Thailand

Deputy PM and the Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister visited Nan Province to inspect flash flooding, after Pua district recorded 277.6 mm of rain within 24 hours. Flooding has hit Pua, Phu Phiang, Santi Suk, and Tha Wang Pha districts. GISTDA warned that over 3,900 square km across Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, and neighbouring provinces face high flood risk

Visa announced a year-long collaboration with ASIATIQUE The Riverfront Destination until 30 Apr 2027, integrating over 150 merchants into the Visa Destinations Thailand programme

The Tourism Council of Nan called on the government to focus on preventive measures to mitigate recurring floods during the tourism low season. Advisor at the council noted that the province is attracting more visitors every low season following TAT’s promotion of the area, but annual flash floods result in lost opportunities. He outlined several measures that could help reduce the impact on both locals and businesses, including investing more in flood management infrastructure and reducing monoculture farming. He said many hotels have offered stranded visitors opportunities to extend their stay without additional fees during the flood. He added many upcoming trips were postponed until Sep. President of the Thai Hotels Association said hotels nationwide have recorded strong bookings for Q4, driven by long-haul travellers, especially in the South such as Phuket and Krabi, as well as in Bangkok

Global fitness brand World Gym will open its first club in Thailand at Imperial World Samrong

Assistant Managing Director of Securities Analysis at UOB Kay Hian Securities (Thailand) said the expired peace agreement between US and Iran has prompted markets to become concerned as the Middle East conflict remains a risk to oil prices. He warned that oil prices could potentially reach over $100 USD per barrel “if significant violence occurs and disrupts oil production in the Middle East”

Bangkok’s Wat Saket announced plans for a renovation project, which will include sky gardens connecting the Golden Mount and Mahakam Fort. PTT Plc will act as the main coordinator for the project

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) aims to double tourism revenue within 3-5 years. SRT Governor said they want to encourage new tourism experiences via trains, which could lead to extended length of stay and attracting tourists to local communities. SRT currently offers three types of special trains – Kiha 183, Royal Blossom, and Prestige. Revenue from tourism trains currently totals 50-80 million THB, compared to the 2 billion THB generated by regular passenger services

The Phuket Hotel Job Fair 2026 was held on 18 Aug at The Pago Design Hotel, featuring over 2,500 positions offered by 100 companies, comprising 80 businesses conducting on-site recruitment and interviews, and 20 participating online through Jobbkk.com. A total of 1,017 applicants registered for the event. The event was organised by the Phuket Provincial Employment Office under the Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour, in partnership with Jobbkk.com Co Ltd.

Bangkok ranked 8th in the 2026 Global Tourism City Attractiveness Index. The index was jointly developed by Yanolja Research, Purdue University’s CHRIBA Institute, and Kyung Hee University’s H&T Analytics Centre. Chiang Mai was ranked 27th in the index

The Digital Economy and Society Minister reported that about 500,000 people registered for the TH-AI Passport programme within hours of its launch. A total of 5 million spots are available for the programme

Hotel and hospitality businesses listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand have reported their results for Q2 and H1 of 2026. • Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC): o Total revenue of 5.502 billion THB for Q2 2026, +5.6% YoY o Net profit of 1.468 billion THB, +4.6% YoY, and EBITDA of 2.850 billion THB, +4.6% YoY o Its hotel and hospitality business generated revenue of 2.761 billion THB, +5.7% YoY and EBITDA of 742 million THB, +9.7% YoY. EBITDA margin increased from 25.9% to 26.9% o Its commercial business generated revenue of 2.517 billion THB, +13.4% YoY, and EBITDA of 2.137 billion THB, +13.2% YoY o Total revenue of 12.278 billion THB in H1 2026, +7.7% YoY, and net profit of 3.455 billion THB, +2.4% YoY • Central Plaza Hotel Public Company Limited (CENTEL) o Total revenue of 5.968 billion THB in Q2 2026, +2% YoY o Revenue from the hotel business accounted for 44%, up from 43% in Q2 2025, while food businesses accounted for 56%, down from 57% o Total gross profit reached 3.478 billion THB, +6% YoY. The gross profit margin was 60% of revenue, excluding other income, up from 59% in Q2 2025 o Net profit of 176 million THB in Q2 2026, +69% YoY o Total revenue of 12.943 billion THB in H1 2026, +3% YoY, and net profit of 1.253 billion THB, +32% YoY • Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT) o Total revenue of 3.633 billion THB in Q2 2026, +113.8% YoY o Net profit of 97 million THB, a turnaround from a net loss of 291 million THB in Q2 2025 o EBITDA reached 761 million THB, +550.4% YoY o Total revenue of 6.903 billion THB in H1 2026, +69.5% YoY o Net profit of 347 million THB in H1, compared with a net loss of 243 million THB in H1 2025 o EBITDA reached 1.621 billion THB in H1, +156.1% YoY • Erawan Group Public Company Limited (ERW) o Total revenue of 1.828 billion THB in Q2 2026, +4% YoY o Net profit of 83 million THB, +31% YoY o EBITDA reached 502 million THB, +1% YoY o After including an exceptional expense of 11 million THB for an early loan repayment fee, it recorded net profit of 72 million THB, +14% YoY o Before exceptional items, total revenue reached 4.084 billion THB in H1 2026, +5% YoY o Net profit reached 472 million THB in H1, +16% YoY, while EBITDA reached 1.337 billion THB, +4% YoY o After including an exceptional expense of 24 million THB for an early loan repayment fee, it reported a net profit of 448 million THB, +10% YoY • Minor International Public Company Limited (MINT) o Operating revenue of 44.276 billion THB in Q2 2026, +2% YoY o Net profit of 3.308 billion THB, +7% YoY o Total revenue of 82.969 billion THB in H1 2026, +2% YoY o Net profit reached 3.957 billion THB in H1, +13% YoY, while EBITDA reached 21.695 billion THB, +3% YoY

The Royal Thai Embassy in Seoul introduced the Thailand Privilege Card programme to a South Korean audience. Thailand Privilege is looking to recruit agents in Korea and promote its one-year Privilege Pass, which offers travel and lifestyle benefits but without visa included

PM Anutin and the Finance Minister believe NESDC’s upgraded 2.2% economic growth projection for 2026 is still far from satisfactory, arguing that Thailand should aim for 3%-6% growth. The Finance Ministry has borrowed 400 billion THB to stabilise the economy, with part of the funding used for the Thais Help Thais Plus scheme launched in Jun

PM Anutin and the Australian PM held bilateral talks at Parliament House in Canberra. This is the first visit to Australia by a Thai PM in 14 years. The talk covered four main areas – politics and security; economic, trade and innovation cooperation; culture and people-to-people ties; and regional and multilateral cooperation

The Department of Business Development (DBD) inspected 12 tourism businesses during a crackdown on nominee businesses in Koh Tao, Surat Thani, with two businesses found violating laws

Asset World Corp (AWC) is counting on a series of global events to drive hotel bookings in H2 2026, with on-the-books room revenue already 30% above 2025 levels across its Thai properties. Forward bookings as of early Aug is led by Pattaya (+283% YoY), followed by Bangkok (+45%), Chiang Mai (+39%), Krabi (+12%), and Koh Samui (+10%). The group’s hospitality revenue reached 2,761 million THB in Q2, +5.7% YoY. AWC’s Bangkok properties for meetings – such as The Okura Prestige Bangkok, The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok and Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park – are operating at 75% occupancy for the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group from 12-18 Oct, with average daily rates (ADR) up 98% YoY. The Gastech 2026 Bangkok conference from 14-17 Sep is also adding demand in Bangkok. AWC’s Pattaya properties – including Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa and Meliá Pattaya Hotel – are at 62% occupancy for Tomorrowland from 11-13 Dec, with ADR up 105% YoY. RevPAR in Pattaya rose 169% in Q2 driven by the two hotels it opened in 2025, followed by Chiang Mai at 31% and Koh Samui at 10%. Hospitality EBITDA margin widened from 25.9% to 26.9% on cost control, with EBITDA up 9.7% to 742 million THB. AWC will open the first Fairmont hotel in Thailand, Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit, in Aug, with a focus on luxury MICE. The group is also converting The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket into a Ritz-Carlton, which it expects to triple ADR, and rebranding the Jubilee Prestige Hotel Ratchadapisek as a JW Marriott, which it expects to double ADR

NESDC reported that the Thai GDP grew 1.9% in Q2 2026, down from 2.8% in Q1. The Finance Minister said the slower economic growth is close with the ministry’s previous estimate. He noted the impact of the Middle East conflict, which began in late Mar and affected the economy throughout Q2

TAT is implementing a “more focused regional strategy” in China to accommodate Chinese travellers that are increasingly more diverse in how they choose destinations and experiences. • TAT’s Shanghai Office is targeting premium travellers through wellness and experiential tourism. It is collaborating with Chinese mindfulness and holistic wellness platform LANN Space and OTA Tuniu.com to promote restorative travel experiences in Saraburi and Khao Yai under the “Healing is the New Luxury” banner. TAT is also promoting the “Amazing Thailand, The Journey Your Heart Leads” brand through over 2,500 promotional video screenings at five cinemas in Shanghai during summer • TAT is promoting experiential tourism and destinations around Rayong and Hua Hin to over five million viewers through a live Nanjing International Television programme • TAT’s Chengdu Office is focusing on sport tourism and creator-led content. It is collaborating with Chinese sports travel company Zx-tour, which specialises in marathon packages. TAT also organised the “Offline Sharing Session for Amazing Thailand Marathons” in Chengdu, engaging fitness lovers from Sichuan and Chongqing and promoting marathon and running events in Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Buri Ram, Hua Hin, and Songkhla • TAT hosted Chinese content creators on a fam trip to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai for community experiences • TAT’s Beijing Office is targeting families for summer holidays and capturing demand in secondary provincial markets • TAT and major tourism partners in Jilin Province hosted the “Cool Summer Breeze: Long-Lasting Friendship Between Jilin and Thailand” in Changchun, featuring Songkran-themed activities, Thai cuisine, handcrafts, and contemporary performances. The event welcomed over 80,000 participants. Direct airline seat capacity between Jilin Province and Thailand has risen by 7% YoY

A social media post by a Malaysian tourist claimed that his group of 17 Malaysian motorcyclists received 15 tickets totalling about 15,000 THB during a nearly 3-hour traffic inspection by Hat Yai Police. The video went viral and included a call for Malaysians to boycott Hat Yai. Hat Yai Police disputed several claims, noting that some of the motorcycles had modified flashing rear lights, while others seemed to have excessively loud exhaust systems. The police claimed it had issued nine tickets with total fines of 12,000 THB

The Immigration Bureau has approved in principle Suvarnabhumi Airport’s plans to open its Auto Gate lanes to travellers from 31 more nationalities by end-Aug. The airport handles around 190,000 passengers daily in peak season and 140,000-150,000 daily in low season. International arrivals account for around 70,000 passengers daily. The Auto Gate expansion is expected to add about 6.5 million potential users, as well as 900,000 long-term visa holders. Officials expect the gates to handle 53% of arriving passengers once the system is fully running

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) will host the Thai Plus 2026 Shenzhen, its largest-ever international tradeshow, from 9-10 Sep at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center (SZCEC). The B2B showcase will gather nearly 100 Thai public, private, and academic organisations to tap into the southern China market for business events tourism and emerging industries. TCEB President expects over 1,500 visitors, including 1,000 high-spending B2B buyers, and expects to facilitate over 800 business matching meetings. The event aims to generate an estimated 1 billion THB in business value as well as a number of MoUs across technology, innovation, and exhibitions

Director of Southeast Asia Public Policy at TikTok said Thailand could capitalise on a growing “discovery economy” for its tourism, food, wellness, hospitality, and culture sectors, as online content, creators, and communities increasingly turn digital discovery into spending on products, travel, food, and other experiences. TikTok and Accenture’s research forecast Thailand's creator economy to grow to 5.7 trillion baht by 2030. TikTok has trained over 82,000 Thai SMEs and One Tambon, One Product entrepreneurs to transform local products and heritage into digital commerce opportunities. It has also linked agricultural sellers with creators to reach new audiences, with one initiative generating 10X more revenue in its first week

The Tourism Ministry reported that Thailand welcomed 19,759,655 international arrivals from 1 Jan-15 Aug, -2.91% YoY, generating an estimated 957.62 billion THB in visitor spending. China was the top source market with 3,330,481 visitors, followed by Malaysia with 2,496,831; India with 1,456,696; Russia with 1,140,441; and South Korea with 729,367. Thailand welcomed 612,643 international arrivals during the week of 9-15 Aug, -3.79% WoW. Short-haul markets accounted for 413,815 arrivals, -1.76% WoW, while long-haul markets accounted for 198,828 arrivals, -7.76% WoW. China remained the top source market for the week with 123,410 arrivals (-4.02% WoW), followed by Malaysia (60,049 visitors, -5.05% WoW), India (41,047; +4.67%), Japan (30,666; +13.71%, driven by the Mountain Day and Obon holiday period), and South Korea (25,858; +5.78%)

Deputy PM and Commerce Minister outlined four priorities for Thailand’s sustainable growth amid uncertainties from geopolitics, technology, trade barriers, and shifting supply chains, to address three gaps: the value gap, by shifting from volume to value creation; the market gap, by finding new markets and engines of growth; and the participation gap, by giving SMEs bigger opportunities to contribute to economic growth. The four priorities are unlocking markets, unlocking value, unlocking opportunities, and unlocking trust and resilience

Phuket will host the Thailand Greenest Cities Forum & Expo @ Phuket 2026 from 24-26 Sep. The forum will see the signings of four MoUs, covering clean energy cities and buildings; food waste reduction and the circular economy; developing the South as a medical and health hub; and creating green, ecological, and resilient cities. Ten provincial administrative organisations, 75 municipalities and sub-district administrative organisations, and over 50 hospitals, hotels, property firms and medical businesses are expected to participate in the forum. Handling food waste will be a focus, with the province aiming to have at least 50 local administrative organisations cutting food waste by 80%, and at least 10 local authorities and 30 hotels, hospitals, educational institutions, and property companies to adopt clean energy by 2040. The initiative is projected to generate an economic value of at least 50 billion THB per year by 2040

The Tourism and Sports Ministry has reported that Thailand expects to start collecting a 450 THB tourism fee from Apr 2027, and that the tourism fee is seen as a reliable method of avoiding sole reliance on the fiscal budget to remain competitive. The tourism permanent secretary noted that she did not expect the new fee to impact tourism sentiment. A large portion of the fee would be allocated to a tourism fund, travel insurance for visitors to Thailand, development of infrastructure and attractions, and research and marketing. Tourists would be able to re-enter Thailand without paying an additional fee within 30 days of their initial entry. The collection method is still being determined, whether through hotels, airlines, upon arrival or through the Thailand Digital Arrival Card. The 450 THB now needs to undergo a public hearing with stakeholders in the next 30 days, after which the details would be finalised and submitted to cabinet for approval. Arrivals by sea or land would be one year later due to complications in collecting the payment. The fund would be managed by a board, with the private sector invited as observers

A longtail tour boat capsized in the sea near Laem Hang Nak off Krabi on 15 Aug, leaving seven people injured. The boat was carrying 10 Indian tourists, a guide and the boat operator

Central Retail recorded a core profit of over 5 billion THB in H1 2026, +42.5% YoY. Revenue reached 126.6 billion THB, +2.4% YoY. Revenue for Q2 2026 reached 60.1 billion THB, +3.5% YoY, while core profit more than doubled to 2.11 billion THB. Sales to tourists grew over 9% in Q2

The Thai Chamber of Commerce’s business confidence index has fallen to a 35-month low amid weak income and purchasing power, high household debt, and rising costs. Only the North and South recorded improvement, and only by 0.1 points. Respondents also remain concerned about the Middle East conflict, as well as the Thai-Cambodian border conflict, Thailand’s economic situation, and the rising living costs. Outlook across most sectors – consumption, investment, tourism, agriculture, industry, trade, and border trade – are expected to weaken over the next six months, with only the service sector indicating an improvement. The Chamber has outlined several issues for the government to address, including volatile costs, weak purchasing power, liquidity shortages among businesses, risks facing the agricultural sector, and foreign capital

TAT expects Chinese arrivals to reach 5.1 million in 2026, +14% from the low benchmark in 2025, supported by improving Thailand’s image among Chinese tourists and recovering airline seat capacity. TAT’s five China offices are launching joint promotions with airlines, OTAs, and wholesalers, as well as promotional content on Chinese social media, local mainstream media, and travel influencers. Director of TAT’s Shanghai Office said based on informal discussions with some OTAs, Thailand’s popularity is recovering from 2025 and could surpass Japan, which is still under political tensions with China. Thailand has welcomed 2.6 million Chinese tourists in H1 2026. TAT reported that Thailand-China seat capacity has risen to 8.47 million seats, +8.7%, with 56% coming from eastern and southern regions in China. Bangkok occupies 83% of total seats

A Reuters poll of economists projects Thai GDP to have likely expanded 1.7% YoY in Q2 2026, slowing from the 2.8% growth in Q1. The GDP in Q2 was projected to have contracted 0.6% on a seasonally-adjusted QoQ basis

Knight Frank Thailand's latest Hotel Market Research revealed data for the Bangkok and Phuket Markets. Bangkok saw a 1,211 net increase of hotel rooms in H1 2026, to a total of 105,038 hotel rooms. Average Daily Rate (ADR) fell by 2.1% YoY, resulting in a 0.6% decline in Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR). Average occupancy in Bangkok stood at 76.2% in H1, up by 1.1 percentage points YoY. Phuket saw a 639 net increase of hotel rooms in H1 2026, to a total of 47,195 hotel rooms. ADR grew by 5.3% YoY, resulting in a 1.1% rise in RevPAR. Average occupancy in Phuket stood at 76.8% in H1, down by 3.2 percentage points YoY

TAT targets Indian arrivals to reach 2.55 million in 2026, before increasing 5.8% to a record 2.7 million in 2027. The Tourism Minister noted that the 30-day visa-free stay is key for attracting Indian wedding and celebration groups, which allows more time for preparation and events than a 15-day stay

The Meteorological Department issued isolated heavy rain warning for the northern, northeastern, central and eastern regions over the next 24 hours due to the monsoon. The department warned residents to look out for flash floods and runoff. The upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand are also expected to see strong winds, with waves reaching 2-3 metres

A Thai-Lao border trading market in Nakhon Phanom was flooded from the overflowing Mekong River, with water levels reaching 11.98m on 12 Aug, only 2cm below the critical level

The Tourism Ministry is considering a tourist fee for foreign visitors, with the proceeds channelled into a new Thailand Tourism Promotion Fund, which would be used to develop existing and purpose-built attractions, fund visitor insurance and safety measures, and restore environments affected by tourism

A source from the Finance Ministry revealed that households must reportedly have a minimum electricity bill of around 3,000 THB per month to qualify for the 50,000-THB government subsidy for installing rooftop solar panels. The programme is expected to be launched in Sep

PHIST (Phuket Hotels for Islands Sustaining Tourism) will return to Angsana Laguna Phuket on 7 Sep. The event is co-organised by the Phuket Hotels Association, C9 Hotelworks, and Greenview. The 2026 edition is expected to attract over 1,300 tourism and hospitality professionals

IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed Kimpton Phang Nga Natai Beach, a new-build 150-key beachfront resort developed in partnership with Natai Venture Co., set to open in 2028

The President of the Thai SME Federation proposed a 10 billion THB programme to develop tourism attractions in 50 secondary tourism provinces, with 200 million THB allocated for each province. The federation also called for the revival of the provincial Joint Public and Private Sector Consultative Committees so government agencies, private businesses, and entrepreneurs can collaborate more closely on local economic development. It proposed greater support for Thai-owned e-commerce channels to help MSMEs reach more customers. The federation is planning to launch the “SME Auaddee” platform, which aims to connect entrepreneurs with markets and business opportunities and help generate employment and income

C9 Hotelworks, Mrs B Group, and Delivering Asia will organise RISE 2026 on 3 Sep at SAii Laguna Phuket. The new industry platform will focus on addressing the gap between women’s participation in hospitality and their presence in senior leadership roles. Hospitality Investor data from 2025 showed that women represents 51.2% of the global hospitality workforce but only hold around 30% of executive positions

The Tourism Minister said his ministry expects to finalise details of the proposed Thai Tiew Thai Plus domestic tourism subsidy scheme by next week, aiming to launch the programme during the green season. The ministry is still considering eligibility requirements for participating hotels, as well as the types of services eligible beyond food and restaurants. The ministry is also finalising the platform for the scheme’s operations, with a main consideration being the Pao Tang App. The source of funding is also still under consideration by the Finance Ministry. Once the budget is settled, the ministry would need more time to prepare the app’s back-end system and register participating businesses

TAT organised the “Amazing Thailand Sanctuary” activation at Tomorrowland Belgium, showcasing Thailand’s culture and hospitality ahead of the inaugural Tomorrowland Thailand, which will be held on 11-13 Dec at Wisdom Valley near Pattaya

General Manager of Impact Exhibition Management and President of the Thai Exhibition Association projects the total number of exhibitions held in Thailand in 2026 to exceed 2025 levels by at least 10%. The number had already reached around 49% of the total 2025 number as of Jun

The Thai Exhibition Association (TEA) announced that the 4th Thailand MICE X-Change (TMX 2027) will be held from 29-30 Apr at the Impact Exhibition and Convention Centre in Bangkok. It is expected to attract over 100 local and global exhibitors and over 4,000 visitors from across Asia-Pacific. Organisers also aim to facilitate over 400 pre-arranged B2B business matching sessions. The TMX X-Change Square Conference will feature 30 speakers across over 20 sessions, focusing on AI integration, venue operations, sustainability, sales strategies, and event logistics. The event will be co-located with Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau’s (TCEB) MICE Day

The Tourism Minister met with the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Thailand to discuss bilateral cooperation in tourism, sport, culture, education, and people-to-people exchanges. Key points of discussion include expanding Thai-Russian flights, showcasing Thai culture and gastronomy and strengthening Thailand’s image among Russians, raising tourist safety standards, preparing for a joint tourism action plan for 2026-2030, and planning for the third meeting of the joint tourism working group

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society expects to launch the TH-AI Passport scheme by 1 Sep, after the Office of the Attorney General cleared the revised agreement. The programme aims to expand nationwide access to AI tools and expediting AI adoption among Thais

Pattaya City is collaborating with the Marine Department and other relevant agencies to establish clear operating criteria for restaurant boats, tourist vessels, squid-fishing rafts and squid-fishing café boats in Pattaya Bay amid overcrowding concerns as the number of operators continue increasing within the limited available space. Proposed criteria include water safety, the use of public areas and protection of the marine environment, along with clear operating guidelines for businesses to strengthen service standards and boost tourists’ confidence. The measures will follow the Marine Department’s “Pattaya Model”, which focuses on zoning swimming and water-based recreational activities areas from navigation routes and boat traffic

Vice Minister of Commerce announced that Thailand has already signed a trade agreement with the US that resolves the allegations of forced labour issues, which led the US to grant tariff exemptions on over 2,000 Thai products, or around 60% of Thailand’s exports to the US. Thailand is also pushing back on the allegation that state subsidies to private industry have caused production overcapacity, with the next round of negotiations set for later in Aug

Agoda revealed that Thailand was the top searched Asian destination among European travellers, based on accommodation searches made in Apr-Jun for stays during Jul-Aug, the peak European summer travel period. It is followed by Indonesia, Japan, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Bangkok was the top searched city in Asia, followed by Bali, Koh Samui, Tokyo, and Pattaya

The Indonesian Consul in Songkhla, Thailand, called for stronger tourism ties among Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand to drive economic growth and competitiveness in the region. He made the statement during the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) meeting on 3-4 Aug in Satun, Thailand. The meeting also discussed efforts to strengthen tourism across the IMT-GT region, including improving connectivity, diversifying tourism destinations and developing sustainable tourism. IMT-GT countries target an average of 50 million international tourists in 2026. The tourism sector, cross-border trade and halal logistics in the region are expected to contribute $17,895 USD per capita GDP

A Cathay Pacific annual survey for its members ranked Bangkok as the top destination of choice for long-haul and short-haul travels

Hilton has opened the 174-key Canopy Bangkok Sukhumvit, the first Canopy Hotels in Southeast Asia

A committee member of the Association of Thai Travel Agents said that a stronger yen as a result of US-Japan currency interventions could incentivise more Japanese to travel overseas. He added that this could benefit Thailand, as the country remains a popular destination for short-haul travel from Japan, especially during summer, while long-haul trips remains hindered by high airfares and the persisting Middle East crisis

A delegation from the 24th cohort of the Advanced Certificate in Public Economic Administration for Senior Executives (ACPE) programme at the King Prajadhipok Institute visited Phuket from 5-7 Aug to study the province’s economic development, tourism management, and public administration. The Phuket Governor welcomed the delegation, highlighting Phuket’s strength and challenges as one of Thailand’s busiest tourist destination. He outlined Phuket’s five-pillar development strategy: strengthening the local economy, promoting higher-value tourism, improving quality of life, protecting natural resources, and enhancing public safety and urban management

The Tourism Ministry reported that Thailand welcomed 18,510,243 international arrivals from 1 Jan-1 Aug, -3.19% YoY, generating 896.2 billion THB in revenue. China was the top source market with 3.08 million visitors, followed Malaysia (2.37 million), India (1.38 million), Russia (1.10 million), and South Korea (679,064). Thailand welcomed 567,312 international visitors in the most recent week, -2.92% WoW. New long-haul routes, including Dubai and Amsterdam to Bangkok, have supported growth from European markets

The Commerce Ministry reported that Thailand’s headline consumer price index (CPI) rose 1.95% YoY in Jul, vs 2.42% in Jun. The fall was attributed to a decline in oil prices. Core CPI rose 1.34% YoY in Jul and is expected to continue rising in Aug. Headline inflation is expected to reach 2.09% in Q3, after reaching 1.21% in the H1 2026 period

The Langham Bangkok, located along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok’s Bang Rak district, will open on 20 Dec. The hotel will feature 75 keys and is centred on the restoration of Custom House

The Bangkok Governor proposed amendments to the BMA Act to allow Bangkok to levy new local taxes to increase revenue, including a 3% tax on hotel and accommodation room charges, which could generate 1 billion THB in annual revenue. The Thai Hotels Association (THA) President said Bangkok hotel operators are not opposed to a new tax, but called on the authority to begin at a lower rate of 0.5%-1%, as the proposed 3% rate would be too much of a burden during the tourism slowdown related to the Middle East conflict. He added that authority should consider how to reinvest tax revenue in the hospitality and tourism industry, such as supporting sustainability standards or funding marketing campaigns. He also noted the possibility of unfair competition, as illegal accommodations can avoid the taxes

President of the Dan Nok Business Association said that shops, restaurants, hotels, and other businesses in the border town have been affected since the new, bigger checkpoint between Sadao district and Malaysia’s Kedah state opened in Jul. Businesses in Dan Nok are reporting up to 80% declines in earnings since the opening of the checkpoint, as Dan Nok is not on the new road to the new checkpoint

The Bank of Thailand Governor said total lending by the banking sector has recovered to growth, driven by a 4.8% rise in loans to large corporations. He said SME lending remains in contraction, but is expected to return to growth in 2027, supported by the bank’s two lending programmes – SME Credit Boost and SME Secured Plus. The two schemes are expected to help boost SME lending by 130 billion THB by end-2027

Travel platform 12Go’s Destination Devotion Index (DDI), which analysed 3.6 million bookings from 1.46 million international travellers from 2023-2025 found that Hua Hin recorded the strongest repeat visitor loyalty among Thailand’s destinations, followed by Pattaya

Phuket has launched the Phuket Lobster Festival 2026, running from 1-31 Aug, themed “From GI to Global Gastronomy”. An MoU signing was held by seven organisation to develop and promote the Phuket Lobster brand and its mascot “Nong Jung”, as well as tourism promotion. The festival will feature a Hotel & Restaurant Showcase featuring 13 restaurants, promotional activities involving over 122 Phuket restaurants, exhibitions highlighting GI products, as well as networking events for food, hotel, and tourism businesses. The event is expected to attract over 30,000 visitors, with spending generated through restaurants, hotels, tourism services, and community products expected to contribute at least 200 million THB to the Phuket economy

Skyscanner and dating app Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB) surveyed 1,000 Gen Z and Millennial Singapore travellers and 380 Singapore CMB users. The survey found that: 47% of Singaporean respondents consider travelling together for the first time as the most exciting stage in their relationship 93% believe a first trip together is an important to test their long-term compatibility 46% are planning to take their first trip with a partner or potential partner within the next year 92% agree that travelling together for the first time reveals compatibilities that everyday dating can't 71.6% of CMB Singapore users believe a person's travel personality reflects their character as a partner 56.3% said a match's travel style has positively or negatively influenced their interest 47% of respondents worry about differences in travel styles, followed by disagreements during planning (43%) 90.5% of Coffee Meets Bagel users said long-term relationship potential is shown by how couples manage challenges together, not by having a perfect itinerary Travellers said they would compromise on planned activities (51%), travel budget (50%), and trip length (42%) to secure their ideal destination Top Asian destinations for first couple trips are Tokyo (39%), Seoul (26%), Taipei (24%), Bangkok (19%), and Bali (15%) 28% will prioritise their budget on accommodation over activities, attractions, food, and flights 44% seek the best available rates/deals when choosing accommodation; 40% prioritise proximity to attractions/dining; and 31% value unique accommodation experiences 44% prefer exploring destinations neither partner has visited before 74.2% of Singapore CMB daters say honest, transparent communication is what makes them feel ready to travel with someone Skyscanner's emerging destinations for first couple trips are Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia), Da Nang (Vietnam), Yogyakarta (Indonesia), Xiamen (China), and Krabi (Thailand)

A fire broke out at a building operated by the Sugar Marina Hotel group in Karon municipality, Phuket, next to the Beyond Kata Hotel. The building housed a hotel restaurant and an independent spa. No injuries or fatalities were reported, and the cause of the fire remain under investigation

TAT, Thailand Gastronomy Network, and HUG – Hatyai University Gastronomy Lab are set to launch a new campaign to position Songkhla as a gastronomy destination during the “World Kitchen of Spices: Thailand x Indonesia” livestream on 5 Aug. The livestream will gather chefs, educators, tourism professionals, students, and food enthusiasts from Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and other markets. The campaign, titled “The Bold Flavor | Tam Rot Songkhla”, will promote the province through its ingredients, culinary traditions, communities, and food culture. It highlights 47 local gastronomy experience designers, including chefs, farmers, producers, cafés, and community enterprises. HUG will develop 10-15 signature food experiences to boost Songkhla’s tourism offering and visitor spending in local communities

A meeting of the Joint Public and Private Sector Committee for Economic Problem Solving (JPPCC) for the Lower Central Region 2 – comprising Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Samut Sakhon, and Samut Songkhram – discussed strengthening efforts to promote the Thailand Riviera coastal route project as a key tourism corridor, encouraging tourists to explore secondary cities instead of only major resorts. The project covers 12 provinces along a 1,944-km stretch of the western coast of the Gulf of Thailand and is planned in four phases. The meeting also discussed launching promotional events at Khlong Khon in Samut Songkhram, inviting travel influencers to review the scenic road, and collaborating with Google Maps to improve navigation

The Thai Meteorological Department warned that rainfall could decline by at least 10% due to the Super El Niño, which is expected to hit in Oct and last through the early part of the 2027 rainy season. The US’ NOAA projects an 81% chance of a very strong El Niño, potentially the strongest since 1950. Director of the Weather Forecast Division at the Thai Meteorological Department said that the impact of this year’s Super El Niño is expected to be more severe due to climate change and rising global temperatures

The inaugural Tomorrowland Thailand music festival, set to be held from 11-13 Dec in Chon Buri, is expected to attract at least 150,000 visitors and generate an estimated 6.13 billion THB in economic activity, of which direct economic activity linked to the event is estimated at 1.1 billion THB, while the other 5.3 billion THB is expected to come from indirect tourism spending by festival-goers. About 22,500 people, or 15%, are expected to be Thais, while the other 85%, or 127,500, are projected to be foreigners. Organisers also expect the event to generate about 732 million THB in tax revenue, of which about 590 million THB (81%) is expected to come from direct taxes, including value-added tax on visitor spending, while 142 million THB is expected to come from indirect taxes, including corporate and personal income tax

The Ministry of Culture and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation will work to oversee Thailand’s preparation to nominate part of the Death Railway in Kanchanaburi for UNESCO World Heritage status. The route passes through Sai Yok National Park, Thong Pha Phum National Park, and the Sangkhlaburi area

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has launched the “Khon Doen Pa School… A First Step into the Wilderness with Understanding” project at Khao Yai National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima. The programme aims to give visitors the knowledge, skills, and appropriate attitudes required before entering protected forest areas, while reducing accidents, waste, and ecological impacts under the Leave No Trace principle. DNP reported that over 10 million people visit national parks annually, with protected areas facing over 1,000 tonnes of residual waste annually

The Tourism Ministry has announced that three tourism stimulus projects: “Thai Teaw Thai Plus", the "Fly Thai All the Feelings" and the "Thailand Air Connect" will aim to be launched in Sep 2026, using funding from the 200 billion emergency loan decree, rather than waiting for the central budget for fiscal 2027, and missing the opportunity to boost travel in quieter Sep and Oct. The government expects the 3 schemes to generate 56 billion THB

Eight Hyatt group hotels in Bangkok are participating in the World of Hyatt Hyrox Stay Experience, which requires a minimum two-night stay and offers 10% off member rates, 15% off F&B and spa treatments, and in-room recovery amenities. Hyatt is Hyrox’s official regional hotel partner in Asia-Pacific. Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit, one of the participating hotels closest to the venue, reported a 32% YoY growth in bookings. Andaz One Bangkok has added an ice bath and a complimentary passive stretching session for recovery. The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon expects more last-minute bookings from participants and spectators. Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok is launching a hybrid training collaboration with VitalLife Scientific Wellness Center, part of Bumrungrad International Hospital, on 31 Jul ahead of the race

Vice President of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) said tourism in Koh Samui is performing better than usual for the Jun-Jul high season despite the Middle East conflict, driven by the resumption of flights. However, the island is facing extremely dry weather due to the El Niño phenomenon, resulting in prolonged drought and lower volume of raw water for consumption. The TCT President said that water demand increases annually, and noted that visitors arrivals have surpassed pre-pandemic levels, even during off-peak seasons. He said the Koh Samui branch of the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) is coordinating with PWA Surat Thani to increase water supplies to the island, as well as planning to fix the island’s damaged water production plants. He added the island requires around 34,000 cubic metres (m3) of water per day, but the mainland can supply only 16,000 m3 daily via pipelines. He said some hotel operators bought groundwater from private suppliers at the cost of 150-300 THB per m3, compared with an average of 20-30 THB per m3 for tap water. There have been no significant booking cancellations linked to the water shortage. Koh Samui’s forward bookings remain strong and visitor arrivals are expected to exceed the 4 million recorded in 2025

A study by Cushman & Wakefield Thailand found that Phuket welcomed 6.04 million hotel guests in H1 2026, -2.7% YoY, pushing average occupancy down from 84.1% to 80%. Average daily room rate fell 4% to 6,820 THB, while revenue per available room (RevPAR) fell 8.7% to 5,456 THB. One new luxury property with 280 rooms opened in H1, bringing the luxury and upscale room inventory in Phuket to 49,380 rooms. Around 3,440 more rooms are set to open between 2026-2028, increasing current supply by around 7%

The Thai government plans to extend its “Phuket Model” initiative nationwide to intensify action against encroachment on national forest reserves, national parks and public land, following orders from PM Anutin. Deputy PM Songsak Thongsri will oversee the policy, while the Natural Resources and Environment Minister will coordinate operations among agencies. The Royal Forest Department will inspect targeted locations and work with the Anti-Money Laundering Office to trace financial transactions and assets linked to suspected offences

TAT reported that arrivals from Spain, Italy, and Portugal saw the biggest downturns among European markets to Thailand, falling 15.1% to 80,089 arrivals, 10.5% to 135,572 arrivals, and 7.75% to 27,098 arrivals, respectively. Director of TAT’s Rome office said Middle Eastern airlines have begun restoring flight capacity between Thailand and Europe, but tourists are still cautious about making new bookings and prefer flexible options. High airfares and cost of living also remain key challenges. Over 70% of recent Italian arrivals to Thailand were first-time visitors

The Transport Ministry is pushing the 100km Chumphon-Ranong double-track railway project, considering it as a missing link required to connect Thailand’s rail network with an Andaman Sea port. Deputy Transport Minister stressed that the project is part of the government’s goal to develop an integrated transport system

The Department of Health Service Support (HSS) is collaborating with the private sector to push for the creation “Wellness Special Economic Zones”, which will start with a 3-5 year “Wellness Sandbox” pilot phase. Target areas for the sandboxes will be wellness locations with potential for global recognition, such as the Andaman region. The proposal is expected to be submitted for consideration by the Wellness Subcommittee within 2026 before being forwarded to the Medical Hub Board. One of the proposed schemes include the “Super Licence”, which is aimed to bypass overlapping legal restrictions between the hotel and healthcare sectors, which currently hampers integrated services

IHG Hotels & Resorts is expanding its footprint in Southeast Asia in 2027. The group operates: • 42 hotels in Thailand, with 39 more in the pipeline across Bangkok and Phuket • 35 properties in Indonesia, with 12 more in the pipeline, including the Kimpton Suntaya Bali Ubud • 24 hotels in Vietnam, with 19 more in the pipeline • 13 hotels in Malaysia, with 8 more in the pipeline, including the InterContinental Penang Resort

Maybank Securities (Thailand) said data from aviation data and analytics firm Cirium showed that travel demand in Q4 2026 is likely to remain relatively flat, despite +3% YoY growth in airline seat capacity in Q3. Chinese airlines are cautiously restoring capacity, while Indian airlines have cut the number of seats. Maybank expects airline seat capacity to rise following Thailand's decision to waive the 2,000-THB VOA fee for Indian tourists and resume the 30-day visa-free policy. It also said a weak baht should improve the competitiveness of Thai tourism. Kasikorn Research Centre reported the Thai baht has depreciated 5.9% YTD against the USD, the third-weakest Asian currency following the Indonesian rupiah (-7.3%) and the Indian rupee (-6.6%). It expressed optimism on TAT’s value over volume strategy, noting that the approach “should benefit hotel operators listed on the stock exchange, most of which operate in the upscale and luxury segments”. KGI Securities (Thailand) observed a clear recovery in long-haul markets, including European arrivals, which grew 5% year-on-year in Jul, reversing a 2% decline in May and 6% in Q2. Middle Eastern arrivals rose 11% YoY in Jul, following a 20%-28% growth in Q1-Q2 2026. Arrivals from Northeast Asia grew 5% and South Asia 3%. It projects momentum to strengthen from Jul, supported by summer holidays in China, the Middle East, and other top source markets

CrescentRating and Mastercard's Global Muslim Travel Index 2026 ranked Thailand fifth among non-OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) destinations, down from the second place during 2015-2019. Chief Executive of CrescentRating and HalalTrip said the decline is attributed to stronger competition rather than Thailand losing ground. He added that Thailand’s score has improved in recent years and its performance has remained relatively stable over the past decade. He stated: “As more destinations recognise the value of the Muslim travel market, the competitive benchmark continues to rise”. One of Thailand’s weakness was cited to be the gap between physical readiness and digital visibility, with many Muslim-friendly facilities not sufficiently promoted or verified, and therefore excluded from AI-powered travel platforms and automated trip planning

The Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) reported that a shortage of tap water due to a prolonged dry spell has led to rationing on Koh Samui. PWA said tap water supply is being rotated across different areas of the island. Many hotels and larger businesses have been forced to purchase additional water trucked in from off-island sources

Thai energy authorities and oil companies are preparing to import more crude oil from outside the Middle East following escalating conflict that disrupts two key shipping routes: the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz

The Public Health Minister announced Thailand’s plan to transform the country’s medical and wellness sector into a key health economy. The 2026 Global Wellness Summit will be held in Phuket from 10-13 Nov, and is expected to attract over 600 participants and generate at least 300 million THB in economic value

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) have ordered the suspension of operations for 79 entertainment venues and similar establishments, of which 19 were instructed to suspend live music performances because they lacked the required license, and another 60 businesses because they did not hold operating licences. The inspections, held from 19-26 Jul, covered 865 premises in Bangkok, or 72% of the target of 1,204 establishments. A total of 168 businesses passed inspection, while 618 were instructed to make improvements

The Tourism Minister outlined seven key policies and operational guidelines under the “Tourism for All, Tourism for the Future: Thai tourism for everyone, towards a sustainable future” concept: • Value over Volume • Distribute income to local areas through supporting and promoting tourism in secondary cities and 55 target communities nationwide • Promote travel 365 days a year through a concrete market-stimulation framework, including key campaigns like the Thai Tiew Thai Plus domestic travel co-payment scheme, the Fly Thai All the Feelings project, and the Thailand Air Connect project • Position Thailand as a global event hub • Manage the transition during the transfer to the Ministry of Culture • Strengthen governance and organisational efficiency • Prepare Thailand for the future

The Thai Cabinet has approved in principle a one-year extension of the 7% value-added tax (VAT) rate until 30 Sep 2027. The move aims to east living costs, stimulate consumer spending, and support economic stability

The Thai Culture Ministry expects at least 100,000 South Koreans to visit a special exhibition of Thai history and art at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul, which opened on 23 Jun and will run until 6 Sep. Over 30,000 visitors have attended the exhibition so far

Traveloka booking data showed that Thai travellers are increasingly choosing shorter, more frequent breaks over one long holiday. Staycation bookings across Thailand on Traveloka grew by over 70%, with Krabi leading booking growth (over 2X YoY), followed by Hua Hin (over 80% YoY), Pattaya (around 65% ), and Phuket (nearly 60%)

Thailand has launched the Thai Street Gold Star app, which could help users find certified street food vendors, as well as recommended dishes, locations and travel information. The app is being rolled out in Bangkok, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai initially. Deputy government spokesperson said the scheme aims to help Thai street food operators to reach more domestic and international customers while raising operating standards to an international level. The app was launched at the Thailand Food Therapy Festival & Thai Street Gold Star roadshow. The project is led by the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion, Suan Dusit University, and partner organisations. Street food vendors aiming to be certified must meet requirements in three areas – safety, covering food hygiene and sanitation; signature, assessing the identity and distinctiveness of their dishes; and service, measuring the quality of customer care

A report by the Phuket Provincial Public Relations Office stated that the Governor had instructed the Vice Governor to accompany Marine Department officials in inspecting jet-skis and operators, targeting unlicensed operators and businesses suspected of using Thai nominees. Officials reported finding eight “cases” against illegal jet-ski operations, but failed to specify what offences had allegedly been committed

Executive Director of the ASEAN, South Asia, and South Pacific region at TAT said the outlook for the Indian market is positive following the Cabinet’s approval for a 30-day visa-free entry. TAT expects a record 2.7 million visitors from India in 2027, supported by more flights from second- and third-tier cities to Thailand. Thailand has welcomed 1.3 million Indians as of 18 Jul, the third largest source market. Arrivals from India are expected to reach 2.55 million in 2026. TAT reported that the outbound Indian market is expected to reach 50 million trips by 2030, up from 32.7 million in 2025, and that Thailand remains the third most popular overseas destination for Indian tourists. Director of TAT New Delhi office said the weak Indian rupee against the USD could dampen outbound travel sentiment, and the earlier proposed shift to a visa-on-arrival requirement created confusion and had a significant impact on travel demand. Director of TAT Mumbai office said many travellers, especially MICE groups, have switched to Vietnam amid uncertainty over Thailand’s visa policy. TAT reported that there are around 66,000 airline seats per week available on Thailand-India routes. TAT shared some trends on Indian travellers: • Diwali and Christmas combined account for about 45% of annual outbound travel • Over 500 million Indians are active on social media, with YouTube, Instagram, and WhatsApp as the leading platforms for tourism operators targeting Indian tourists • 44% of Indian travellers are influenced by social media, while 60% rely on family and friends’ recommendations • 41% prefer family holidays, but demand is rising among solo travellers and small groups of up to three people • 35% choose accommodation as part of the travel experience • Emerging trends include meetings and business travel, luxury experiences such as yacht trips and fine dining, health and wellness holidays, and experiential travel centred on local communities, gastronomy, and Muay Thai

The Thai Spa Association plans to boost Thailand’s wellness economy ranking within Asia Pacific from the current 9th place to within the top five by 2030. President of the association noted that “Thailand’s ambition is not only to grow the size of its wellness economy. It is to create a country where wellness becomes more meaningful”. The Tourism Ministry’s 2025 data showed there are approximately 92,813 businesses in the health, beauty, Thai traditional medicine, and wellness tourism supply chain in 2025, contributing 676.6 billion THB to the economy. The association’s five-year collaborative plan includes: • 2026 – Connection: building partner ecosystem by strengthening its relationship with the TAT, the GWS, and national stakeholders • 2027 – Develop: creating a Spa Continuing Education Passport and establishing more professional pathways and management programmes • 2028 – Collaborate: enhancing cooperation with ASEAN through shared learning programmes and market access while preserving local wellness cultures • 2029 – Scale: developing repeatable management models and export-ready Thai wellness concepts, as well as strengthening emerging business pathways • 2030 – Create greater value: communicating the enhanced quality of high-value experiences domestically and internationally The Thai Spa Association will host its inaugural awards ceremony, the Thailand Spa and Wellbeing Awards 2026, on 29 Oct, recognising achievements in 17 categories across places, services, products, people, knowledge, innovation and experience

Kasikorn Research Centre reported that the Thai baht weakened to 33.848 THB to the USD during trading on 23 Jul, a 15-month low, before closing on 33.80

The Transport Minister has proposed closing Bangkok Port and redeveloping its Khlong Toei site for other uses, following an inspection of the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) and issuance of operational guidelines to the state enterprise. He said Thailand should not operate two major cargo ports– the Bangkok Port and Laem Chabang Port – at the same time as it required unnecessary public spending on personnel, management, and other resources. The Transport Ministry and PAT will consult community residents of Khlong Toei who could be affected by the proposal. Under a preliminary plan, 20% of the site would be allocated for housing and facilities for local residents. Other planned developments include a casino-free entertainment complex, a cruise terminal, a hotel and exhibition centre, office buildings, and a sports complex and public park, among others

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has approved the inclusion of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat as a World Cultural Heritage Site, Thailand’s ninth, and the first in the southern region. To mark the achievement, the Fine Arts Department has opened the first permanent exhibition dedicated to the Phra Mahathat of Nakhon Si Thammarat at the province’s National Museum

Tasmania’s Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) announced plans to open a new art museum on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, in partnership with Asset World Corporation (AWC)

The Phuket Entertainment Business Operators Association submitted a petition to the Phuket Deputy Governor asking for the expansion of entertainment zoning areas “so businesses can enter the legal system, obtain licences and operate with confidence”. Provincial authorities have agreed to conduct a formal study on ways to expand the designated entertainment zones

The newly elected President of the Phuket Tourism Association called on the government to stop generating negative publicity about Phuket. He said officials should continue to crack down on offences such as nominee businesses, illegal tour guides, illegal taxis, and beach encroachments but he believed there was no need to publicise every operation

The Finance Minister announced that a government committee recommended the termination of the proposed 1-trillion-THB land bridge megaproject, which would connect the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. The minister said an updated study found the project would lose money overall, compared to an earlier assessment that forecast economic gains. The study showed the project’s expected financial return had dropped to 4.8% from 8%, and cargo volumes were projected to be up to 16% lower than previous estimates. The study also warned of potential damages to environmentally sensitive areas, including Ranong’s biosphere reserve and wetlands, and key marine tourism sites. In place of the land bridge project, the government now plans to upgrade Ranong Port and develop a rail link that would link the Andaman coast with Thailand’s existing rail network to improve freight transport

The 2026 Henley Passport Index ranked the Thai passport 63rd, down two places from 2025, and 5th in ASEAN. Thai passport holders can travel to 77 destinations visa-free

The US announced that it will impose new tariffs on goods from its top 60 trading partners, including Thailand, due to alleged failure to ban the import of goods made with forced labour. Goods from Thailand will be subject to a 12.5% tariff

The Cabinet’s move to reinstate the 30-day visa-free policy for Indian market, reversing the initially proposed visa-on-arrival with 2,000-THB fee, is welcomed by the inbound trade, but operators noted that the two months of policy uncertainty have already cost the high season for the Indian market. Vice President of the Association of Thai Travel Agents and owner of Thai Travel DMC said that the proposed 2,000-THB VoA fee have had a significant impact to the “very price sensitive” Indian market. Founding Member for Strategy and New Initiatives at Mumbai-based Media Hermits Limited said the unclear policy and budget issues drove clients to prefer other destinations. Commercial Director at Destination Hospitality Management said the impact was greater on the wedding segment. He said contracts for the Nov-Mar high season are usually signed 6-9 months before, and he noted that his company currently has five weddings on hold. He also said low-cost carriers had suspended flights to India until Oct due to the Middle East conflict, resulting airfares to rise by around 30% during the Indian summer holiday period, which causes Indian travellers to opt for domestic holidays, or Malaysia (visa-free and uninterrupted AirAsia services) or Vietnam (lower visa fee vs Thailand)