Thailand

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

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)

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

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

Phuket MP urged the government to solve the island’s chronic water shortage, warning that it could go out of control during the upcoming high season

A task force addressing illegal land encroachment and environmental destruction in the Fourth Army Region reported a cluster of at least five buildings constructed illegally within a national forest reserve on Koh Phangan during inspections conducted in Sep. Authorities are gathering evidence and cross-referencing map data before submitting their findings to the Surat Thani Governor for legal action

The Tourism Minister instructed the Department of Tourism and the Tourist Police Bureau to launch an urgent investigation into reports that a Chinese tour guide allegedly forced a Chinese tour group to buy goods from a recommended store. The Tourism Department said the case may violate Thailand’s Tour Business and Guide Act. The minister stated that strict legal action will be taken if investigation confirms the allegations, as the case constituted deception and coercion of tourists

The Thai Coral Reef and Marine Life Conservation Foundation, in partnership with the Phuket Marine Biological Centre, has launched a campaign to restore seagrass beds in the Andaman Sea, after drone surveys showed a significant drop in dugong numbers due to food loss and habitat damage

Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business at the TAT said the agency’s tourism product development will now focus on attracting high-value visitors – including segments like health and wellness, luxury travel, and sustainable tourism – rather than relying on mass volume. He acknowledged that neighbouring emerging destinations, such as Vietnam, are competing for market share from Thailand, especially for markets looking for affordable prices. He added that tourism products should meet sustainability standards, of which only 20% of private operators are enthusiastic about. TAT expects revenue from health tourism to reach 124 billion THB in the whole of 2025, after generating over 62 billion THB in H1 2025. The agency believes the segment has the potential to grow to the pre-pandemic levels of 140-150 billion THB in a few years. Average spending for the segment is 103% higher than average at 107,662 THB, while average length of stay was 13 nights. Health and wellness services in Thailand could be 30%-70% cheaper compared with Western countries, and 30%-50% lower compared with Singapore. TAT also plans to attract more ultra-luxury markets in 2026, through partnerships with service providers that offer unique experiences and transport. TAT's Prague Office launched a one-day trip via classic car in Bangkok this year, costing 100,000-150,000 THB per pax. TAT is aiming to push this product and similar packages to other markets, including China. TAT also plans to promote sports tourism with events that could encourage travellers to spend a longer time in Thailand, such as trail running, where athletes typically spend 14 days training before the event, unlike marathoners who might stay for just a few days

TAT led a delegation of 22 Thai tourism businesses to participate in ITB Asia 2025 from 15-17 Oct at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore. Thailand aims to expand short-haul markets, attract high-value travellers, and promote sustainable tourism through the event. Thailand has welcomed 73,522 Singaporeans from Jan-Sep, of which over 80% were repeat travellers. Top destinations include Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Krabi, with average visitor spending of 45,000 THB per trip and average stay of about five days. Singapore-Thailand air connectivity has reportedly recovered to nearly 87% of pre-pandemic levels, with 283 weekly flights

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation issued a ban on sunscreens containing four hazardous substances that are harmful for coral reefs – namely Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor, and Butylparaben – at marine national parks. Violators could be fined up to 100,000 THB according to the National Park Act 2019

The Finance Ministry will propose four measures to boost domestic tourism, especially to support secondary provinces and SMEs, to the Cabinet on 21 Oct. The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion reported 42,227 accommodation providers nationwide, with 45% located in 55 secondary tourist provinces. Of those, 80% are small businesses. The proposed measures is projected to increase GDP by 0.05%-0.06% in 2025 compared with a scenario without these measures, and by 0.03%-0.04% in 2026. The proposals are: • Tax incentives for tourism from 29 Oct-15 Dec, where individuals can claim deductions of up to 20,000 THB on hotel, homestay, and registered restaurant expenses. In secondary tourist provinces and selected districts in 15 provinces, the deduction is multiplied by 1.5 times. The incentive is expected to be utilised by 140,000 people, with a projected revenue loss of 420 million THB in personal income tax • Incentive to boost spending for training, seminars, and workshops by the government, state enterprises, and local administrative bodies from Oct 2025-Jan 2026. At least 60% of the allocated budget is to be spent, prioritising secondary tourist provinces • Extension for reduced excise tax rates on entertainment venues from 1 Jan-31 Dec 2026. Excise on nightclubs, discotheques, pubs, cocktail lounges, and venues offering music or other entertainment after midnight will be cut from 10% to 5%, reducing expected revenue by 219.55 million THB annually • Tax incentives for hotel renovations from 29 Oct 2025-31 Mar 2026, where corporate hotel operators can claim double the expenses for expansions or upgrades, excluding repairs to original condition. Corporate income tax can be exempted for 100% of these expenses over 20 consecutive accounting periods. Around 1,200 hotels are expected to invest an estimated 24 billion THB, with government tax revenue loss projected at 240 million THB annually, totalling 4.8 billion THB over 20 years • Other proposed measures include loan guarantees for hotels and tourism-related businesses from specialised financial institutions, and a low-interest credit scheme worth 100 billion THB from the Government Savings Bank, with 10 billion baht allocated to upgrade the tourism sector and related industries

The First Army Region vowed to act on the initiative of HRH Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana by constructing the Thai-Cambodian border wall and safety shelters under the "Hataitip Fund" launched by the Chulabhorn Foundation

The Thai and Cambodian PMs have signed an eight-point joint declaration of peace, witnessed by the US President and the Malaysian PM: • Commitment to Peace and Security • Adherence to Border Agreements – which was set at the General Border Committee (GBC) meetings • Establishment of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) – to ensure ceasefire implementation • Measures to De-escalating Tensions and Restoring Confidence – including removing military de-escalation and removing heavy weapons from border areas, and restricting the dissemination of false information, among others • Release of Prisoners of War • Enhanced Cooperation on Security and Border Control • Acknowledge the Need to Chart a Course for a Bright Future • Witnessed by Global Leaders

TAT held the “Amazing Thailand Networking Dinner” on 16 Oct to strengthen Thailand-China tourism partnership and explore new collaboration opportunities. Major Chinese partners attending the event include UTour, Caissa, Qunar, Tongcheng, China Comfort Tourism (CCT), China Travel Group (CTG), 6renyou, ZX-Tour, Hainan Airlines, and Air China

TAT’s Trat Office has launched the tourist season across Koh Chang, Koh Kut, and Koh Mak, aiming to bring the total number of tourists from Oct 2025 to 2025 year-end to 700,000 and generate over 6 billion THB in circulating income. TAT plans to promote the "Kaew Deaw Thieaw Trat” (Travel Trat in One Reusable Glass) campaign to encourage waste reduction on the islands. The campaign will offer special promotions from registered places for visitors using reusable glasses and straws. Koh Mak will also be promoted as a low-carbon destination, with discounts on electric golf cart rentals. Koh Kut will be promoted as a nature and wellness destination, while Koh Chang will be promoted with sport tourism with its Bikini Run on 22 Nov

The Koh Phangan Hotel and Tourism Association met with the head of the Chabad Centre, a local rabbi, to seek cooperation in encouraging Israeli tourists to respect Thai laws and local customs following rising online criticism of Israeli tourists’ behaviour. The rabbi agreed to work with the association to issue notices reminding visitors to act respectfully in Hebrew and English, to be displayed in hotels, restaurants, cafés and public places. Immigration Chief of Surat Thani reported that 2,711 Israelis entered via Samui Airport in Jan-Sep, the 12th largest international source market. During the period, over 20 Israeli nationals have been arrested for offences including illegal business operations, counterfeit currency use, and visa violations

The Culture Ministry invited Thais to wear traditional Thai fabric to honor the upcoming consideration of Chut Thai Phra Rajaniyom (Royal-Inspired Thai Dresses) for inclusion on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2026. The ministry is drafting a 2026 Action Plan to call on government agencies, private organisations, and the public to appreciate the cultural significance of wearing Thai fabric and traditional attire

The Thai Cabinet has approved the sudden transfer of Phuket Governor Saransak Srikruanetra, only two weeks after he began his term on 2 Oct. Secretary to the Phuket Governor noted that the transfer will only become effective upon Royal Assent. Saransak will be replaced by Nirat Pongsitthaworn, shifting from his role as Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA). Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee criticised the “revolving-door approach” to provincial governance

The Thai Cabinet has approved a 264.35 million THB budget framework for the Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok from 2025-2027, as part of the World Capital Marathon Series. The budget will cover licensing fees and related taxes. The Sports Authority of Thailand will oversee implementation and budget management. The event is expected to generate at least 1.46 billion THB in direct and indirect value through employment, tourism, international participation, and global exposure. Spending by both local and foreign participants, supporters, and visitors is expected to reach over 3.29 billion THB across the three years. The event is expected to create over 21,000 jobs, or about 7,000 roles annually, including staff, volunteers, students, and contractors, during each six-month preparation period

The Chinese Embassy warned Chinese travellers to only use well-known, licensed outbound tour operators and to not buy “cheap tours” to Thailand, following a viral video where a man was seen telling a Chinese tour group they must buy goods from a recommended store or they would not be allowed back on the bus. The embassy reported that the man in the video was a Chinese national and not permitted to be a tour guide in Thailand. Chief of Investigation of the Tourist Police Bureau said the Thai tour company involved had a valid permit for the business and arranged the tour in cooperation with a Chinese company. The tour was priced legally and was not a “zero-dollar” tour. The Chinese man in the video was a member of the Chinese company serving as the head of the tour, and he was accompanied by a registered Thai guide who confirmed there was no coercion

Phuket Highways District is leading a two-phase initiative to modernise Phuket’s traffic management system. Phase One will involve installing AI-powered traffic lights, which will be able to analyse and adjust signal timings to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. Phase Two will involve introducing new traffic warning and information signage, as well as establishing a central traffic control centre to coordinate management across all key roads. Phuket has also proposed the new 1.95km road from Baan Muang Mai to the Phuket Airport intersection to the Transport Ministry for funding, aiming to complete the project in 2028

TAT has appointed Thai K-pop star Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal as the “Amazing Thailand Ambassador” for the next 12 months, expecting to attract more visitors to Thailand and bring tourism revenue back to above 3 trillion THB in 2026. The collaboration is expected to reach 1 billion online views, of which 5-10 million is expected to translate into actual trips in 2026. The campaign is also expected to generate 250-500 billion THB in tourism revenue. Lisa will participate in a 60-second TV commercial and a separate 30-second trailer, along with twelve photoshoots, special merchandise, and an exclusive event in Jan

Thailand is expected to see 33.4 million visitors in 2025, nearly 6% below 2024 levels and the first decline in a decade outside the pandemic. The TAT Governor said the agency is monitoring Chinese tourist numbers in Nov-Dec, following the implementation of stimulus measures targeted for the market. She expects chartered flights from China, India, and the Middle East to see a tangible effect from Nov. There is a planned total of 731 flights coming from 16 Chinee destinations between Q4 2025-Q1 2026

The Thai 2nd Army has indefinitely postponed the Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting with Cambodia, initially planned for 15-17 Oct, due to Cambodia’s failure to present a clear action plan proposal for the withdrawal of heavy weaponry and for landmine clearance. Cambodia had also still not submitted a plan regarding troop adjustments or designated demining zones in accordance with the General Border Committee (GBC) agreement

The Thailand Pavilion at World Expo 2025 Osaka recorded 2,088,206 visitors from 13 Apr-12 Oct. The pavilion saw 18,721 visitors on 21 Sep, the highest daily number, and 15,398 visitors on 12 Oct, the day before the exhibition closed. The Thai Pavilion during the Dubai Expo 2021/22 saw 2.35 million visitors

OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Go in Thailand, offering access to its GPT-5 model for 259 THB/month. The package is priced lower than the premium plans, and is targeted towards everyday users who want access to advanced AI tools for daily tasks

Similan Islands National Park in Phang Nga province has launched the “Save Similan” campaign under the theme “Happy, Safe, and Eco-Friendly Travel”, ahead of the reopening of its tourism season from 15 Oct. The campaign was joined by over 400 participants, including residents and tourism operators. It featured activities like educational sessions on marine buoys, a “Return Hermit Crabs to Their Homes” event, and the release of green sea turtle hatchlings into the Andaman Sea

Vice President of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) believes that the Finance Ministry’s stimulus package is needed to revive tourism in second-tier cities. He said outlook in secondary cities has worsened from last year, with arrivals declining due to an image of unsafe travel, border conflict, slow economy, and the strong baht. He added tourism operators in provinces bordering Cambodia are struggling to restore visitor numbers. He said the government’s corporate tax exemption scheme for meetings and seminars in second-tier cities, as well as the domestic tourism subsidy, should help attract domestic tourists, especially those with high spending power. He urged authorities to assure participants that systems have been prepared so they are seamless and user-friendly, and not cause inconvenience like in the previous domestic co-payment scheme. He noted that the tax incentive programme for hotels to renovate into green properties in in line with sustainable tourism trends

Deputy Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 8 and the Surat Thani Provincial Police Chief led an inter-agency task force meeting to coordinate inspections into suspected illegal nominee businesses on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan in Surat Thani province. Deputy Governor of Surat Thani said the provincial committee on land and building ownership by foreigners have been checking foreigners’ travel records visa categories, and passport renewals to distinguish legitimate tourists from those staying long-term to run businesses. They will also investigate shareholder lists, investment fund sources, and corporate financial status, as well as cross-check with the Department of Business Development’s land office records to verify company landholdings. Surat Thani Provincial Police recorded 2,001 foreign-related offenses between Oct 2024-Sep 2025, mainly for traffic violations, illegal entry, and drug crimes. Of those, 18 were nominee cases, including those involving real estate, hotel, and villa operations (10 cases), construction firms (2), computer services (2), and one case each for car rental, café, visa services, and cleaning companies

The government is aiming to attract 12 million international visitors during its four-month tenure, driven by four events during the high season: • The Amazing Thailand Marathon 2025 in end-Nov, expected to attract at least 36,000 local and international participants, generating 894 million THB in revenue • The 30-million-THB Maha Loy Krathong 2025 in Nov, with celebrations planned for Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. The event is expected to see at least 450,000 visitors and generate 800 million THB in revenue • The 50-million-THB Vijit Chao Phraya Light Festival from 1 Nov-15 Dec. The duration for this year’s edition was extended to 45 days, from 30 days last year. Tourist bookings for boat cruises during this period are reportedly almost full. The event is expected to attract at least 1.5 million visitors and generate 500 million THB in revenue • The Amazing Thailand Countdown, which will be focused on regional celebrations. Chiang Mai and Phayao are hosting the 25-million-THB countdown events, expected to attract over 150,000 visitors

The UK Foreign Office’s travel advisory against non-essential travel to Trat region due to the Thai-Cambodian border conflict has triggered mass cancellations, reportedly costing the region an estimated 700 million THB in lost revenue during the peak season. TAT’s London Office forwarded a letter from a British citizen saying that they couldn’t obtain travel insurance to go to Koh Chang due to the advisory. They added that the insurance company would reconsider coverage if they can get local evidence that things are normal on the island”. Director of TAT’s Trat Office acknowledged the issue, and assured that the situation in Trat border, as well as in popular islands like Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and Koh Mak, are not dangerous. He added that the biggest problem is that Thai security forces have declared Trat province a Martial Law zone, which signal high risk for Europeans and insurance providers. He urged security forces to consider revoking the Martial Law in areas that are not involved, in order to support tour operators

Pattaya and Koh Larn are seeing over 10,000 visitors per day for the long weekend of 11-13 Oct

Flooding in Ayutthaya province has spread to 12 districts, affecting 49,239 households

The Safari World zoo in Bangkok will reopen its Predator Zone (Tiger Zone) on 13 Oct following approval from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. The zone has been closed since 10 Sep after a keeper was mauled to death by the lions

Koh Mak, Koh Kood, and Koh Chang in Trat province is seeing high volumes of tourists for the King Bhumibol Memorial Day long weekend from 11-13 Oct. All ferries from Laem Sok Pier in Ao Yai Subdistrict, Muang District to Koh Kood were reportedly fully booked, with over 800 tourists travelling between the two islands on 11 Oct. Authorities expect over 5,000 visitors to Koh Kood over the long weekend. Vice President of the Trat Tourism Business Association said hotel occupancy in Koh Chang for the peak season from mid-Oct through Nov has already reached 80%. He added that the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict has had no impact on tourism at Koh Kood, Koh Mak, or Koh Chang

Media intelligence group Dataxet’s social listening between 22 Jul-22 Sep revealed that 33% of Thai social networkers expressed interest in visiting the Sukhumvit area – the highest among all Bangkok districts – due to it representing the “heart of modern Bangkok life”. The area is home to major shopping malls and luxury hotels, and is well connected via the BTS Skytrain. Thong Lor and Ekkamai, two neighbourhoods within Sukhumvit, are also frequently mentioned. Other Bangkok districts popular among Thai social media users include Phra Nakhon (27.8%), Siam (8.6%), Yaowarat (7.9%), Ratchada-Huai Khwang (7.3%), Lat Phrao (5.7%), Silom-Sathon (5.2%), and Dusit (4.5%)

The Doi Suthep Cable Car project in Chiang Mai has been formally revived, after three decades of discussions. Austrian firm Doppelmayr Group has proposed a route that would connect the mountain’s foothills directly to the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple, reducing travel time from 30 minutes to only 9.8 minutes per journey. Supporters of the project believes that the new cable car – with modern, low-impact technology – would reduce traffic and exhaust pollution on the mountain road, while opponents questions whether the cable car is needed and highlighted the cultural incompatibility of the modern structure next to the sacred temple

Severe flooding submerged 11 districts in Ayutthaya province, affecting over 46,273 households and causing eight casualties

Deputy PM and Transport Minister presided over the opening ceremony of the 2025 Buddha Procession, Kathin, and Long-Boat Racing Festival at Wat Tham Bucha Intersection in Surat Thani Province, which run from 4-12 Oct

Thailand’s “Grand Diwali Celebration” next week is aiming to attract at least 100,000 travellers. Director of Kochhar Trave said some northern Indian tourists prefer to stay home during the festival, while other markets like Gujarat and Maharashtra still plan to travel. Thailand is the top overseas destination among Indians who booked with the company, mainly those from Delhi and Mumbai. He added that the Indian market did not have a perception that Thailand is unsafe, unlike the Chinese market. The company expects to bring 1,000 Indian tourists monthly to Thailand in Q4 2025, including leisure tourists and wedding groups

The 2025 SEA Games will be held from 9-20 Dec in Bangkok, Chon Buri and Songkhla, while the ASEAN Para Games will be held from 20-26 Jan 2026 in Nakhon Ratchasima. Some major stadiums in Thailand have been upgraded to host the games, including Rajamangala National Stadium and the 80th Birthday Stadium, which will host the opening and closing ceremonies of the SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games, respectively. No new stadium has been built for the games

The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) reported that the overall Consumer Confidence Index increased to 44.4 in Sep, vs 44.1 in Aug, the first increase in eight months, driven by optimism over the new Anutin-led government. Future economic confidence rose to 57.8 in Sep from 56.1, as consumers hope for an economic recovery driven by the new administration’s policies, such as the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” scheme. Current economic confidence dropped to 31.1 in Sep, from 32.2 in Aug, falling for the eighth consecutive month. UTCC raised its 2025 GDP growth forecast to 2.0% from 1.7%, citing stronger-than-expected growth in H1, strong export growth, and a rebound in private investment

TAT congratulated the 62 Thai hotels awarded in the 2025 MICHELIN Key Selection, up from 58 last year. The 2025 MICHELIN Key awarded six Thai hotels with Three MICHELIN Keys, 21 hotels with Two MICHELIN Keys, and 35 hotels with One MICHELIN Key

TAT launched its new global TVC campaign, “Unforgettable Experience: Healing is the New Luxury”. The campaign is centred around the 5Rs of healing – Retreats for Transformations, Rituals for Manifestations, Reels for Joy, Rhythms for High Vibrations, and Relations for Connections

The Bangkok Governor flagged-off the electric vehicle (EV) caravan, comprising 15 BYD Sealion cars, which will journey 5,000 km from Bangkok to Beijing as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of Thailand-China diplomatic relations

Data from the Asian Barometer 6th Wave shows that the people in the Philippines show a “deep scepticism toward China”. 59% of Filipinos think China does more harm than good, one of the highest distrust levels in the region. Taiwan and South Korea, respectively, recorded 64% and 62%. China’s claims over islands in the West Philippine Sea are the reason for the distrust. Over 50% of Cambodians and 42% of Thai people view China positively

PM Anutin said it is a “nightmare” that Thailand’s economy is lagging behind Vietnam, adding that he never imagined Thailand to grow more slowly compared to other Indochina nations. He stressed the need to revive the Thai economy, increase employment, and promote domestic investment to support the financial burden of an ageing society. He said the government is considering extending the retirement age for civil servants beyond 60 years as people are living longer. The government is expediting its net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goal to 1050, 15 years earlier than the initial target. It also plans to speed up the enactment of the Clean Air Act and the Climate Change Act

The Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta) said that the Phu Kradueng cable car project is expected to proceed as scheduled and be completed by late 2027 or early 2028 despite the change in government. Tesco Limited and Chulalongkorn University signed the construction design contract with a 20 million THB budget on 30 Sep, for the period of 1 Oct 2025-27 Jun 2026. The construction cost is estimated at 1 billion THB, for 32 cabins with eight pax per car, across a 4.4-km route. The project is expected to improve waste and tourism management at Phu Kradueng National Park, while the daily limit of visitors would still be restricted to no more than 5,000

PM Anutin presided over the opening ceremony of the Nakhon Phanom Illuminated Boat Carnival on 7 Oct

TAT participated in the World Summit on Accessible Tourism 2025 (WSAT 2025) from 5-7 October at the Lingotto Conference Centre in Turin, Italy. TAT Governor said the agency’s participation at the summit strengthened Thailand’s vision to “make tourism accessible for everyone”

The IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre is planning to develop two new hotels, with at least one under the Hilton brand, adding 1,000 rooms in the first phase. The total investment is estimated at 3-5 billion THB

Agoda data showed that accommodation searches for Bangkok by international travellers for the upcoming Blackpink concert days from 24-26 Nov rose 18% compared to two weeks before. The strongest growth came from Vietnam (266%), Malaysia (107%), and Taiwan (19%). The group’s world tour is not coming to Vietnam and Malaysia, driving the demand from fans for the concert in Bangkok. The concert has also led to a 130% increase in accommodation searches within Thailand. The Rolling Loud Thailand will be held from 14-16 Nov at Legend Siam in Pattaya, with Agoda data showing a 36% increase in accommodation searches around the event dates, with the strongest interest coming from South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. The Wonderfruit Festival from 11-15 Dec in Pattaya recorded a 10% increase in international accommodation searches for Pattaya and Chonburi, with the strongest interest coming from South Korea, the Philippines, and Singapore

The Cabinet has approved a 44-billion-THB budget for the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” co-payment economic stimulus scheme, which will run from 29 Oct through the end of the year. The scheme is expected to boost people’s purchasing power for everyday consumption through increasing household income and reducing expenditures. The scheme will provide 20 million entitlements where the government will contribute half of the spending. The scheme is applicable for Thais 16 years and above, with a daily spending limit of 200 THB per day per pax. Taxpayers will be eligible for a 2,400 THB subsidies, while those outside the tax system is eligible for 2,000 THB. The government’s various economic stimulus schemes are expected to mobilise over 100 billion THB by year end, raising GDP by an estimated 0.3%-9.4%

The Pattaya Mayor led an inspection on the Green Line public transport project, which involves the development of a light rail Tram Way system in Banglamung, Chonburi. Pattaya has appointed a team of consultants, including Integrated Engineering Consultants Co., Ltd., Cee Consult Engineering Co., Ltd., and PlanPro Co., Ltd., to conduct feasibility studies, environmental impact assessments, and system designs for the project. The Green Line, which will cover Pattaya Railway Station – Pattaya City – Thappraya – Bali Hai Pier, will be the pilot project for the development. Other proposed routes include: • Yellow Line (Suburban Rail): Sri Racha – Pattaya Railway Station – Sattahip Port • Purple Line: Thappraya – South Pattaya – Nong Prue • Red Line: Pattaya City – Thappraya – Jomtien Line 2 – Nong Prue

TAT has received the renewed ISO 22301:2019 certification for its Business Continuity Management System (BCMS) from the British Standards Institution (BSI), valid until 8 Sep 2028

Kasikorn Research expects the Thai baht to trade between 32.00-32.80 to the USD in the week of 6-10 Oct, influenced by four key factors: Thailand’s September inflation data, the Bank of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee meeting on October 8, global gold prices, and foreign fund flows

Nong Khai provincial administration reported that 31,500 tourists visited Ratana Wapi and Phone Phisai districts to witness the Bang Fai Phaya Nak (“naga fireballs”) on 7 Oct, -78% YoY from 141,381 in 2024. The number of fireballs also fell compared to last year. Ban Tal Chum village in Tambon Ratana Wapi saw the highest number of tourists at 5,000 visitors, followed by 4,500 in Ban Tha Muang, also in Tambon Ratana Wapi

Agoda data showed that based on searches in Aug, 13% of Thai users applied the “breakfast included” filter when browsing for accommodations, the second highest ranked in Asia

Visa published data on consumer spending in Aug 2025. The data shows there is an increase in consumer spending for Indonesia and Australia markets, while China, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam lag in spending. Outbound Chinese travel is yet to recover, with visa accessibility remaining an important key factor influencing destinations. Travel demand in corridors like Indonesia-Vietnam and India-Thailand remains resilient despite issues like weak job creation and income inequality. Tourists from the Asia Pacific region have exceeded pre-pandemic levels, with the exception of China and Japan. Cruise travel spending in Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, and China has outpaced general travel, but Australia and Malaysia still trail. Travellers from India and Indonesia are looking for their first overseas travel experiences. The affluent segment in the Asia Pacific is growing fast with an 8% growth rate from 2025-2030. Affluent tourists are taking more trips. In Japan, they are making 2.5X more trips and 50% more in China and India The top spenders are Australians and Chinese, with $3,000 USD per trip, while other countries in the region spend about $1,000-1,500 USD per trip Indonesians and Australians are spending on hotels, while the Chinese spend on recreation and culture. India and New Zealand spend more on retail experiences

The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department reported that the death toll from floods in Thailand has increased to 22. The flood also affected 369,000 people in 19 provinces, excluding Bangkok. Uttaradit and Ayutthaya were among the worst-hit areas

President and Chief Executive of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) expressed optimism that the Game Industry Bill, drafted by the agency, will pass under the current government. The proposal has already passed a public hearing and received approval from the Comptroller-General’s Department’s revolving fund committee. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has also allocated a budget to support the development. The bill aims to regulate games that involve gambling-like elements, such as lucky draw mechanics, alongside general content. The bill outlined five key areas: defining game types, forming oversight committees, game registration, supervision, and creating an industry promotion fund

The Bangkok Governor and Chief Sustainability Officer announced a new WFH criteria to strengthen response to PM2.5 air pollution, which is expected to worsen in early 2026. He said the new 2026 plan will encourage public and private agencies to implement WFH when PM2.5 levels reach the “orange” category (37.6-75.0 µg per cbm) in at least 35 districts, or 70% of the city area. Agencies are also encouraged to implement regular WFH at least one day per week from Jan-Mar 2026

VML Thailand’s survey shows that: • Gen Z Thais show a strong desire to spend on food, beverages and personal expenses despite economic pressures. However, limited capacity to spend led to over 70% seeking cheaper brands. • Nearly 50% of Gen Zs wants to save and invest for the future • Gen X and Baby Boomers, who have better financials, focus on saving but are still willing to spend on health products and enjoyable experiences • Over 90% of Thais are constantly connected to the internet and social media, but there is a growing sense of “technology fatigue”. Nearly 80% of Thais are considering controlling their data consumption, 71% report feeling tired of technology, while 38% have sought real-world activities for better mental health • 80% of Thais worried about fake news on social media, driving demand for authenticity (64%) and trustworthiness (70%) from brands • 73% of consumers want brands to be entertaining, engaging, and create exciting “wow” factors • Health and wellness are top priorities for Thais and they are willing to pay extra for products in this category

The Singapore Grand Prix Formula 1 (F1) boosted tourism arrivals and spending beyond Singapore. Data from Sojern shows that 25% of American and Canadian visitors to F1 booked flights to Japan; nearly 1/3rd of Australians travelled to Indonesia, specifically Bali; and 18% of Europeans booked trips to Thailand, and others travelled to China, South Korea, India, the Maldives, and Fiji. A senior lecturer at the National University of Singapore (NUS) said travel websites have bundled trips to the F1 race in Singapore with popular Southeast Asian island destinations. He added that visitors to the F1 race often travel to Bali 2 or 3 days after the race. CNBC Travel found packages combining the F1 race with Langkawi and Borneo trips in Malaysia, and cruises with stops in Japan, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. Travellers also scheduled their trip to the F1 race with the Milken Institute Asia Summit (1-3 Oct) and Token2049, a crypto conference (7-8 Oct). Family travellers to Singapore recorded +6.6% YoY, but solo travellers dropped by 8%

PM Anutin announced that his government plans to hold a national referendum, likely during the next election, to ask the public whether Thailand should revoke or retain two agreements with Cambodia – MoU 43 (on land boundaries) and MoU 44 (on overlapping maritime zones)

The Commerce Ministry reported that headline consumer price index fell 0.72% YoY in Sep, vs 0.79% in Aug. Core CP rose 0.65% YoY in Sep. Annual headline inflation fell 0.01% in Jan-Sep, the seventh consecutive month that the rate was below the central bank’s target of 1.0%-3.0%. Annual core inflation was at 0.9% for Jan-Sep

General Manager of Alexander Hotel Bangkok reported that the hotel is seeing a 90% occupancy rate during Blackpink’s World Tour concerts on 24-26 Oct, with most bookings coming from markets like China, Japan, and South Korea. He added that events at Rajamangala Stadium usually brought benefits for the hotel. The hotel also provides free shuttle bus services to the stadium before and after the concerts. Deputy Governor of International Marketing for Asia and South Pacific at TAT said the agency will support various events to support tourism and respond to the “Gig Tripping” trend, where mega festivals and concerts are able to attract foreign tourists, occupying up to 30%-40% of attendees

The Phuket Governor announced that the “Phuket Hotelier Craft and Skill Exhibition 2025” will be held from 18-19 Oct at the Mini Convention Hall, Central Phuket Floresta. The event will showcase the professional skills of hospitality workers while promoting Phuket’s service excellence

TAT Governor said the appreciation of the Thai baht is one of the major factors hindering tourism growth in 2025, alongside unsafe image, global economic uncertainty, and the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict. Baht appreciation against a weakening yen has also influenced the Japanese market sentiment on Thailand’s tourism-related products and services. The Japanese market saw a 15%-18% growth in Q1 2025, but dropped rapidly after the 28 Mar earthquake that caused a building in Bangkok to collapse

Tastebud Lab hosted the “Beyond Nutrition: Future Food, Personal Wellness & Sustainable Hospitality Ecosystems” session during IT&CM and CTW APAC 2025 in Sep. Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park’s Executive Chef noted that his team is exhibiting greater flexibility in responding to clients’ wellness and sustainability requests around food, by offering plant-based menus, alternative proteins, and lighter portions while maintaining authentic Thai flavours. The hotel was also one of the first hotels in Thailand to work with Scholars of Sustainability on food waste reduction. Stream Events Asia collaborates with the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association, and the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration to organise training programmes to raise standards in preparation, presentation, and hygiene to an international level

Amadeus hosted a travel-tech hackathon in Bangkok, focusing on simplifying traveller experiences, along with improving personalised services and travel operations. The event’s theme was to reimagine the search, book, and service experience, with a focus on travel shopping and reservations with agentic AI as the main technology framework

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) reported that Typhoon Matmo has strengthened and is expected to make landfall in China’s Guangdong province on 5 Oct. The storm is not expected to enter Thailand, but it is strengthening the southwest monsoon, causing heavier rain and flash flood risks to northern, northeastern, eastern and southern regions from 5-7 Oct

The State Railway of Thailand has reported that they have successfully tested the MySawasdee train between Padang Besar and Surat Thani from 21-23 Sep

The Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF) have started preparations to construct the first temporary fence along the Thai-Cambodian border following the Thai National Security Council’s approval. The fence will be built near Boundary Marker 50-51 at Ban Khok Sabang in Aranyaprathet district of Sa Kaeo, spanning 5.1km and costing 6.5 million THB. It is expected to be completed in 1-2 months

PM Anutin highlighted sustainability as a new cornerstone of Thailand’s economic strategy during his keynote speech at a seminar titled “A Call for Adaptation: The Sustainability in Trade & Industry at the Sustainability Expo 2025 (SX2025)” at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, Bangkok. He regarded sustainability as “not a choice, but the only way forward”