Thailand

The Community Development Department of the Ministry of Interior hosted the Kraam International Symposium 2025, highlighting the Thai indigo-dyed fabric and bridging dialogues between tradition and contemporary fashion. The event was attended by designers, fashion editors, academics, curators, and influencers from Thailand and overseas

The Amazing Muay Thai Festival 2026 will be held at Rajabhakti Park in Hua Hin district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province from 4-7 Feb. The event will feature instructional sessions on four traditional lineages of ancient Muay Thai, demonstrations of self-defence techniques, traditional folk games, presentations of the ancient Muay Thai styles by masters from all four regions of Thailand, as well as cultural activities, exhibitions, and music performances. The main event, a sacred Krob Kru and Wai Kru ceremony honouring Muay Thai teachers and masters, will be held on 6 Feb, accompanied by a large-scale performance and a fireworks display

Heritage train The Blue Jasmine has begun operations of cultural rail journeys from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station, with stops at Ayutthaya, Uthai Thani, Sukhothai, and Chiang Mai. The rail journeys are developed by Jim Thompson, in collaboration with DTH Travel. Departures are scheduled for Jan, Feb, Jul, Nov, and Dec 2026, with 2027 departures to be announced

TAT has opened the Thailand Pavilion at TRAVEX, part of the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026 from 25-30 Jan in Cebu. The TAT Governor highlighted Thailand’s “Healing is the New Luxury” concept, which aligns “wellness, culture, and meaningful travel with long-term value creation and shared sustainability across ASEAN”. The Thailand Pavilion at TRAVEX features six Thai sellers – Montien Hotel Surawong Bangkok, Lion Land Phuket, Panan Krabi Resort, Thai Airways International, Thailand Privilege Card, and Paradise Koh Yao Resort

The Bank of Thailand issued a new trading rule, effective 1 Mar, requiring gold trading service providers to seek approval from the central bank for transactions exceeding the daily limit and mandates full payments without netting. The bank explained that the new rule was designed to help weaken the baht, noting that gold trading has driven up the baht value, which has gained 0.2% against the USD so far in 2026

Officials from Provincial Police Region 8 cooperated with district administrative officers, representatives from the Cherng Talay Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO), and the village headman of Moo 2 to conduct a formal land survey operations of public beachfront areas along Bang Tao Beach, following complaints of unlawful encroachment on state-owned beachfront property for personal gain

TAT expects an estimated tourism revenue of 42.23 billion THB in 2026, +13% YoY. Arrivals from China has improved, with around 13,000-14,000 arrivals per day. Around 1.25 million international and 2.3 million domestic tourists are expected in the 13-22 Feb period. Director-General of the Department of Tourism noted the successful collaborations with the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA) and airlines, stating that forward bookings for flights have shown positive momentum

Agoda launched the Agoda Impact Lab during the ASEAN Tourism Forum. The collaborative platform is aimed for public and private sector stakeholders to design, test, and scale practical solutions for the travel industry. It covers area such as storytelling, industry upskilling and capacity building, with a focus on thought leadership and forward-looking approaches to travel and technology. Under Impact Lab, Agoda will launch hands-on eCommerce training programmes for accommodation providers across ASEAN, as well as organise Executive Masterclasses in partnership with government, industry and academic partners. Agoda also plans to publish data-driven reports through the Impact Lab

Thai K-pop star and new Amazing Thailand Ambassador Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal attended the official launch of TAT’s “Feel All the Feelings” campaign at Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchaworamahaviharn in Bangkok, wearing a Balmain Haute Couture gown inspired by the wardrobe of the late Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. The gown was entirely made from Thai silk and featured traditional Thai textile prints

Thailand affirmed readiness to host the 2026 Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in Oct. Preparations are led by the Finance Ministry, in cooperation with the Bank of Thailand (BOT) and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). The meetings expect to see the participation of over 15,000 delegates from 191 member countries

TAT is holding “The Night by Amazing Thailand: Traces of Silk in the Moonlight – The Art of the Land in Memory under the Royal Radiance” cultural event in honour of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother from 27 Jan-7 Feb at Lumphini Park in Bangkok. The nighttime programme features artistic performances and exhibitions that celebrate Thai culture, craftsmanship, and creative expression

Managing Director of Exploration Travel Thailand said that there are now more agents and clients who are looking for “real experiences, not the staged Thailand”. The agency is looking at more unexplored areas and aims to create unique itineraries to destinations like Kaeng Krachan, Isaan, Chanthaburi, Sukhothai, and Chiang Khong. General Manager of Khiri Travel Thailand also noted a shift in demand beyond key tourism hotspots. He said that travellers are looking for “journeys that feel authentic, personal, and exploratory rather than commercial or overdeveloped, and there seems to be a growing appetite for places that still feel real, where culture, nature and everyday life have not been shaped primarily around tourism”. The agency is looking at destinations such as Isaan, Lampang, Nan, and Loei provinces. It has recently launched a new office in Khon Kaen to develop operations in the region

Agoda’s “Tailored to Win: How Hotels are Using Localisation to Capture Asia’s Tourism Boom” report showed that up to 92% of Thai hotels engaged in the early stages of localisation are seeing higher guest spend amid growth in intra-Asia travel. One in four Thai hotels now offer a seamless localised journey, while 25% is at the “integrated tailoring” stage with fully localised experience. Agoda Country Director in Thailand noted that “deep localisation, [in the form of] adapting payments, language and service to each market, can not only lead to stronger performance but also enable partners to better meet guest expectations”

The Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) is expected to implement two new measures to regulate digital platform services. The first concerns the sale or advertising of goods on social commerce platforms that have specific characteristics, while the second measure, expected to be issued by Apr, will aim to prevent technological crimes and fraud using social media providers. Executive Director of ETDA said the two measures place stricter control on social media platforms with specific characteristics that have yet to register under the Digital Platform Services (DPS) Act. Platform operators seeking to do business in Thailand needs to provide details to ETDA before they can start operating. Several social media platforms have registered through the DPS Act, including TikTok, although Meta has yet to do so, claiming that its platform does not meet ETDA’s definition of a marketplace scheme

The 3rd edition of THAIFEX-HOREC Asia will be held on 11-13 Mar at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, featuring over 600 brands from 25 countries. The 2026 event aims to focus on addressing operational execution, the practical skills, and systems required to boost daily performance

The Deputy PM and Transport Minister noted that the Disneyland Thailand project is being “seriously studied” as part of a wider plan to transform the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) into a world-class entertainment and lifestyle hub. He added that the vision involves large-scale concert halls and an international-standard sports stadium

Central Pattana (CPN) and Central Department Store Co Ltd (CDS) are allocating 600 million THB for its nationwide “The Great Chinese New Year” campaign from 30 Jan-1 Mar, to stimulate foot traffic and spending during Q1 2026. The campaign features large festive decorations, cultural performances and themed markets, among others. The campaign is projected to increase traffic at CPN malls by 25%-30% compared with normal periods

The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) reported that tourism confidence index in Q4 2025 stood at 72, down from 75 in Q4 2024. The score remained below the benchmark of 100 recorded pre-pandemic. The decline is attributed to slow recovery due to the Southern flooding, the Thai-Cambodia border conflict, and the strong baht, which weren’t able to be offset by high season demand and the domestic co-payment scheme. In terms of business types, entertainment recorded the lowest index at 60, while restaurants recorded the highest at 78. Tourism operators’ revenue recovered by 50% of pre-pandemic level, while labour employment recovered by 81%, down from 87% in Q3 2025. Hotels and accommodations recorded a 55% average occupancy rate, with the Southern region recording the highest at 66%. TCT projects tourism confidence index to improve to 80 for Q1 2026, with arrivals reaching 9.3 million, driven by European tourists and the Chinese New Year holiday. Risks for the quarter include the PM2.5 smog, geopolitical disputes, China's sluggish economy and increased service and travel costs. TCT advised Thailand to focus on the high-spending segment in China, as well as diversifying towards other market like Europe, India, South Korea, and the Middle East. Domestic tourism remained constrained by high household debt. Thai tourists spent an average of 3,906 THB per person in Q4 2025, with 2.4 nights per trip, while foreigners spent 51,286 THB per person with 10.7 nights per trip

The Finance Ministry has downgraded its 2025 economic growth forecast to 2.2%, down from its previous projection of 2.4%, attributed to weak Q3 performance and flooding in Hat Yai. The ministry’s spokesperson reported that domestic stimulus measures like the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” and tourism subsidies provided support during the year-end, but the economy still faced challenges from a global slowdown and oil refinery maintenance. Private consumption grew by 3.3%, while exports grew 12.7%. The ministry projects an economic growth of 2% in 2026, citing global trade volatility, especially concerns over potential US import tariffs, and ongoing geopolitical tensions. Political transition in Thailand is also expected to delay the 2027 budget by up to three months, which may result in a projected 1.7% contraction in public investment

IHG Hotels & Resorts CEO reaffirms commitment to growing IHG’s portfolio in Thailand in 2026 and beyond. IHG currently manages 40 hotels in Thailand, with another 39 in the pipeline. He added that the company is set to open five hotels across the Hotel Indigo, Crowne Plaza, and Holiday Inn Express brands in Bangkok in 2026. He noted that Bangkok’s hotel supply continues to grow rapidly, with over 3,000 rooms added in 2025 in the CBD, bringing the total to over 83,000 rooms

Singapore-based HitPay Payment Solutions Pte. Ltd. launched its Borderless QR system, which enables merchants to accept payments from travellers from Asia-Pacific countries. Customers can pay “instantly” with their home wallet at mid-market rates with zero additional fees, while merchants receive next-day settlement in local currency. Merchants using HitPay can now support QR Ph (Philippines), PayNow (Singapore), QRIS (Indonesia), PromptPay (Thailand), VietQR (Vietnam), WeChat Pay (China, and UPI (India)

The Finance Ministry reported that it has maintained its forecast of international tourist arrivals for 2026 at 35.5 million. The forecasts include 9 million Chinese visitors, compared to only 4.4 million in 2025

The Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles is offering free admission to Thai nationals until 31 Jan, allowing the public to view royal attire worn by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, and learn about her lifelong dedication to Thai arts, culture, and craftsmanship

TAT expects the Red Lotus Sea at Nong Han Lake in Kumphawapi district, Udon Thani to attract at least 120,000 visitors during its tourism season from Nov 2025-Feb 2026 following the success of the Amazing Thailand x LISA campaign, which featured the destination. Visitor statistics from the community enterprise group operating fishing and sightseeing boats at Ban Diam Pier in Kumphawapi district showed that total visitor numbers have reached 50,306 between 1 Dec 2025-25 Jan, comprising 26,019 Thai visitors (51.73%) and 24,287 international visitors (48.27%), including those from China, Laos, Germany, and Japan, among others. The TAT Governor said the Red Lotus Sea usually attracts mainly Thai visitors, but now the proportion of foreign visitors is almost on par with domestic visitors, showing the success of the campaign

Boat trips at the Red Lotus Lake in Kumphawapi district, Udon Thani have increased to 400 per day, up from the usual average of 100, just three days after the launch of the TAT’s Amazing Thailand campaign featuring Thai K-pop star Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal

A Facebook post by the Thailand Hotel Service Charge group revealed alleged internal figures from JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Marriott Vacation Club, exposing the high annual service charge payouts. Employees allegedly receive around 30,897.32 THB from JW Marriott Phuket, with an additional 62,027.02 THB from contributions from the Marriott Vacation Club, totalling to around 92,924.34 THB per person. The highest individual payout reportedly reached 111,889.45 THB. The hotel clarified that employees must have worked the entire year to be eligible for the full amount. It also clarified the income structure for staff under the Marriott Vacation Club, who earns primarily through a fixed salary and commission, and does not take part in the general service charge distribution shared among front-of-house and other hotel employees

Agoda’s accommodation search data revealed that Bangkok ranked as the second most popular Asian destination for international travellers, behind Tokyo, and ahead of Taipei, Osaka, and Seoul. Tokyo is the most popular destination for Thais travelling abroad for Chinese New Year, followed by Osaka and Taipei. Thailand is the top outbound destination for Chinese travellers, overtaking Japan. Inbound travel to Thailand is led by Chinese visitors, followed by Malaysia and South Korea. Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya are the top inbound destinations, while Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya are the top destinations for domestic travellers

Data from JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group showed that Thailand’s hotel investment market reached an all-time record level in 2025, with total transaction volume of 26.4 billion THB. The number of transactions, at 18, remained steady YoY, but the average volume per transaction increased from 1.1 billion THB to 1.5 billion THB in 2024 and 2025. Bangkok accounted for 80% of total transaction volume, followed by Phuket at around 8%, down from 23% in 2024. Transaction volumes are forecasted to come in at around 13 billion THB in 2026

Suvarnabhumi Airport reported that it has not found any passengers showing symptoms of Nipah virus infection, amid heightened screening of travellers arriving from India

The Culture Minister and the Foreign Minister met to discuss cooperation on Thailand’s bid to nominate “Chud Thai: The Knowledge, Craftsmanship and Practices of the Thai National Costume” for UNESCO recognition

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency reported that red levels of PM2.5 levels were recorded in Bangkok and 15 provinces, with the highest level recorded in Nong Khai. Orange levels were recorded in 42 provinces

BWH Hotels has opened its latest hotel in Bangkok, the 60-room SureStay Plus by Best Western Ramkhamhaeng Airport Rail Link. It’s the group’s 14th property across seven brands in Bangkok and 26th property overall in Thailand

President of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta) believes that the perception of Thailand as a top travel destination, along with improved flight capacity, should lead to a boost in arrivals, mostly from FITs. Atta hosted the Thailand Tourism and MICE Next 2026 B2B fair with a budget of over 15 million THB and about 2,000 participants. The event is expected to generate 2-3 billion THB worth of bookings. Atta will also join TAT’s roadshow in Shanghai in Mar, as well as organise its own roadshows to India, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore

Phuket International Airport has intensified monitoring of passengers arriving from India following reports of Nipah virus outbreak

Chief Operating Officer for Australasia, China, Russia, and the Commonwealth of Independent States at VFS Global warned travellers about visa application scams, such as false appointment letters or requests for additional fee for fast-track visa processing. VFS reported that the top destinations for visa applications from Thai travellers at VFS in 2025 were the UK, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy

TAT clarified that the viral promotional image of Amazing Thailand Ambassador, Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal, at the Red Lotus Lake in Udon Thani was genuine and was not AI-generated

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation advised travellers to check the current operational status of the national park and forest park system, some of which are undergoing periodic closures to support ecological recovery and ensure visitors’ safety during the monsoon season

TAT led a delegation of 26 Thai tourism businesses to participate at FITUR 2026 in Madrid, Spain, from 21-25 Jan. Over 780 business meetings are expected during the event, with projected tourism revenue of over 745 million THB. Thailand is targeting 250,000 Spanish visitors in 2026

The 15th edition of Thailand Tourism Forum (TTF) was organised by C9 Hotelworks at The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok. The event saw 1,000 senior hospitality professionals, hotel operators, developers and owners, and tourism executives

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency reported that PM2.5 matter reached orange levels in Bangkok and 53 provinces, mostly in the Central Plains and the Northeast, on 22 Jan morning. Samut Prakan recorded the highest level of air pollution

A tour boat operated by 5 Star Marine diverted its journey to Koh Phi Phi to aid a vessel from a different operator that encountered difficulties at sea

TAT supported the Thailand Boat Festival 2026, held from 15-18 Jan at Phuket Boat Lagoon. The event was attended by public and private sector stakeholders from Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, including tourism authorities, marina operators, yacht and cruise service providers, and related businesses

Deputy Mayor of Pattaya outlined the city’s tourism development strategy, aiming to cement Pattaya’s position as a world-class tourism destination. Pattaya has shifted its tourism strategy from weekend-only activities to year-round travel promotion, through the revitalisation of cultural lanes such as Trok Thai Sin and Trok Rong Ya. Pattaya is also collaborating with various agencies to develop the Nok Yang Canal area into an eco-tourism destination. The city has expanded its real-time CCTV network to over 200 locations. It will continue to host major festivals and events year-round, as well as actively seek alternative tourism markets and reposition itself beyond its traditional nightlife image into a destination for families, health and wellness, and MICE tourism. Pattaya is also looking to become a Sport Tourism hub

Khlong Yai district in Trat will organise the 5-day annual Goddess of the Sea festival from 24 Jan. TAT is taking part in organising the event for the first time. It was normally organised by local administrative organisations

TAT Singapore Office partnered with Mediacorp to host a media fam trip to Phuket and Phang Nga from 14-17 Jan

IHG Hotels & Resorts aims to add 39 hotels in Thailand within 3-5 years, nearly doubling its current supply of 40 hotels in the country. Chief Executive at IHG said Thailand is still “under-penetrated” in terms of hotel rooms per person. IHG plans to open five hotels in Bangkok in 2025, under the Hotel Indigo, Crowne Plaza, and Holiday Inn Express brands

The Thai Hotels Association and the Bank of Thailand’s “Accommodation Business Confidence Index” for Dec 2025 showed that: • Around 50% of hotel businesses expect overall number of foreign tourists in 2026 to be similar to 2025 levels at around 33 million • Revenue growth in Q4 2025 was higher QoQ, partly attributed to a rise in long-haul tourists and the impact of the Tiew Thai Kon La Khrueng and Tiew Dee Mee Kuen domestic stimulus measures • Revenue in H2 2025 tended to decrease YoY • Foreign guest numbers are expected to fall YoY in Q1 2026, mainly due to the lack of Chinese market, while long-haul markets are expected to expand • All customer segments are expected to show signs of improvement from Q4 2025, with hotels expecting to see an increase in foreign guests in Q1 2026, largely in properties 4-star and above • Over 34% of 4-star and above hotels are expected to set room rates close to current levels in Q1 2026, while 35% can raise room rates by around 3%-5%, and 4% of hotels can raise rates by 6%-10% • Over 43% of 3-star and below hotels expect room rates to decline, with around 20% expecting a decline of at least 10% WoW. Meanwhile, 32% expect to keep room rates similar to current levels • Average occupancy in Jan 2026 is expected to reach 74%, down from 76% in Dec 2025 • Occupancy rate in Dec 2025 reached 80% in the Central region, 79% in South, 78% in North, and 76% in East

Commander of the 22nd Infantry Battalion of Task Force 2 reported that parts of the Ta Kwai temple in Surin Province, which saw heavy damage during the Thai-Cambodian conflict, are at risk of collapse. He said that Officials from the Fine Arts Department have surveyed the temple and are drawing up restoration plans, but they reported that the site remained structurally unstable and closed to public

President of the Thai Hotels Association (THA) called on the government and private stakeholders to more seriously analyse competitors like Vietnam and plan how to boost tourism and new investment in 2026. He noted that "Thailand still has plenty of high spending and repeat travellers, but it is uncertain how much this segment would drop and shift to Vietnam in the future”. He projects overall hotel performance in Q1 2026 to be similar to that of 2025, both in terms of occupancy rate and room rate. THA forecasts hotels nationwide to have a 74% occupancy rate in Jan, slightly below Dec’s 76%

Minor Hotels has confirmed the opening of NH Hua Hin, featuring 152 rooms and suites

TAT participated at MATKA Travel Fair 2026 in Helsinki, Finland, from 15-18 Jan. The Thai Pavilion featured five Thai tourism operators, who connected with over 30 Finnish media representatives and tour operators

Caretaker Tourism Minister reported that the number of foreigners passing through immigration checkpoints in Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Nong Khai and Ubon Ratchathani fell by 50% YoY in Jan. Total visitor arrivals to Thailand from 1-14 Jan has reahed 1.43 million, -6.77% YoY. Tourism arrivals in Bueng Kan, Nong Khai and Udon Thani recorded 87,067 (+2.7% YoY), 345,254 (+1.1%), and 478,211 (+3%) visitors, respectively, in Dec, due to the high season. Border checkpoints in Sa Kaeo and Surin remain closed due to the border conflict with Cambodia. The Intelligence Centre of TAT projects monthly arrivals in Jan to decline by 18% YoY to 3 million, or an average of 101,000 per day. The Chinese and Malaysian markets were still down 49% and 46%, respectively, and are projected to reach 336,000 and 241,000 visitors in Jan. The Russian market is expected to surpass Malaysia to become the second biggest source market in Jan with 257,000 arrivals (+0.4% YoY), while the Indian market could grow 4% to 194,000. Forward seat bookings in Jan and Feb is expected to drop by 2% or increase by no more than 4%

Chiang Mai Municipality and the TAT opened the “Chiang Mai Night Market” at Tha Phae Walking Street on 18 Jan. The market will be held every Sunday from 18 Jan-1 Mar, featuring landmark and art installations, interactive lighting, music stages, creative spaces, the Suep Sin courtyard, free workshop zones, and information installations. Free shuttle bus services are available on two routes

Dusit International recorded an all-time high of 24 hotel signings in 2025. Dusit is expected to add over 1,400 rooms to its global portfolio in 2026, one of its strongest years for opening. Among the projects toward opening are WE Hotel – Dusit Collection, Lake Toya, The Strand Hotel, Dusit Collection, Yangon, ASAI Yangon, and the phase-one opening of Dusit Princess Al Majma’ah, Riyadh

Following a speedboat collision incident near Koh Phi Phi, the Phuket Marine Office Director announced reforms to improve oversight of tour boat operators, improve crew discipline, reduce congestion at marine hubs, and revive confidence in Phuket’s marine tourism industry

Central Pattana (CPN) is planning to expand its budget hotel chain Go Hotel. CPN’s Head of Hotels and Alternative Investments noted that only a few local hotel brands offer budget stays with international standards in provincial areas, and even fewer in secondary provinces. CPN plans to invest 500 million THB annually to develop five Go Hotel properties, with fewer than 100 rooms each. The five new properties planned for 2026 are in Khon Kaen – aimed to open before the Songkran holiday – as well as hotels in Nakhon Sawan, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Ayutthaya. The group is looking for partners, such as landowners interested in developing hotels on their sites. Go Hotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, which was opened on 1 Dec, recorded an 80% occupancy rate during its first six weeks of operation. Around 60% of the hotel guests were foreigners, of which around half were from Asian markets and half from long-haul travellers. CPN recorded 3 billion THB in revenue from its hotels in 2025

The Air Pollution Problem Communication Centre (APPC) under the Pollution Control Department (PCD) reported that toxic haze remained in Bangkok and other regions, with PM2.5 levels exceeding safe limits in 45 provinces. The levels are expected to rise across Bangkok, the North, Northeast, Central, Eastern and Western regions between 17-23 Jan

Thailand Privilege Card (TPC) President said that TPC vowed to not allow individuals with suspicious backgrounds or connections to grey businesses to use its membership as a cover. He added that Thailand’s long-stay market is unlikely to be affected by “unsafe tourism”, noting that TPC aims for a 10%-20% membership growth in 2026. He said that if TPC receives a summons or subpoena indicating that a member may have engaged in illegal activities, it will terminate membership immediately

President of the Chonburi Tourism Federation Association (ACTF) noted that long-haul visitors from Europe and Russia continues to travel to Thailand during the Mar-Apr winter travel period, extending to the Songkran holiday. He added that growth in the long-haul from 2025 through early 2026 has been limited to around 5%, due to the strong baht and rising costs

Phuket Governor said Phuket aims to adopt a wastewater and waste management model used by Katathani Phuket Beach Resort to address the island’s worsening environmental problems, with over 1,200 tonnes of rubbish generated daily and the Phuket City landfill holding 1.2 million tonnes of accumulated waste. Katathani Phuket Beach Resort operates a zero food waste system through on-site waste separation and treatment and has its own natural water sources and standard wastewater treatment

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Air Quality Information Centre reported that all districts of Bangkok exceeded safe levels of PM2.5 matter, with the highest concentration recorded in Bang Rak district

Pattaya City is preparing to sign an MoU with PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR) to install public electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure across the city

The Deputy PM warned that the 2026 rainy season is expected to arrive earlier, with heavier rainfall. He called on agencies to step up preparations for potential major flooding

Caretaker PM Anutin instructed the Transport Ministry to terminate two contracts with Italian-Thai Development Plc (ITD) following recent crane collapse incidents – a crane collapse onto a moving train in Sikhio and a crane collapse onto Rama II Road in Samut Sakhon province. The two incidents totalled 34 deaths and 69 injuries

InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping has appointed Bijayasinee Sirivisutra as its first cultural ambassador. The new role is responsible for developing guest experiences linked to Lanna heritage, managing cultural artefacts within the hotel, and strengthening connections with the local arts community

International digital nomad community on nomad.com ranked Bangkok and Chiang Mai as the top two most popular city globally for digital nomads

Muay Thai Visa Thailand (MTVT), operated by Bangkok’s Sor. Dechapant Muay Thai School, has launched a visa support service to aid foreign students in applying for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) through accredited Muay Thai training. Students who enrol in MTVT’s accredited Muay Thai programmes receive all the required documents for their visa applications, including official acceptance letters, verified training schedules, and proof of the instructor and school’s credentials

The Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta) will hold the “Thailand Tourism & MICE Next 2026” B2B exchange on 23 Jan at IMPACT Arena, Exhibition and Convention Centre, Muang Thong Thani. The event aims to generate an immediate economic impact of 3 billion THB from 3,000 buyer-seller appointments. The event targets 1,200-1,500 total participants, including over 300 overseas buyers, focusing on China, and 500 domestic buyers, as well as 200 Thai tourism operators and representatives from over 25 countries. The event will also include a Next 2026 Forum industry seminar. Atta is partnering with the TAT, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Thai Hotels Association, and Program Management Unit for Competitiveness for this event

At least 32 people were killed and 64 injured after a construction crane fell on a moving Bangkok-Ubon Ratchathani express train passing through Ban Thanon Khot in Sikhiu district

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency reported that red (seriously harmful) levels of PM2.5 matter were recorded in Bangkok and 20 provinces, with 54 total provinces recording unsafe levels

TAT is partnering with Tencent and WeTV to create entertainment programmes highlighting Thailand’s destinations and culinary scenes. The initiative is under the Play the New Thai Way campaign, aimed at Chinese tourists, especially Gen Y and Gen Z. The programmes include Tasteful Thailand, a food travel variety program, and Forever by Your Side, a travel-themed dating program, both of which will be broadcast on Tencent Video and WeTV. TAT also partnered with Sichuan TV to produce a television commercial featuring KOL Chu Yi, showcasing Bangkok and Phang Nga

The Thai Cabinet has endorsed the official documents proposing Chiang Mai’s cultural landscape, known as “Chiang Mai, the Capital of Lanna”, for nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Cabinet has instructed the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, through the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, to submit the nomination documents to the World Heritage Centre in Paris by 30 Jan. The proposed heritage site includes eight locations, grouped into three main components: • Chiang Mai city and its key historical sites, including Wat Chiang Man, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh, as well as heritage sites outside the old city such as Wat Suan Dok • Wat Umong, Suan Phutthatham Park, and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep • Wat Mahabodharam, also known as Wat Chet Yot

The Tourism Ministry reported that Thailand has welcomed 1,121,549 international arrivals from 1-11 Jan, generating 55.03 billion THB in tourism revenue. Malaysia was the top source market with 117,039 visitors, followed by China (112,204), Russia (109,600), India (77,455), and South Korea (55,262; +47% WoW). In the week of 5-11 Jan, Thailand welcomed 745,158 international arrivals, +2.78% WoW, averaging around 106,541 tourists per day

Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and TrendWatching released the “Designing For The Next Generation” report, outlining seven trends across three key themes – Calm & Connected; Greenshift; and Place-Made

MGallery Collection will open the Kamaliss MontAzure Phuket in Apr and Navera Phuket in Jun

Son of late Thai collector Petch Osathanugrah finally opened Dib Bangkok in Klong Toey district. The collector, who amassed over 1,000 artworks, died in 2023 before he could finish his private museum

Sri Lanna National Park has implemented strict new safety measures on boat tours at the “Floating Rain Tree” attraction in Mae Ngat Comboon Chon dam, following a recent collision. The park introduced 13 mandatory rules, limited the number of licensed boat guides to 66, and set a registration deadline of 17 Jan. All boats must undergo inspection, be properly registered, and display clear identification numbers. The park also established a “floating checkpoint” to verify licences and guide IDs, installed buoys to separate inbound and outbound lanes, and added international‑standard navigation lights. All boats must be equipped with green, red, and white navigation lights and onboard flashlights by 22 Jan. The dam will be closed annually from 1 Apr-31 May to allow natural recovery

TAT aims to strengthen its Healing is the New Luxury global campaign in 2026, as well as the Suk Thun Tee, Tee Tiew Thai campaign for domestic travellers to stimulate high-value travel. TAT plans to attract long-haul travellers through the NIYOM strategy – New experience-led journeys, Inclusive hospitality standards, readiness as a Year-round destination, strong cultural Originality, and a focus on Meaningful travel. Short-haul markets will see market-specific engagement, expanded niche, and high-value segments. TAT also seeks to advance the Digital Tourism Ecosystem, including through the Amazing Thailand SuperApp and AI-driven traveller matching. A national Stakeholder Portal will allow tourism suppliers to present products and services more effectively

Political parties have started to announce policies surrounding economy and tourism ahead of the general election: • The People’s Party is pushing policies for structural reform and anti-corruption measures. A party-list candidate and economic team member of the People's Party, said Thailand's tourism sector traditionally faces three key challenges: around 70% of tourism revenue is concentrated in only five provinces; overdependence on natural attractions reducing repeat visits; and the issue of foreign businesses using nominees. The party is pushing for more man-made destinations, proposing projects in 5-10 locations, each with a min. investment of 1 billion THB and a completion timeline of 3-4 years. The party also seeks to prioritise development in at least 25 secondary provinces, with an allocation of 200 million THB per province • The Pheu Thai Party aims to promote high-value service sectors, including hospitality and tourism. Pheu Thai's candidate for Chiang Mai stressed the need to increase both tourism spending per pax and arrivals. The party is considering several large projects, including a plan to host F1 race in Thailand, and the casino-entertainment complex bill, which would lead for new man-made attractions such as venues for concerts, events, and retail. The party will support more local and major international events to position Thailand as a year-round destination. It would also push for Thailand to become a medical and wellness tourism hub, as well as infrastructure projects such as new airports in chiang Main and Phuket • Caretaker Tourism Minister and Pheu Thai's candidate for Chiang Mai said some tourism policies should be continued from the current government, such as the redistribution of income from key cities to other areas through developing integrated tourism routes and removing accessibility challenges. He added that there are many unfinished tourism plans to pursue, such as the collection of tourist fees. He said stricter standards for operators should be enforced to improve tourism supply, as well as strengthening tourist confidence in safety and service quality >>

The night curfew in Narathiwat province has been lifted, just one day after it was imposed following an incident of coordinated bombings and arson in Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala. Authorities expressed confidence that they had control of the situation

Malaysians in Narathiwat, Thailand, are advised to follow the curfew imposed by the Thai government from 9pm to 5am following several bombing incidents in 11 petrol stations. Malaysians were also advised to defer their visit to Narathiwat, Yala, and Pattani provinces until the situation resolves

TAT has launched the “Fur Season Escape” project to promote premium pet-friendly tourism, offering pet parents special benefits and activities from hotels, attractions, cafes, and other venues. Pet-friendly tourism is one of TAT’s key tourism strategy for 2026, targeting high-potential market segments. TAT’s survey showed that people travelling with their pets spend around 20% more per trip than general travellers. TAT has partnered with Pet Friendly Thailand, KTC, InterContinental Hua Hin Resort by IHG, ARAK Animal Hospital, and Centara Life Cha Am Beach Resort Hua Hin, among others, for the project

Thailand has officially begun the countdown to the ASEAN Para Games Thailand 2025, which will be held from 20-26 Jan in Nakhon Ratchasima

The Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office in Phuket reported that a tour speedboat collided with a trawler between Koh Khai and Koh Phi Phi in Krabi province, injuring 22 people – 3 Thais and 19 foreigners. One Russian was in a critical condition and later died. The speedboat was operated by A Timer tour company and was carrying 3 crew, 2 guides, and 50 tourists, mostly Russians

TAT outlined its 2026 strategy under the “Thailand Tourism Next” framework, focusing on Value over Volume and a target of generating 3 trillion THB in tourism revenue. The strategy follows the “Amazing 5 Economy” framework: Life Economy, Sub-Culture Economy, Night Economy, Circular Economy, and Platform Economy. It will be reinforced by five marketing strategies: brand confidence, premium destination positioning, airline partnerships, targeted communications, and balanced risk management. TAT also plans to expand year-round events, promote high-value domestic travel, develop green destinations, strengthen international long-haul and short-haul markets, and advance its role as a digital intelligence hub

China Trading Desk’s survey showed that South Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand are the top three most popular destinations for Chinese tourists in 2026. Mainland Chinese travellers are projected to take around 165-175 million cross-border trips in 2026, up from 155 million in 2025

The Defence Minister announced that Thailand will keep its military forces along the Cambodian border for at least one year to safeguard national sovereignty despite the ceasefire. He added that Thailand is committed to the ceasefire but would address any land encroachment or violation of national interests by Cambodia

The United States has pledged $45 million in ceasefire aid package to support Thailand, and Cambodia, with $20 million to combat drug trafficking and scams, $15 million USD for border stabilisation and help local communities, and $10 million USD for demining and clearing unexploded ordnance

TAT released a teaser for a promotional campaign featuring Thai K-pop star Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal, the Amazing Thailand Ambassador. The campaign is being held under the theme “Feel All The Feelings”, and will feature stories about Lisa’s return to Thailand, following a journey of rest and renewal. The full video is set to be released on 28 Jan at an official launch event and on all Amazing Thailand online platforms

Financial publication Longtunman projected that the “Disneyland Thailand” proposed development could reach an estimated value of 100 billion THB. Disneyland Thailand, if executed, would likely operate under a licensing structure similar to Tokyo Disneyland, which is owned and managed by the Oriental Land Company rather than The Walt Disney Company

Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks reported that Thais still visited Eastern provinces during the holiday period despite the Thai-Cambodian border dispute. Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Sa Kaeo, Prachin Buri, Nakhon Nayok, and Chachoengsao welcomed 47.7 million visitors in Jan-Nov, comprising 36.9 million domestic tourists, +5.5% YoY, and 10.8 million international tourists, -11.2% YoY. Revenue fell 4.6% YoY to 374 billion THB. Average occupancy rate for hotels in Eastern provinces in 2025 remained similar to 2024 at around 73%. President of the Trat Tourism Association said travel sentiment only improved a little for the remaining high season despite the ceasefire announcement in late Dec. He added that hotel occupancy should surpass 80%-85% in the high season, but operators have been unable to increase room rates to generate as much income as in 2024

The countdown for the PT Grand Prix of Thailand 2026 has begun. The race will be held from 27 Feb-1 Mar at the Chang International Circuit in Buri Ram and will be the opening race of the 2026 MotoGP season. A pre-season test will be held at the circuit from 21-22 Feb

The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) reported that Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) stood at 51.9 in Dec, down from 53.2 in Nov, the first decline in four months. The decrease is attributed to border clashes with Cambodia and domestic political instability, as well as slow economic recovery, high costs of living, and recent severe floods in Central and Southern regions

The Tomorrowland festival will be held from 11-13 Dec at Wisdom Valley in Bang Lamung, Chonburi. The site will be developed into a full Tomorrowland venue, with a planned capacity of over 50,000 attendees daily. Pre-registration for the festival opened on 8 Jan, and will be followed by hotel package sales on 28 Feb and general ticket sales on 7 Mar. Tomorrowland is operated by Belgium-based entertainment firm WEAREONE.world

The Deputy PM said Thailand is exploring the possibility of attracting a Disneyland theme park to the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), aiming to create a “powerful tourism magnet” that could boost tourism numbers and strengthen transport infrastructure. He noted that the concept has generated interest from Thai investors. He said that they will “first invite Disney to invest directly, but if it does not do so, a licence could be purchased to operate the project instead”

The board of Thai Airways International (THAI) has appointed four subcommittees – the executive committee, risk management committee, nomination and remuneration committee, and audit committee. The board is expected to hold a regular board meeting on 19 Jan, followed by a general meeting in Feb

The Treasury Department announced that it will offer free admission throughout Jan on all five of its museums – Coin Museum and Bang Lamphu Museum in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district, the Talad Noi Museum in Samphanthawong district, and the Treasury Museums in Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen

The management of Wat Arun in Bangkok issued an apology following complaints about improper behaviour of local photographers shooing other visitors away when taking pictures of clients dressed in traditional Thai costumes. Management said photographers providing services within the temple grounds will now be required to “undergo training in proper conduct and appropriate practices in accordance with the Temple’s regulations”

TAT has appointed Thai actor, model, and celebrity Mean Phiravich Attachitsataporn to lead the Thailand Co-Creator initiative under the Trusted Thailand framework. The project aims to craft real travel experiences into authentic digital narratives for global audiences. Over 20 creators, KOLs, and influencers from Thailand and ten international markets from Asia and Oceania will be invited on a coordinated content trip from 23-25 Jan across five high-potential routes: Kanchanaburi; Lampang–Chiang Mai; Sakon Nakhon-Nakhon Phanom; Surat Thani; and Songkhla. The Thailand Co-Creator initiative is expected to generate over 100 million impressions

Assistant Governor for Monetary Policy at the Bank of Thailand said Thailand’s economy slowed in 2025 and is expected to remain sluggish in 2026. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has decided to cut the policy rate to 1.25%, a level seen only during the pandemic. Senior Director of BOT’s Macroeconomic Department projects Thailand’s economy to grow 2.2% in 2025, slowing to 1.5% in 2026, before growing to 2.3% in 2027. She noted structural dependence on external sectors, with exports accounting for about 60% of GDP and tourism about 8%

Chief Executive of BDMS Wellness Clinic and BDMS Wellness Resort believes that the wellness trend will continue growing globally over the next five years. Thailand recorded the fastest annual growth rate at 28.4%, far above the global average of 7.6%, with the sector generating over 120 billion THB annually. He noted stronger competition in the sector, including within the region by countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia

A group of entertainment venue operators in Patong and Phuket submitted a complaint to Phuket’s Damrongdham Centre, calling on the provincial governor to investigate officers collecting bribes from operators during the New Year holiday, including to stay open late or to run unlicensed businesses

Fire destroyed 22 fully refuelled speedboats belonging to 13 different operators at Chalong Pier in Phuket. No casualties were reported, with financial damage estimated at 38 million THB

The Bank of Thailand said there is “a lot of uncertainty” in 2026, with challenges such as an appreciating currency, US tariffs, high household debt, border conflict with Cambodia, and political uncertainty ahead of elections in early Feb. BOT expects GDP growth in H2 2025 to reach 1.3% YoY. The Commerce Ministry reported that headline consumer price index (CPI) fell 0.28% YoY in Dec, vs 0.49% in Nov, while core CPI rose 0.59% YoY in Dec

Khiri Travel has received the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification across all destinations where it operates – Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Sri Lanka

Minor Hotels will take over management of NH Hua Hin from 16 Jan 2026. The hotel comprises 152 rooms and suites. NH Hua Hin will become the fourth NH Hotels and Resorts property in Thailand

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) sets a 20,000-ton carbon emission reduction target by 2030. It reported that Thai business events industry avoided 2,446 ton carbon emissions across 232 events, +313% YoY

President of the Association of the Chon Buri Tourism Federation expressed concern of heavy traffic for the Tomorrowland festival, which will be held at Wisdom Valley area of Khao Mai Kaeo. He noted that there is not enough accommodation in Wisdom Valley, so most visitors will likely stay in Pattaya city hotels. He warned that “authorities should plan ahead to provide convenient transport for attendees” as Pattaya is already experiencing heavy traffic during peak periods

13 student pilots won a lawsuit against Nok Air regarding a requirement for additional training charges outside a contract for co-pilot employment. The Court of Justice ordered compensation of one-third of 32.5 million THB in total damages, accounting for around the 2.5 million THB each invested in the pilots’ initial training for a commercial pilot licence (CPL). The pilots plan to appeal to increase the compensation to half of total damages. Nok Air plans to appeal the verdict and file a defamation lawsuit against the pilots

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) is looking to remove age limits for aircraft used in commercial operations, shifting to an “airworthiness” standard used in international practices. The move could ease the process for airlines to bring aircraft into service and expand operations. Thai airlines are expected to take delivery of at least 200 aircraft over the next 2-3 years

A draft on an amended Health Ministry regulation on “controlled herbs” stated that sales of cannabis will only be allowed at medical facilities, shops selling herbal products, pharmacies, and through traditional medicine practitioners. The Public Health Minister said the amendment is under legal review, but did not give a timeline on the signing and implementation

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) reported that Thailand’s national parks and nature sites saw over 1.5 million visitors between 31 Dec-4 Jan, including 1.2 million in national parks, nearly 250,000 in zoos, and tens of thousands in botanical gardens and fossil museums. Khao Yai National Park was the top destination with 121,169 visitors, followed by Khlong Lan, Doi Inthanon, Phu Hin Rong Kla, and Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park

The Civil Court has revoked a temporary injunction against Thai Airways International (THAI), allowing its newly appointed 15-member board of directors to assume duties, overseeing key aircraft procurement and the U-Tapao MRO project

Thai Airways International (THAI) received its first Airbus A320neo, which it plans to deploy on the Bangkok-Singapore route from 22 Jan. The aircraft is the first of 32 planned to be delivered to the airline, and among the first out of 10 to be operated under a lease agreement with AerCap. The A321neo can reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per seat by up to 20%, and is certified to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)

Bangkok Airways launched its new corporate vision: “Leading Aviation with Responsibility, Delivering Services with Sustainability”. Bangkok Airways PCL’s President stated that the vision acts as a “key framework guiding the organisation’s operations in alignment with the current business landscape, while supporting long-term growth”. He added that the airline has established the 5S core missions to achieve the vision: Safety, Service, Staff, Synergy, and Sustainability

Chairman of the Business of Creative and Event Management Association said that Thailand can still compete with Vietnam’s growing MICE sector, noting that Thailand still has a larger total area for event spaces and more diverse venues than Vietnam. He added that Thailand should continue investing in infrastructure, while also elevating local events to an international level

The Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) has launched “The Soul of Thailand” campaign, featuring nine travel routes across nine designated areas for sustainable tourism – Chiang Rai, Nan, Sukhothai, Loei, U Thong, Bang Kachao, Pattaya, Koh Chang, and Songkhla

Thai schools in northeastern provinces bordering Cambodia has reopened following the ceasefire agreement, after being closed for about a month due to the border clashes

President of the Phuket Tourist Association said that 2025 was “the best high season Phuket has seen in the past five years”. He noted that tourism growth from late 2025 and forecast into Q1 2026 has surpassed pre-pandemic levels in terms of visitor numbers and per-capita spending, driven by an expansion of direct international flights and various world-class events held in Phuket. He reported that Phuket is seeing between 60,000-80,000 arrivals per day during peak periods. He added that the private sector and the TAT are now aligned in their strategy, no longer “chasing headline visitor numbers” but instead focusing on “tourists who stay longer, spend more, and travel responsibly”. Phuket expects international arrivals to reach 5-6 million in 2026, while revenue is expected to increase to around 605 billion THB. TAT Phuket expects the island to welcome over 325,000 visitors from 31 Dec-4 Jan, with average hotel occupancy reaching 80.76%. Average length of stay is estimated at 4.01 days, with foreign visitors accounting for 70% of total visitors. Revenue from domestic tourists during the New Year period is expected to reach 1.14 billion THB. Phuket has welcomed 12.74 million visitors in Jan-Nov, generating 491.6 billion THB in tourism revenue. Average occupancy rates reached 76.49%, rising to nearly 79% in Nov. International tourists accounted for 74% of total visitors, with top source markets being Russia, China, India, the UK, and Australia. Average daily spending stood at 8,700 THB per pax – 9,100 THB per day for foreign tourist and 5,100 THB for domestic visitors