Thailand

The Thai-Chinese high speed rail project between Saraburi and Kaeng Khoi has had an extension granted of 201 days, with a change in completion date now delayed to 25 Dec. The delay is due to structural limitations, including land use permissions

TAT reported that Thailand welcomed over 11.35 million visitors from 1 Jan-21 Apr, with long-haul markets showing strong YoY growth, including the UK with 423,324 visitors (+20.61%), Germany (407,378 visitors; +13.14%), France (364,262; +22.65%), the US (379,472; +12.83%), Australia (255,420; +16.85%), Israel (131,958; +97.43%), Italy (114,808; +28.6%), the Netherlands (94,074; +17.88%), Spain (52,629;+17.75%), and Saudi Arabia (43,356; +15.26%). This is attributed to TAT’s Airline Focus strategy, which partners with international airlines to increase flight frequencies and launch new routes. TAT is focusing on high-potential, high-spending source markets, as well as attracting high-value tourists through health and wellness experiences. It is also developing the yacht and superyacht segment for the European, Australian, and Asia-Pacific markets, as well as sports and entertainment tourism — including golf, marathons, trail running, Muay Thai, diving, and cycling — for the Russian, European, American, Australian, Chinese, South Korean, and Japanese markets. The digital nomad and workation markets are being developed in destinations like Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Phuket, Ko Samui, Hua Hin, and Krabi

PM Paetongtarn said that ASEAN has agreed to cooperate in dealing with the US tariff hikes. The PM recently met with the Cambodian PM and discussed about a possible cooperation framework for ASEAN. She said that she had raised the issue with other ASEAN leaders and they agreed that joining forces would give the region a “greater bargaining power”

Thai Mueang Beach in Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park, Phang Nga province, has been certified for ISO 13009:2015 (International Standard for Beach Operation), which covers aspects such as educating visitors and providing information, ensuring safety in beach and water activities, managing the environment and minimising tourism impact, and preparing infrastructure to support long-term sustainable tourism. The park has also been recognised with the “Excellent Green National Park” award

The Thai baht weakened to 33.57 THB to the USD on 24 Apr, down from 33.39 on 23 Apr

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has reaffirmed to hotel operators that the 3.5 billion THB domestic tourism subsidy will not be cancelled, but it will be delayed for one month. The Ministry stated that it had asked the TAT for help to distribute the expected income in second tier cities, rather than just a few. The request from the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) for a subsidy for chartered flights from China, is said to need evaluation, with the Minister noting that given the current factors, “financial support might not help much”. An article which went viral on the Bangkok Post where international tourists shared their disappointment with tourism in Thailand, has been noted by the Ministry, with expensive hotel rates noted by the Thai Hotels Association

Two advisors to Thailand’s Foreign Minister visited Singapore to present the proposal for the “Six Countries, One Destination” campaign, which aims to promote cross-border ASEAN travel. Thailand has previously discussed the proposal with Cambodia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Thailand also proposed a series of travel offerings such as cruise routes connecting Singapore, Penang, Phuket, and HCMC; overland trips focusing on Peranakan heritage across southern Thailand and Malaysia; culinary tours through southern Thai provinces and Johor Bahru; self-drive tourism across the peninsula; and seasonal trips tied to local festivals and events. Thailand aims to launch the campaign in Q4 2025

The Phuket Tourist Police arrested two Russian nationals for working illegally as tour guides, as well as fined two tour companies for failing to submit tour guide work orders for inspection and not providing licensed Thai guides to accompany tourists

The Laguna Phuket Marathon 2025 will take place from 14-15 Jun and is expected to attract over 8,000 runners from 50 countries, its biggest crowd yet

The Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) reported that around 60%-80% of coral in Thailand experienced bleaching since Apr 2024, of which 60% of those have since been successfully revived, while the remainder perished. Around 55% of coral in the Andaman Sea experienced bleaching since last year, of which 60%-70% have been revived. Around 90% of coral in the Gulf of Thailand experienced peak bleaching in May 2024, of which 40%-60% have shown signs of recovery since. DMCR is actively regenerating coral across seven provinces: Trat, Rayong, Chon Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Surat Thani, Phang Nga, and Phuket

Director-General of the Department of Health said that heat index would hit “very dangerous” levels in Phuket and “dangerous” levels in Bangkok and 34 other provinces on 23 Apr, with the heatwave expected to continue into 24 Apr

A fire destroyed the spa complex of Dhara Dhevi Hotel in Muang district, Chiang Mai. The building was being renovated at the time. No casualties were reported

Director General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) announced that Thailand will conduct a test run of a cellphone disaster alert system - Cell Broadcast System (CBS) – in localised areas, following criticism that no alarm was sent out after the Myanmar earthquake that also shook Thailand

TAT partnered with Leicester City Football Club (LCFC) to host a promotional event during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Liverpool on 20 Apr at King Power Stadium, UK. TAT also launched Amazing Thailand advertisements across LCFC’s platforms, including LED screens inside the stadium and digital content via the club’s website and social media

TAT partnered with StarDream Cruises to bring the Star Voyager luxury cruise ship to Bangkok. The cruise will homeport in Laem Chabang Port and offers two 5-night sailings on the Laem Chabang-Ko Samui-Singapore-Laem Chabang route on 22-27 Apr and 7-12 May. The cruise ship has a capacity to accommodate around 1,940 guests

TAT collaborated with the Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce to organise the “Foundation of Rome & Bangkok Grand Celebration” to celebrate the two capitals’ founding day on 21 Apr. The event was held at Siri Sala Private Thai Villa in Bangkok

The Culture Minister announced that the government aims to nominate Chiang Mai as a UNESCO World Heritage Site by 2026, in conjunction with the city’s 730th anniversary. The nomination dossier is expected to be completed by Aug, before being submitted to the 2026 UNESCO General Conference panel

The THAIFEX-HOREC Asia 2025 was held from 5-7 Mar at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, attracting 466 companies from 25 countries and 19,454 trade attendees from across 87 countries. The event will return next year at the same venue from 11-13 Mar 2026

Visa reported that visitors from the US were the top international spenders in Thailand in Jan-Feb, followed by the UK, China, France, and Japan. Tourists mostly spend on accommodation, restaurants, retail goods, health care, and food and groceries in Thailand. Highest spending was recorded in Bangkok, Phuket, Chonburi, Samut Prakan, and Surat Thani. Visa saw a 26% YoY increase in spending from tourists in the UK and French markets in Jan-Feb. Top destinations for Thai consumers include Japan, Hong Kong, the UK, South Korea, and France. Thai travellers spend the most on department stores, apparel & accessories, retail goods, restaurants and accommodation. Thai cardholders in Japan used nearly 30% of their travel spend on department stores, while travellers in France and Hongkong used over 30% of their travel spend on apparel and accessories, and in China over 50% at department stores and on retail goods

The Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) Is calling on residents to adopt water conservation habits amid declining water supplies near the end of the dry season

Krabi Tourism Association called on authorities to investigate cases involving park officials allegedly collecting bribes from tour companies

The Thai Retailers Association (TRA) urged the government to launch an instant VAT refund scheme for tourists and introduce a free-trade-zone sandbox in tourist destinations, in order to position Thailand as an ASEAN shopping hub. Kasikorn Research Centre (K-Research) forecasts the Thai retail sector to see an average growth of 3.4% in 2024-2025, down from the 5.9% growth recorded in 2022-2023. The association aims to propose a 7% VAT refund scheme to the government, with plans to discuss it with the Finance Ministry in Q2 or Q3

Pattaya Mayor reported that hotel bookings in Pattaya City Centre reached 90% and in Jomtien 80% during the Songkran Festival from 13-19 Apr. The city hosted the Naklua Water Festival on 18 Apr and Pattaya Water Festival on 19 Apr

TAT hosted the inaugural Amazing Thailand Festival in Bhutan 2025 on 19-20 Apr at Clock Tower Square in Thimphu. The event highlighted Thailand’s 5F soft power and the 5 Must-Do Experiences. Thailand welcomed 9,545 Bhutanese visitors from 1 Jan-9 Apr

Thailand welcomed 5,833 Chinese arrivals on 16 Apr, a daily low for 2025 and down from an average of 15,000-20,000 daily arrivals. Advisory Chairman of the Thai Travel Agents called in the worst crisis in the Chinese market since the sinking of a tour boat in Phuket in 2018, which caused 47 casualties. He noted that even if daily arrivals recover to 10,000-15,000 for the rest of 2025, the annual total would still only reach 4.2-5.5 million, below the government’s 7 million target and 2024’s 6.7 million. TAT is planning to host several fam trips, inviting 600 agents and key opinion leaders from over 30 provinces in China

Spokesperson of the PM’s Office announced that PM Paetongtarn has instructed the Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs, and Tourism ministries to jointly study and evaluate the impact of the visa-free scheme for various countries, especially regarding the length of stay. The PM ordered a review of the programme to shorten the permitted length of stay following reports of foreigners exploiting the visa to overstay or work illegally

The Tourism Ministry has downgraded its 2025 tourism revenue forecast from 3.5 trillion THB to 3 trillion THB, due to various factors such as travel safety concerns, earthquake impact, and US tariffs

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group invested $100 million USD to upgrade the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok

Pattaya Deputy Mayor, Permanent Secretary, and other officials discussed the need to enhance law enforcement on Koh Larn amid an influx of tourists. The island welcomes around 10,000 tourists per day. The officials agreed to construct a new police substation at Tawaen Beach, with the land provided by Pattaya City. The Chon Buri Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) will provide equipment like patrol vehicles and prisoner transport vans, while Pattaya Police Station will assign additional officers to man the new substation

Government sources revealed that Thailand’s trade talks with the US will no longer take place on 23 Apr. No new date has been announced

The Tourism Ministry has asked the TAT to rethink the 2025 tourism marketing plan to offset the weak Asian market, which fell 17% in Q1. The Tourism Ministry’s Permanent Secretary said the revised plan should be presented to the board for approval by May in order for it to be executed in H2 2025. She added that the marketing direction needs to be shifted from headcount to spending ratio, with a focus on higher-spending long-haul markets. High potential markets for Thailand based on tourism receipts projection in Q2 2025 include Sweden (average spending of 69,817 THB), Saudi Arabia (68,354 THB), Austria (66,729 THB), and the UK (60,823 THB). She noted that markets that are still able to increase air ticket bookings by 10% in Q2 include the UK, Germany, Israel, Australia and South Korea. Thailand welcomed 9.5 million international arrivals in Q1, +2% YoY, generating 471 billion THB, +7% YoY

Thailand’s Tourist Police said that tourist areas in Ban Thon, Narathiwat, remain safe to visit, following a bomb blast incident on 20 Apr

TAT Phuket Office reported that Phuket welcomed 3.89 million visitors in Q1, generating 149 billion THB in tourism revenue. Phuket welcomed 17,000-18,000 international tourists and 8,000-10,000 Thai tourists per day. TAT Phuket is focusing on the domestic market to sustain momentum through the Apr-Oct “Green Season”

The Phuket Governor has said that Phuket is facing congestion, dry season water shortages, flooding, poor lighting in tourist zones and issues with waste management, but support is limited. As of Apr 2025, its water levels at the province’s 3 reservoirs is at 39%, enough for 45 days. It is calling on the PM to fast track funding, and also wants to upgrade its governance to a special local government, which would allow it more control over urban planning, traffic and tourism management

575,847 pax travelled over Songkran by train, with the southern route seeing the highest number of pax at 202,961, the northeastern route (154,925), the northern route (105,033), the eastern route (65,954), Mahachai route (39,296) and Mae Klong (7,705)

Bangkok saw spending of 4.1 billion THB over Songkran, the highest in the country, but the hotel occupancy dropped 10pp YoY nationwide from 2024’s 71.5%. The Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 at Sanam Luang from 11-15 Apr saw 1.1 million visitors, around 90% local residents. Those in the East provinces saw 4.04 billion THB and the North 2.5 billion THB (+30% YoY). International arrivals over 12-16 Apr were 421,394, generating 6.45 billion THB, with strongest growth recorded from Europe (+42% YoY), Oceania (+29% YoY), South Asia (+22% YoY) and the US (+13% YoY). Nationwide revenue in total was 28.7 billion THB, +17% YoY. 2.8 million people participated in Songkran celebrations in Bangkok at 17 locations supported by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. These celebrations generated 313 tonnes of waste. The Thai Hotels Association has said that although there are more long-haul arrivals, these are not a sufficient number to offset the lack of Chinese arrivals, and that price competition is growing with average room rates at upscale hotels dropping after the end of high season

Hotels in Chiang Mai were selling their rooms at lower rates over Songkran in 2025 than in 2024 to attract last minute domestic tourists. The Thai Hotels Association upper northern chapter said that many Thais were shaken by the earthquake and it subsequently triggered a slower last minute bookings rate. Hotel occupancy reached 85% in Chiang Mai, similar to 2024, but the difference was that room rates were not at the usual 30% higher premium, raising rates by 10% only. Concerns over air pollution were less in 2025 than in 2024 due to improved air quality. He noted that the Chinese arrivals have not recovered to Chiang Mai after the abduction of the Chinese actor. 146,000 travellers visited from 12-16 Apr for Songkran, 60% of whom were Thais. It generated 1.6 billion THB, with foreigners mainly coming from South Korea and Europe

The Thai Pavilion at the Osaka Expo faced criticism for “not adequately representing the country's role” within the expo’s theme of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”. Chair of TQM Corporation noted that the Thai Pavilion mostly showcased about history, nature, food, and health, which he regarded as not fitting into the theme

TAT has launched the 15th Thailand Tourism Awards, inviting tourism operators nationwide to join the competition, which covers five main categories: tourist attractions, accommodation, health and wellness tourism, tour programmes, and organisations that promote sustainable tourism. This year will also see the debut of the Thailand Tourism Sustainability Awards. Tourism businesses that win awards in 2025 will receive promotional and business development benefits from TAT, such as a 50% discount for participating in TAT’s domestic and international trade events, marketing and media exposure through TAT’s platforms, and access to industry-related training programmes

The Professional Tourist Guides Association of Thailand said illegal foreign tour guides and nominee business during the high season remained critical issues that continued to hamper the tourism industry

Nakhon Ratchasima launched the “Triple Heritage Ring Road” project, which aims to promote trips to three UNESCO heritage sites in the province: the Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve, the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, and the Khorat Global Geopark. The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) Northeastern branch expressed readiness to support the promotion, as well as to organise training sessions to help local businesses upgrade their goods and services. Nakhon Ratchasima will also host the International Horticultural Exposition in 2029, a four-month event from 10 Nov 2029-28 Feb 2030 that is expected to attract 4 million visitors, generate about 19 billion THB, and create over 36,000 jobs

Chairman of the National Soft Power Development Committee said a draft bill to promote soft power, the Creative Culture Promotion Act, will be submitted to the cabinet soon, with expectations for its enactment by early 2026, if approved. He added that the Thailand Creative Culture Agency (Thacca) is also expected to be established in Q1 2026

Head of the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park in Krabi announced that snorkelling and scuba diving activities have resumed at 10 designated sites within the park, after being suspended since last year for coral reef recovery

Permanent Secretary of Pattaya City announced that the waste incineration plant on Koh Larn is now 70% completed and is expected to be operational within six months. The system can process up to 50 tonnes of waste daily, and could be increased to as much as 100 tonnes per day if needed

The Department of Highways is leading a project to upgrade Highway 37 (Cha-am Bypass), aiming to boost tourism and economic growth along the Gulf Coast. The project has a budget of 7 billion THB and is funded across multiple fiscal years from 2023-2025. Several sections of the highway are already complete, with the rest expected to be finished in 2026. The project is expected to improve connectivity across upper southern Thailand. Daily traffic on the route was around 29,000 vehicles in 2022, and is expected to increase to 35,000 by 2026 and 53,000 by 2044

Lam Khlong Ngu National Park announced that it will close Sao Hin Cave and Nok Nang Ane (Swiftlet) Cave to tourists from 17 Apr until further notice, following flash floods and landslides forecasts from the Office of National Water Resources. A freelance ranger drowned in Sao Hin Cave on 15 Apr while attempting to retrieve a tourist’s lost mobile phone

Centara Hotels & Resorts is launching special offers ahead of the opening of Centara Villas Phi Phi Island on 1 May

PM Paetongtarn invited local and international tourists to join the Pee Mai Mueang San Kamphaeng event, which highlights the Lhong Him Khao community in Chiang Mai

The “Songkran Ban Chan, Colors of Silom” event is being held on Silom Road from 12 Apr, featuring cultural performances, parades, and community-based activities. The event will culminate in the Miss Amazing Bangkok Queen Songkran contest on 14 Apr. More major Songkran events are being held at Wat Suthat Thepphawararam, CentralWorld, Fashion Island Mall, Siam Square, Samyan Mitrtown, and ICONSIAM

Thailand has welcomed 666,180 international arrivals during Songkran week, +10.73% WoW, at an average of about 95,169 arrivals per day. Malaysia was the top source market with 102,106 arrivals, +10.67% WoW, followed by China (82,274; +28.20% WoW), India (55,158; 23.56% WoW), Russia (40,283; 8.40% WoW), and the UK (32,199; -8.49% WoW). Thailand has welcomed 10.73 million international arrivals from 1 Jan-13 Apr, generating 516.58 billion THB. China was the top source market with 1.47 million arrivals, followed by Malaysia (1.33 million), Russia (801,532), India (631,820), and South Korea (533,752). Bangkok’s 3-day Songkran celebrations attracted 651,295 people, including 256,667 people in Silom Road, and 394,628 in Khao San Road. The Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 at Sanam Luang is estimated to generate about 1.7 billion THB in tourism-related income. Festivities held along Ratchadamnoen Avenue and at Sanam Luang in Phra Nakhon district attracted 23,456 Thais and 34,559 foreigners on 11-13 Apr. The festival will be held until 15 Apr

The Tourism Department has raised its target for revenue from foreign film production in Thailand from 7.5 billion to 10 billion THB. The new target is +54% from the 6.5 billion THB revenue recorded in 2024. Recent shoots in Thailand, including The White Lotus Season 3, Jurassic World Rebirth, and Alien: Earth, were eligible for a maximum 20% cash rebate. The Tourism Department has since raised the incentive amount to 30% for 2025. The department is asking the government to allocate 850 million THB from the central budget for cash rebate dedicated to large productions in 2025, on top of the previously allocated 350 million THB

The finance and commerce ministers to lead a delegation to the US to meet Trump administration officials on 21 Apr to negotiate the tariffs

TAT is partnering with Zebra Events & Exhibition Pvt. Ltd to organise “Magic 2025”, a corporate incentive programme for 10,000 Indian direct marketing sales representatives, from 11-15 Apr at the IMPACT Arena in Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi. The even aims to educate the representatives in tourism and lifestyle products and services, and to promote Thailand as a destination for high-spending corporate travellers. Thailand has welcomed 597,709 Indian arrivals from 1 Jan-9 Apr, comprising 75.20% FITs and 24.80% group tours. A total of 66.59% were first-time visitors. Bangkok, Chonburi, Phuket, Krabi, and Surat Thani were the most popular destinations

A macroeconomics expert at the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) said that Thailand may have entered a “technical recession”, with GDP estimated to have contracted in two consecutive quarters. FPO’s revised economic projection is expected to be released on 28 Apr

The newly constructed pier at Bali Hai Cape, South Pattaya is expected to boost accessibility to Koh Larn, enhance overall experience, and further promote tourism

Luxury hotel Trisara in Phuket has introduced its largest residence villa on site, Villa No.2, which features nine bedrooms. Trisara General Manager said the property is used to having multi-generational travel groups, and that the resort is designed to be enjoyable for families

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation is waiving entrance fees to all national parks, botanical gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation sites nationwide on 14 Apr in celebration of Family Day. There were 76,774 visitors to national parks across Thailand on 13 Apr, the first day of the Songkran holiday, generating 6.6 million THB in revenue. Khao Yai National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima was the most visited park with 7,540 visitors, followed by Nopparat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi in Phuket (5,556), and Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet in Rayong (3,148)

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) announced that Bangkok saw over 360,000 people joining Songkran festivities on 12-13 Apr, including 165,239 visitors on Silom Road and 197,314 people on Khao San Road. BMA reported 11 traffic accidents between 11-13 Apr, resulting in 10 deaths and 4 injuries. Five building fires were also reported, causing 1 death and 8 injuries

The Marine Department has opened 39 tourist assistance centres along coastlines nationwide to ensure safety and promote responsible tourism during the Songkran holiday from 12-16 Apr, under the directive of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE). The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) is deploying 544 officers, equipped with 58 vehicles and 21 boats, to assist the tourists

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Governor said that the Krungthep Apiwat Station was estimated to see over 117,000 passengers on the first day of Songkran holiday, with over 81,000 departing. A total of 90,347 people travelled by train on 11 Apr, a day before the holiday started. The southern route recorded the highest number of travellers at 31,036, followed by the northeastern route (25,042), and the northern line (17,603)

The Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal saw over 152,343 people travelling to/from Bangkok on 11 Apr, including 106,337 people departing Bangkok and 46,006 returning to Bangkok. The Transport Company Limited (BorKorSor) operated 7,652 bus trips. BorKorSor expects around 120,000 passengers to travel on 12 Apr, the first day of the Songkran holiday, across 5,000 trips, including 1,000 extra buses to meet the high demand

TAT is holding the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 until 15 Apr along Ratchadamnoen Klang Road and Sanam Luang. The event features light and sound shows, cultural parades, water-splashing zones, and free concerts by Thai artists. The event also includes the "GC YOU Turn" campaign organised by PTT Global Chemical to promote proper waste separation and plastic waste management

The Culture Ministry reported that the “Korat Grand Songkran” event attracted over 100,000 tourists, generating over 50 million THB in revenue

Bangkok Governor invited the public to participate in Songkran festivities on Silom and Khao San roads from 12-14 Apr. He noted that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has set up safety protocols for all Songkran venues in the city, including entrance checkpoints for high-traffic areas and AI-supported CCTV installations. BMA has designated 196 locations where Songkran can be celebrated, including the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 at Sanam Luang and events at Iconsiam, Siam Centre and Samyan Mitrtown

TAT Phuket expects the island to receive over 280,000 visitors from 12-16 Apr for the Songkran festival, generating at least 8 billion THB for the local economy. Director of TAT Phuket said that hotel bookings for Songkran has already reached up to 80% occupancy

Cloud Collective and Thai-based hospitality firm Bound and Beyond have partnered to launch a new hospitality brand in Southeast Asia, called Kaia. The brand will feature outdoor resorts with tended suites, focusing on luxury and sustainability. The first Kaia resort will open on Koh Phangan in late 2025

PM Paetongtarn hopes Thailand can welcome the pre-pandemic level of 40 million international arrivals and foreign tourism revenue of 2 trillion THB soon. She held a meeting at Government House with officials from the Tourism Ministry, TAT, and related agencies to discuss new approaches to reach tourism goals. The PM noted that “recent tourism figures have not been satisfactory”. She also wanted to find new objectives for the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 campaign – including medical tourism, long-term stays, retirees and digital nomads – that would encourage spending. The government spokesperson revealed that one of the key issues discussed in the meeting was how to find substitute markets to offset the lower number of Chinese tourists

Malaysia overtook China as the top arriving source country to Thailand. Chinese arrivals recorded a drop amid global economic uncertainty. Thailand Tourism Ministry’s data showed 92,262 Malaysians visited Thailand from 31 Mar-6 Apr, +12.8% compared to the previous week. Chinese arrivals only recorded 64,177 in the same week, -1.2% WoW. Chinese tourist arrivals reached 1.38 million YTD, and Malaysian tourists recorded 1.23 million. As of 6 Apr, Thailand welcomed 10 million international tourists, +1.79% YoY

PM Paetongtarn defended the casino-entertainment complex bill, saying that she hopes to improve the public’s understanding of the bill, which she believes could help reduce resistance. She noted that some have “falsely claimed” that the legal casinos would be allowed everywhere in the country, when in fact, it would only be allowed to operate in 10% of each of the entertainment complex

The Universal Design Foundation for All conducted a site visit to the “Universal Design Ferry Terminal” at Laem Bali Hai Pier and Koh Larn Pier in Pattaya, which aims to improve infrastructure accessibility, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and wheelchair users

The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) reported that the consumer index fell to 56.7 in Mar, down from 57.8 in Feb and reaching its lowest level in five months, attributed to higher living costs, sluggish economy, and concerns over US tariffs. UTCC President said that if Thailand managed to negotiate bringing the tariffs down to 10%, the damage could be around 100-150 billion THB, lowering growth by 0.7-0.9 pp

TAT said that Chinese arrivals have declined amid global trade war, while Malaysian arrivals surged and remain as the top market. The TAT Governor said that the agency is evaluating the situation to determine a plan, such as adjusting promotions and target markets. She added that TAT is still committed to the 7.3 million Chinese arrivals target for 2025, and it plans to revive traditional marketing methods and ask tour companies to attract more tour groups from second-, third- and fourth-tier cities. TAT will also continue to work with OTAs to stimulate bookings for FITs

The Foreign Affairs Ministry announced that all foreign travellers entering Thailand from 1 May would be required to fill in the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). The online arrival card will replace the TM6 paper card, which has been suspended since 2024. TDAC can be filled up to three days prior to arrival in Thailand

Italian luxury fashion house Etro to launch a branded residence in Phuket, its first in Thailand and second worldwide. The project will only have eight units and is set to launch in Dec. The project is part of the 11 billion THB Gardens of Eden luxury beachfront residential complex developed by Phuket-based developer Amal Group of Companies

Phuket has launched the Phuket Gateway project, which aims to boost local tourism, support community businesses, and protect the island’s environment. The project aims to connect tourists with authentic local experiences and community-based tourism initiatives. The Phuket Gate Market was also launched, promoting local products and crafts from community businesses. The government is also working with various partners to develop an ecotourism zone connecting Phuket City Gate to nearby mangrove area. The Phuket Gateway project will also partner with TAT Phuket Office to create a One Day Trip experience

Protesters gathered outside the Parliament to oppose the casino-entertainment complex bill, demanding that the bill be withdrawn, not only delayed

President of the Thai Restaurant Association expects Thais to still travel or visit their hometowns during the Songkran holiday period, but predicts that they may spend less compared to last year due to the sluggish economy and the impact of the earthquake. President of the Krabi Restaurant Association said the restaurant sector in the south faced minimal impact from the quake, noting only few hotel and restaurant booking cancellations

President of the Thai Tourism Promotion Association revealed that many domestic tour agencies saw fewer bookings than expected from domestic tour groups for Songkran, attributed to weakened spending and travel sentiment. He noted that mid-to-lower income groups are reducing domestic trips, while the high-spending segment opted for international trips. President of the Association of Chonburi Tourism Federation reported that most Pattaya and Chon Buri hotels have expected occupancy rates of 80-85% for Songkran

TAT reported that Thailand welcomed 9,549,004 international arrivals in Q1 2025, +1.91% YoY. The low YoY increase was attributed to declining travellers confidence due to the Myanmar earthquake, abduction cases of Chinese citizens across the Thai-Myanmar border, and the US’ new tariff hike policy. Tourism revenue for Q1 reached 42.74 billion THB, +10.47% YoY. China was the top source market in Q1 with 1,331,434 arrivals (-24% YoY), followed by Malaysia (1,153,496), Russia (722,202), India (543,770), South Korea (497,930), Germany (341,242), the UK (335,116), the US (320,631), Japan (316,744), and France (315,116). TAT Governor noted that China and South Korea showed a decline in arrivals in Q1, while Japan, Europe, and the Middle East showed positive signs

Traveloka reported that Bangkok remained the most searched destination for the Songkran holiday, followed by Chiang Mai, Chonburi, Phuket, and Hatyai. The firm also noted a surge of interest in emerging destinations like Chumphon, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Loei, and Nan

Some Pattaya locals have expressed their concerns on social media over alleged inappropriate behaviour and disruptions by Chinese tourists, such as reckless driving, public urination, cutting queues, and noisy behaviour

The Culture Minister visited Chiang Mai to inspect structural conditions and necessary repairs to the temples that were damaged in the 28 Mar earthquake, including at Wat Chedi Liam, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Umong Suan Putthatham. The minister has directed local authorities and heritage site custodians to begin repairs immediately

TAT held the Thai Fight Rome 2025 at Pala Tiziano in Rome on 6 Apr, hosting 10 Muay Thai matches between Thai and Italian fighters. The event is part of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 campaign, while commemorating 157 years of Thai-Italian diplomatic relations. The event attracted over 2,500 spectators

The Thai Cabinet has approved the “Wat Arun Ratchawararam Prang: Identity of Rattanakosin” proposal to submit the Bangkok temple for inclusion on UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites. The proposal will be sent to the World Heritage Centre in Paris by end Apr

Thailand has delayed a parliamentary debate on the casino-entertainment complex bill, which was supposed to take place on 9 Apr. PM Paetongtarn said that the government will focus on addressing the US’ 36% tariff and the aftermath of the 28 Mar earthquake. She clarified that the bill will not be withdrawn, but they will “continue to listen to all opinions”. She added that the bill may be presented to the parliament in its next session

The Tourism Ministry reported that Thailand welcomed over 10 million international arrivals from 1 Jan-6 Apr, generating nearly 500 billion THB in revenue. PM Paetongtarn has instructed various agencies to ensure travel safety during Songkran, aiming to reduce the number of accidents, deaths, and injuries. The Culture Ministry is organising Songkran events across 17 provinces, divided into 5 identity cities (Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Chonburi, Samut Prakan, and Nakhon Si Thammarat) and 12 tourist cities (Chiang Rai, Nan, Nakhon Sawan, Kanchanaburi, Lopburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Nong Khai, Surin, Songkhla, Phatthalung, and Phuket)

The Thai baht fell to 34.44 THB to the USD, reaching its weakest level in nearly two and a half month amid heavy selling of the US Dollar due to fears of a US economic downturn. The Thai Stock Market also hit a 5-year low. Kasikornbank forecasts the baht to range between 33.60-34.50 to the USD from 8-11 Apr

The SET Index fell 42.30 points, or 3.76%, to 1,082.91 minutes after the market opened on 8 Apr, amid concerns about a possible trade war and recession due to tariff hikes by the US. The day ended with the index falling to 50.62 points, or 4.5%, at 1,074.59. Turnover was 66.7 billion THB

TAT is monitoring the US market following the US’ tariff hikes. It said that higher tariffs could drive living costs up in the US, affecting overseas travel. TAT reported that Thailand welcomed 320,631 visitors from the US as of 31 Mar, +14.4% YoY. TAT offices in the US are monitoring traveller sentiment to predict market trends for the next few months. It also plans to launch joint promotions with airlines to stimulate the market and maintain tourism demand in the near future. Former President of the Tourism Association of Koh Samui noted that US President’s move to cut USAID had reduced the number of long-stay expats working for the agency in Thailand. Vice President of the Tourism Council of Thailand said the weakened purchasing power due to the tariffs may result in Thailand not benefiting as much as expected from the popularity of The White Lotus TV series

Agoda reported that based on accommodation searches, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, South Korea, and the Philippines are the top international markets looking to travel to Thailand during Songkran. The top five destination cities for international travellers during Songkran are Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Hatyai, and Chiang Mai. Agoda is offering a “Songkran Fest” promotion, which offers 10% additional discounts at participating hotels in Thailand for bookings and stays made before 15 Apr

PM Paetongtarn said that Thailand has pledged to increase imports of energy, aircraft and agricultural products from the US as part of its offer to mitigate the 36% tariff imposed on Thai exports. The Finance Minister will lead a delegation to the US to negotiate and discuss trade issues. The government has also formed a working group to discuss the issue and consider proposals with the private sector and the US

TAT has launched the “Everyday Special Moment: Happy Central Region Travels Every Moment" campaign to boost tourism in the central region, focusing on promoting weekday travel. TAT will partner with the private sector to offer over 500 exclusive deals, targeted towards Gen Z, Millenials, and families

The Thai Chamber of Commerce projects that Songkran spending will be up 4.5% YoY to 134 billion THB, the highest level since 2020. Only 5% of respondents, the lowest since 2016, are planning to cut back on their spending, and 72.1% are planning to travel during the holiday, the highest percentage since 2019. After the earthquake, 71.7% said there would be no change in their travel spending plans, whilst 17.1% planned an increase and 11.2% a reduction

Pattaya Mayor chaired a high-level meeting at The Green Park Resort to address concerns about structural integrity of hotel buildings in the city following the 28 Mar earthquake. The meeting was led by the President of the Association of Chonburi Tourism Federation and was attended by officials from TAT Pattaya Office, the Chonburi Provincial Tourism and Sports Office, and the Chonburi Provincial Administration, among others. Director of Building Control at Pattaya City Engineering Office said inspections with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation showed that there were no new structural damage in the city following the quake. The meeting also agreed to translate relevant Ministry of Interior regulations and safety information into multiple languages to boost international confidence. TAT will then coordinate with foreign offices and tour operators to spread the information overseas

The Thai government expects tourism and spending to remain strong during the upcoming Songkran festival despite the recent earthquake

Authorities have lifted Bangkok’s disaster status on 3 Apr, which was declared after the earthquake on 28 Mar, with the exception of the collapsed construction site of the new Kingdom of Thailand office building in Chatuchak District

The 6th BIMSTEC Summit was held on 4 Apr in Bangkok. The summit resulted in the BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030, a strategic roadmap for economic integration, enhanced connectivity, and human security. The Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation, which aims to boost maritime connectivity between South and Southeast Asia, was also signed at the summit

Thailand and India have signed six documents to strengthen regional connectivity, trade, and investment, including a Joint Declaration on the Establishment of the Thailand-India Strategic Partnership and MoUs on digital technology, maritime heritage, small and medium enterprise promotion, artisanal crafts, and creative industries

Director of the Pattaya Tourism Development Division confirmed that no significant issues or damages were found in Pattaya following the recent earthquake. Secretary of the Pattaya Entertainment and Tourism Industry Association noted that nightlife and entertainment venues in Pattaya were also not affected

AirAsia MOVE’s report has shown how different generations of Thai travellers are planning their Songkran trips: Gen Z: • 80% of Gen Z travellers book their trips via smartphones and 24% make last-minute hotel reservations • 20% of Gen Z travellers choose solo or backpack travel over structured tours • Gen Z is 45% more likely than Boomers to book stays near major attractions • Gen Z prefers budget accommodations, with 30% choosing hostels, boutique hotels, or capsule hotels, as well as unique experiences, with around 70% looking for nature escapes, hidden cafés, or local workshops • Chiang Mai is the top domestic destination, attracting 30% of Gen Z domestic travellers with its eco-hostels, backpacker culture, and outdoor adventures • Osaka and Da Nang are the top international destinations, due to their good food, pop culture, and adventure activities Baby Boomers: • Over 50% of travellers over the age of 60 book accommodations at least three weeks in advance, and over 40% prefer 4- to 5-star hotels or resorts • Boomers prefer packaged tours and pre-planned itineraries (55%), full-service stays (35%), cultural and fine dining experiences (74%) • Kyoto and Hoi An are the top international destinations, while Bangkok remains the top domestic destination • Baby Boomers prioritise tranquil surroundings and personalised services, showing a 95% higher usage of concierge and private tour options

The Thai Hotels Association (THA) reported that hotel reservations for the Songkran period (11-17 Apr) in seven major tourist cities have fallen -25% YoY following the Myanmar earthquake. THA expects around 689,000 fewer tourists during the 2025 Songkran. The survey was conducted across 52 hotels in seven cities – Bangkok, Krabi, Chonburi, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Surat Thani. A total of 32,344 room nights have been booked for Songkran. THA forecasts 2,067,846 international tourists to visit Thailand in Apr

Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute’s “State of Southeast Asia 2024” survey showed that Thailand (30.6%) was the top travel destination among ASEAN countries, followed by Indonesia (14%) and Malaysia (13.9%). Among Malaysian respondents, Thailand was the top destination (38.2%), followed by Indonesia (27.3%)

Head of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office expects the inflation rate to decline to around 0.15% in Q2 2025 due to slower energy prices. Headline consumer price index rose 0.84% YoY in Mar, whilst core CPI was 0.86%. Headline inflation in Q1 came in at 1.08%. The Commerce Ministry will reduce its 2025 headline inflation forecast from its current 0.3%-1.3% range

The US administration has readjusted tariff rates on Thailand to 36%, down 1 pp from the initially announced 37%. The tariff announcements caused the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) to plunge on 4 Apr by 30.25 points, or 2.60%

Honorary Secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents said that the weak baht may not make much difference to prospective visitors, as other currencies in Asia also declined due to the announcement of the US tariffs. President of the Southern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association (THA) also agreed that the weak baht will not boost tourism, noting that it is now the low season

The US will impose a broad-based reciprocal tariff ranging 10%-50% on goods entering the country from 9 Apr. The tariffs will be: - Cambodia, 49% - Vietnam, 46% - Thailand, 37% - China, 34% - Indonesia, 32% - Malaysia, 24% - The Philippines, 18% - Singapore, 10% The executive order mentioned that the trading relationship between the US and its trading partners has become highly unbalanced

President of the Eastern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association (THA) reported that some hotels in Pattaya, Chon Buri, and Si Racha recorded many last-minute bookings on the day of the earthquake, with occupancy rising from 70% to full on the weekend. She attributed the increase to local residents escaping their homes in Bangkok, as well as the Qingming festival. She added that some foreign travel agents, especially from Asian markets, have asked hotels to inspect their structures after the earthquake caused the State Audit Office building to collapse in Bangkok. Vice President of THA’s Western Chapter said Hua Hin and Cha-am did not receive as many last-minute bookings, noting that average occupancy in Hua Hin was 60% over the past weekend. He said that some hotels reported cancellations from guests afraid of passing Rama II Road, which was known for delayed construction and recent fatal accidents

Agoda reported that Pattaya was the most searched Songkran destination among Thai travellers in 2025, followed by Hua Hin, Bangkok, and Chon Buri. Bangkok was the most searched Songkran destination among international travellers, followed by Pattaya, Phuket, Hat Yai, and Chiang Mai. Tokyo is the top destination for Thais heading overseas, followed by Hong Kong, Osaka, and Shanghai

The State Railway of Thailand is adding 26 special train services on the Northern, Northeastern, and Southern lines on 11-17 Apr for the Songkran Festival, as well as adding extra carriages to all scheduled trains. With the added services, SRT will be able to accommodate over 100,000 passengers per day

The Thai baht is expected to reach a low of around 34.50 to the USD over the next month amid uncertainty over the US’ reciprocal tariffs. The baht reached 34.38 to the USD on 3 Apr, its weakest level in 2.5 months. Head of Banking and Financial Sector Research at Kasikorn Research Centre expects the Thai baht to continue weakening for the next month. Krungthai Global Markets said the baht weakened to around 34.07-34.45 to the USD following the US tariff announcement

TAT and Expedia Group have signed a three-year partnership agreement to expedite quality and sustainable tourism growth in Thailand. The collaboration will cover three areas: focusing on attracting high-value international travellers; data-sharing and strategy development; and supporting tourism development in secondary provinces

The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) said that the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the US could cause economic losses of 359 billion THB for Thailand, reducing GDP by nearly 2%. UTCC President noted that when combined with the recent earthquake, economic losses could reach 375 billion THB, reducing GDP by 2.02%. UTCC has also decreased its GDP growth forecast to only 1% for 2025

PM Paetongtarn said they will negotiate with the US on the reciprocal tariffs, adding that they “won’t let it get to where GDP will miss the target”. She noted they will send the permanent secretary to negotiate with the US. The US is Thailand’s largest export market, with top goods including electronics, machinery and agricultural products. InnovestX Securities projects the reciprocal tariffs may cause GDP to fall by as much as 1.2pp from the forecast of 2.5%

PM Paetongtarn said they have prepared short-term and long-term plans to address the 36% import tariff on Thai goods imposed by the US. She said in the short-term, she would negotiate on how to support exporters. She also advised Thai exporters to diversify and reduce dependency on the US market. The PM has established a negotiating team and will restructure its own import tariffs from the US. The negotiations will be handled by the Chief Advisor on Policy to the PM, who has been overseeing trade matters with the US

Pattaya Mayor expressed support for the casino-entertainment complex, noting that it is a “new type of tourist attraction” that fits Pattaya’s image as a “vibrant, versatile” destination. He believes that the complex would attract diverse tourists and will enhance Pattaya’s tourism offerings even further

The Deputy Finance Minister said that the global economic slowdown is unlikely to affect investment in the casino-entertainment complex project, as there is a long-term investment and there is a significant amount of global capital ready to be invested. He noted that there is no need to worry about casinos becoming a hub for money laundering or illegal businesses, as these projects require a significant financial commitment of hundreds of billions THB, making investors unlikely to risk illegal activities that could lead to their licences being revoked. He added that the government aims to push the draft bill through parliament by Apr, and that the entire process, from drafting to final approval, is expected to take about a year

The Tourism Minister called a meeting to discuss tourism strategies following the recent earthquake. The meeting was joined by representatives from the TAT, the Tourist Police, the Association of Thai Travel Agents, the Thai Hotels Association, and various tourism associations. The meeting proposed adopting a “single command” communication strategy to streamline messaging across all channels. It also proposed implementing safety certifications for hotels that have undergone structural integrity checks following the earthquake

The Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning (DPT) and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) conducted checks on a total 3,375 buildings after the recent earthquake. Of the total, 3,130 buildings were deemed safe, 211 suffered moderate damage, whilst 34 were severely damaged and declared off-limits

Phuket to host the Songkran No Alcohol Festival Phuket 2025 on 13 Apr from 4-10pm on Dibuk Road, in front of Limelight Phuket and Queen Sirikit Park in Muang district. The event is now in its 11th year and is a collaboration between the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), the Phuket Tourism Business Association (PTBA), Limelight Phuket Shopping Mall and other businesses. Director of TAT Phuket Office said that advance hotel bookings in Phuket for 12-16 Apr have risen by 80.9%, with over 289,000 tourists expected to visit during the period, generating 8.29 billion THB

Assistant Governor for the Bank of Thailand’s monetary policy group expects the Myanmar earthquake to further slow the economic recovery of the property sector, as well as affect international arrivals. He expects the quake to affect tourist confidence in travelling to Thailand, but expects the rate of cancellations and delays to be minimal

The Tourism Ministry plans to revise tourism strategy for H2 2025, in light of slow Chinese market recovery and weak confidence after the recent earthquake. The ministry will discuss with a strategy consulting team to form a plan for the TAT. The Tourism Minister said a Tourism Risk and Crisis Management Team would be set up to support the industry. The ministry also plans to collaborate with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to issue certificates for hotels that have passed a safety examination following the earthquake. The minister also plans to discuss ways to restore confidence with the Chinese ambassador, as well as invite Chinese influencers to showcase Thailand’s safety. President of the Thai Hotels Association expects average hotel occupancy rate during Apr and Songkran period to remain around 60%, lower than 65% in 2024. The Airlines Association of Thailand reported that airline bookings dropped by 40%-60%, reaching 60% from the Chinese market, during the two days after the earthquake

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is partnering with Airbnb to offer free accommodation for those affected by earthquake. Airbnb will provide up to 2,000 nights of free temporary accommodation for individuals whose homes have suffered severe damage or who need to evacuate, as well as rescue personnel and volunteers

Chief Economist at the SCB Economic Intelligence Centre (EIC) estimated that the recent earthquake may result in an economic loss of around 30 billion THB over the next 3-4 months. He also expects international tourist arrivals to fall by about 400,000 in Apr, with a recovery to normal levels taking around three months. Kasikorn Research Centre estimated the economic loss to reach 20 billion THB, equivalent to a 0.06 pp decline in GDP

President and Founder of Bangkok Pride announced that the 2025 Bangkok Pride Festival, to be held from 30 May-1 Jun, will mark the start of a four-year campaign leading up to Thailand’s bid to host WorldPride 2030. Bangkok Pride 2025 is expected to attract 300,000 participants, up from 250,000 in 2024

Over 150 wildfire hotspots were detected across 15 districts in Chiang Mai, causing PM2.5 levels to rise far above the safety threshold

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Thailand’s infrastructure and key facilities remain intact following the Myanmar earthquake. He noted that transportation networks, including roads, rail, and metro train services, are running smoothly. Major shopping malls, restaurants, attractions, hotels, and airports has also resumed normal operations. The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) confirmed that key venues in Bangkok has resumed normal operations and that business events are not impacted. Thailand Exhibition Association’s Thailand MICE X-Change 2025 is set to run as scheduled from 2-3 Apr at Bangkok’s Paragon Hall. The 6th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit will also take place as scheduled from 2-4 Apr at Shangri-La Bangkok

President of the Trang Tourism and Hotel Association criticised the spread of false tsunami warnings following the Myanmar earthquake, noting that 30% of tourists had called to cancel their hotel bookings in Trang, while around 50%-60% of guests had indefinitely postponed their trips

Private sector organisations are calling on the government to issue certifications for hotels that has passed structural integrity inspections and revoke Bangkok’s disaster area declaration following the Myanmar earthquake, in order to restore tourism confidence

The Matalay Integrated Resort Town has been launched, aiming to transform Khao Lak in Phang Nga Province into a premier tourism destination

A senator argued that public input went mostly unnoticed in the government’s proposal for the casino-entertainment complex. Former election commissioner also pointed out irregularities in a recent survey conducted by the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) on the mater, noting almost identical levels of support for every aspect of the casino-entertainment complex scheme that implied 57,500 out of 71,303 respondents gave the same answers. A People’s Party MP also urged the public to closely monitor the government’s plan to fast-track the bill before the current parliamentary session ends on 10 Apr

Two more bodies were recovered at the collapse site of the new State Audit Office compound in Chatuchak district, Bangkok, after the earthquake in Myanmar. This brings the death toll at the site to 13

PM Paetongtarn opened the new Thailand Investment and Expat Services Centre (TIESC) in the One Bangkok building. The centre provides investment, visa and work permit services and is a collaboration between the Board of Investment, Immigration Bureau and Department of Employment

The Chief Government Whip said that the parliament is likely to discuss the casino-entertainment complex bill by 9 Apr. He noted that coalition MPs are likely to approve the bill, while talks with opposition have not been held. President of the Phuket Tourist Association (PTA) believes that an entertainment complex without an on-site casino would attract more family-oriented travellers and help attract quality tourists to Phuket. He noted that gambling tourists may not contribute much to the local economy, as they tend to spend only within casino premises