as the top destination in Thailand for “micro-travel”, or short overnight trips. Chonburi ranked second, followed by Hua Hin, Rayong, and Khao Yai

TAT has launched the 2nd “Amazing Thailand Passport Privileges” campaign, which will run from 1 Nov-15 Dec, to boost international tourist spending during the year-end peak season. The campaign offers foreign tourists discounts, promotional vouchers, and an “Amazing Bag” souvenir package. Visitors can join the campaign by showing their passports at designated booths at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, or Phuket airports. The campaign is expected to generate over 400 million THB in spending

The Immigration Police conducted raids on foreign-run businesses in Koh Phangan. A raid on two hotels run by Israelis resulted in three arrests, with the fourth still being pursued. The Immigration Bureau also raided a restaurant and a guesthouse in Thong Sala village. A total of eight people, including staff illegally employed through nominee arrangements, were detained during the operation – three Israelis, two Thais, and three Myanmar workers

Surat Thani Governor said corrupt officials and Thai nominees are under scrutiny amid investigations into foreign investors exploiting legal loopholes related to business operations and land ownership on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. He said two special task forces are conducting investigations – the first unit focusing on verifying the legal entry of foreigners and the second investigating land ownership, construction, and business activities involving foreign nationals

The Phuket Tourism Association Vice-President said the private sector supported the reclassification of cannabis for medical rather than recreational use. He noted that many recent cases of strange foreign visitor behaviours were connected to excessive cannabis use. He called on the government to reconsider the cannabis policy. Phuket MP of the People’s Party agreed with the concerns and suggested a zoning approach to regulate cannabis use. Phuket Governor said they will gather opinions from local tourism, hotel and business associations to submit to the government for policy review