Thailand

Phimai Historical Park in Mueang Phimai district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, was reportedly deserted as rising fuel costs affected tourism

Vice President of the Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce reported that forward bookings for the province have been very slow amid severe pollution and weak spending due to the Middle East conflict. He believed the Songkran holiday may not be as robust as 2025. Travel agents planned months in advance to sell less tour group packages during this period based on seasonal smog predictions. Occupancy rate in Chiang Mai stood at around 30%-40% following the emergence of the smog, a result of wildfires and cross-border fires. Vice President of the Pai Tourism Business Association said the smog has affected tourism in Mae Hong Son, leading to booking cancellations by Thais and foreign visitors

Authorities warned Songkran visitors in Pattaya to take precautions against extreme heat, with temperatures expected to range between 37°-41°C

The Bangkok Governor has announced safety and logistical plans for the 2026 Songkran Festival, with the high heat index being a primary concern. The governor has instructed event organizers to enforce strict health protocols to prevent heat-related illnesses. He noted that increasing fuel prices may dampen interprovincial travel, but he ensured that essential services, including waste collection, will have sufficient fuel supplies through cooperation with PTT Public Company Limited

Surat Thani province will organise the “Suratthani Week Water Festival 2026” from 12-15 Apr along the Tapi River. The event will feature cultural events, entertainment, and traditional Thai activities

The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) expects the Thai economy to grow by 1.2%-1.6% in 2026, down from an earlier forecast of 1.6%-2.0%. Exports are expected to fall by 0.5%-1.5%. Foreign tourist arrivals are expected to decline by one million over the next three months. Inflation forecast has been increased to 2.0%-3.0%, from 0.2%-0.7% in a previous projection

The Hatyai Midnight Songkran 2026 will be held from 10-13 Apr at Hat Yai Central Business District. A special tourism promotional campaign in collaboration with Malaysian production team minitravel1982 will be featured at the event

Some images circulated online of a tour boat crew allegedly dumping rubbish into the sea near the mouth of Tha Chin canal in Phuket province, drawing criticism on social media and prompting users to call on authorities to take legal action against those responsible

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) reported that the heat index has increased into the “dangerous” category. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) expects extreme heat to continue across most of upper Thailand from 1-7 Apr

A former TAT Governor believes Thailand could lose 15%-17% in tourism revenue if the baht strengthens beyond 30 to the USD. The Thai Hotels Association (THA) forecast that bookings for the Songkran holiday period could fall by 5%-10% YoY

Thailand has downgraded its 2026 international tourist arrivals target to 32.14 million and revenue forecast to 1.52 trillion THB due to the economic impact of the Middle East conflict

The Tourism Ministry reported that Thailand has welcomed 9,174,586 international arrivals from 1 Jan-29 Mar, -2.29% YoY, generating an estimated 446.765 billion THB in visitor spending. China was the top source market with 1,468,333 arrivals, followed by Malaysia (947,123), Russia (714,424), India (614,016), and South Korea (409,331). Thailand welcomed 630,102 international arrivals for the week of 23-29 Mar, -6.71% WoW as demand from short-haul markets ease after the Eid al-Fitr holiday period and the long-haul market season approaches its end. Malaysia was the top source market for the week with 92,685 arrivals, -13.77% WoW), followed by China (90,583; -4.99%), India (47,679; -1.80%), Russia (45,945; -4.93%), and the UK (29,683; +21.27%)

The Federation of Thai Tourism Associations (FETTA) has drafted a proposal to the TAT and the incoming cabinet, outlining 14-15 billion THB worth of stimulus projects to aid the tourism industry amid the Middle East conflict. The proposal calls on the new government to include key stimulus projects into its upcoming parliamentary policy statement, such as the Tour Teaw Thai and A Million Buses Traveling Across Thailand campaigns. It also proposes support for charter flights and a reduction of airport fees, which requires a one billion THB budget across three quarters, aiming to subsidise 1,000 flights per quarter at 350,000 THB per flight

The Thai government plans to reduce the prices of over 1,000 products by up to 50% amid rising global pressures, under the “Thais Help Thais” programme. The measures were discussed at a meeting of the Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East

Officials reported that dense haze remains in Pai district as wildfires continue to burn across mountainous areas. Pai, Mueang Mae Hong Son and Mae Sariang districts are recording red and purple PM2.5 levels, indicating severe health risks

PTT and Bangchak announced that prices for all petrol grades would be raised by 1.20 THB per litre from 5am on 2 Apr. Diesel prices will be raised another 3.50 THB per litre to 44.24 THB, +48% MoM

TAT has launched the “Amazing Thailand Passport Privileges @ HAT YAI” campaign, running from 1-30 Apr. The campaign features the “Amazing Bag” goodie bag with handcrafted items from Southern Thailand, exclusive privileges redeemable at over 100 restaurants, hotels, and retail establishments across the region, as well as a lucky draw with prizes worth over 500,000 THB. TAT expects the campaign to generate at least 480 million THB in tourism revenue

TAT hosted the “Savour the Charm: Creative Thai Tourism through the MICHELIN Guide” panel discussion at The St. Regis Bangkok on 30 Mar. Kenetics Consulting’s data showed that incremental food spending by international visitors at MICHELIN Guide restaurants in Thailand reached 822.85 million THB in 2025. From 2018 to 2025, total incremental expenditure reached 3.182 billion THB, a return of 14.7 times the programme investment

The Pattaya Mayor supports plans for a large-scale trade exhibition tentatively scheduled for 12-20 Sep at the Eastern National Sports Training Centre (Chaiyapruek). The Mayor and his team met with representatives from Union Pan Exhibitions Co Ltd at City Hall to discuss the proposed event, which will feature goods from a range of sectors, including furniture, home décor, automobiles, plants and pets, local products, fashion, and food. The Pattaya Mayor highlighted the city’s MICE capabilities, with infrastructure to support large-scale events

The newly appointed cabinet is expected to hold their oath-taking ceremony on 6 Apr. PM Anutin outlined key policy priorities, including energy and environmental issues, anti-corruption, and a crackdown on drug trafficking. He said a draft of the government’s policy statement to parliament has been mostly completed, with about a week left to refine and possibly include additional proposals

TAT, in partnership with CP All Public Company Limited, has launched the “Suk Thanthee Thi Tiew Thai with 7-Eleven” campaign, running from now until Dec. The campaign leverages 7-Eleven’s network of over 15,000 locations nationwide to “position travel as part of daily life”. The initiative features 15 destination-themed labels on 7Select natural mineral and drinking water bottles representing all five regions. E-wallpapers and destination information are available on the 7-Eleven app, with chances to win prizes such as domestic air tickets and TAT souvenirs. Selected stores are transformed into 7-Eleven Art Gallery spaces showcasing local identity, including in Chiang Rai at the Clock Tower and Huai Pla Kang Community branches

The Eurovision Song Contest will be launching the inaugural Eurovision Asia, with a grand finale set to be held in Bangkok on 14 Nov. Broadcasters from 10 countries have confirmed participation, including South Korea, Bhutan, Thailand, and the Philippines. The Asia edition is being organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) with Los Angeles-based entertainment company Voxovation, Thailand-based S2O Productions, and Channel 3

The Middle East conflict is impacting restaurant bookings in Thailand. A Chef at Michelin-star restaurant GOAT said higher transport costs had raised restaurant costs and affected bookings. Restaurant cancellations reached as high as 70% during the first and second weeks of the war. Regional customers from Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan helped support the business in the third and fourth weeks. Over 70% of the restaurant’s guests were foreign tourists, but currently it is split evenly between foreigners and Thais. Higher oil prices also led to suppliers raising delivery and logistics charges by 5%-10%. Chef at Kaen restaurant in Khon Kaen said the Middle East conflict had raised energy costs, which had already started to affect the business

The Finance Minister introduced the 3T strategy to navigate the economic crisis driven by the Middle East conflict, namely Target, Transition, and Transform. • Target: Thailand would move away from broad-based energy subsidies and instead focus on supporting vulnerable groups and those genuinely in need. Thailand would also focus more on future industries – where it has growth potential – including smart agriculture, food processing, electric vehicles and the wellness sector, while continuing to attract high-technology investment. • Transition: Thailand would focus on expediting a shift to clean energy and modernising the capital market, including through accelerating investment in solar farms and floating solar. The government would continue to promote long-term savings through the Thailand Individual Saving Account • Transform: Thailand would focus on using technology to boost efficiency and productivity, especially via AI. The government plans to add embedded AI features, building on the Khon La Khrueng Plus scheme, to help small merchants analyse sales, manage costs and gain easier access to formal funding. The Finance Ministry and the Board of Investment has been instructed to act as model agencies in adopting agentic AI within six months to improve internal efficiency

Spokeswoman for the Centre for Monitoring the Situation in the Middle East announced that the government has prepared a three-phase contingency plan to address a potential full-scale energy crisis, including fuel rationing and limited operating hours for petrol stations and shopping malls, should the Middle East conflict lead to the closure of two key maritime checkpoints – the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el Mandeb Strait. She noted that Thailand is currently experiencing no oil shortages and the situation is expected to ease within a month. Authorities have diversified import sources, adjusted refinery production, increased the blending of biofuels to reduce crude oil imports, and restricted exports to essential uses only

Chiang Mai was ranked as the world’s most polluted city on 31 Mar, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 239, and PM2.5 levels at 163.5 microgrammes per cubic metre. Bangkok was ranked 36th with an AQI of 62 and PM2.5 at 14. Gistda satellite images showed the number of hot spots in Chiang Mai rose from 89 on 30 Mar to 303 locations on 31 Mar

A survey jointly conducted by the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), TAT, and the Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya showed that tourism confidence index stood at 81 in Q1 2026, down from 83 in Q1 2025 and remaining below the benchmark of 100 recorded pre-pandemic. The index is expected to fall further to 75 in Q2 as Thailand enters low season and long-haul travel slows as tourists postpone trips amid geopolitical conflict

The Oil Fuel Fund has reportedly fallen into a 42 billion THB deficit. The Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Energy Ministry noted that 1.3 billion THB needs to be paid to the Oil Fuel Fund daily to maintain government subsidies on fuel prices. He did not answer whether price caps would continue until Songkran, but said that the government may adjust the oil excise tax to manage fuel prices. He added that Thailand’s strategic oil reserves remain sufficient for around 106 days, estimated based on purchased crude oil, fuel in transit, and oil already in the nation's fuel supply system

Pattaya-Koh Larn ferry operators announced a delay in the planned fare increases from 30 THB to 40 THB per trip, aiming to support tourism to Pattaya and Koh Larn during Songkran

A Canadian tourist died at the Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi on 29 Mar while attempting the “summit challenge”. The man reportedly collapsed near the 1,100th step of the temple’s 1,260-step staircase. Locals reported that it was the second fatal incident on the staircase in only four days, after a 68-year old Thai man collapsed and died at the summit on 26 Mar

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has instructed the closure of high-risk conservation forest areas amid its intensified efforts to crackdown on illegal forest burning. Between 1 Oct 2025-28 Feb 2026, officials have made arrests linked to 269 cases, of which 262 involved forest encroachment and seven involved illegal forest burning. On the morning of 29 Mar, the authorities recorded 2,336 hot spots nationwide, of which 1,368 was found in conservation forest areas, 806 in national reserved forests, and 162 outside forest areas. The North saw 1,312 hot spots, followed by the Central and Eastern regions with 41, and the Northeast with 15. Chiang Mai saw the most hot spots at 480, followed by Mae Hong Son (247), Lampang (104), Nan (97), and Phayao (85)

The US Embassy in Thailand confirmed that the US has indefinitely suspended immigrant visa issuances for nationals of 75 countries, including Thailand

Malaysian drivers in Thailand will face stricter traffic enforcement with fines up to RM2,385.41 (20,000 THB) and a maximum prison sentence of up to 1 year from 1 Apr. The vehicles of those who failed to settle fines within the due date will be blacklisted from entering Thailand

The Deputy Government Spokeswoman announced that the Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation (TCG) is offering loan guarantees of up to 1.5 million THB per pax, aiming to support SMEs to acquire pickup trucks for business use. The programme is available at the 2026 Motor Show and targets over 6,000 purchases of conventional and electric pickup trucks

PM Anutin issued a public apology over the recent volatility of fuel prices, admitting the government’s misjudgement of the duration of the global energy crisis. He assured that the situation is stabilising. He confirmed that Thailand has secured safe passage for oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz

The Department of Business Development has intensified its crackdown on nominee businesses in Koh Lanta, Krabi through the deployment of a multi-agency team, which involves the Department of Tourism, Krabi’s Tourism and Sports Office, the Tourist Police Bureau, Immigration Bureau, and Krabi’s Commerce Office. The team investigated high-risk sectors, including hotels, travel agencies, diving businesses, and restaurants. The Department’s Director-General reported that five businesses in Krabi were found to be potentially in violation of the law, with the cases to be forwarded to the Department of Special Investigation, the Central Investigation Bureau, and the Revenue Department for further legal action

The Immigration Bureau reported that at least 10% of foreign travellers entering Thailand have registered via fraudulent Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) websites. The bureau urged visitors to use only the official platform (https://tdac.immigration.go.th) and stressed that the registration is free of charge

The Transport Minister announced that the government will launch targeted fuel subsidies for the transport sector from 1-30 Apr. The scheme will be based on actual usage, verified through GPS tracking and operational monitoring systems already maintained by the Department of Land Transport (DLT). The government will subsidise diesel costs at 6 THB per litre for yellow-plate vehicles (non-scheduled freight trucks) totalling 287,175 units. Interprovincial buses (11,395 units) will receive 4 THB per litre subsidy, provincial buses and vans (19,414 units) will receive a flat-rate subsidy of 300 THB per vehicle per day, while ride-hailing drivers (114,653 individuals) will receive 300 THB per vehicle per month

The Culture Minister announced that the government is preparing to nominate traditional shadow puppet performance – “Nang Yai” – for inclusion in UNESCO’s list of Good Safeguarding Practices of Intangible Cultural Heritage following Cabinet approval

TAT organised the “China-Thailand Tourism & Cultural Arts Festival 2026” at Chulalongkorn University’s Centenary Park on 27 Mar, welcoming over 1,000 guests. The event is centred around wellness activities, including interactive workshops and demonstrations, as well as cultural craft sessions and live cooking stations

Rising energy prices are affecting tourism in Phuket, Pattaya and Ayutthaya, disrupting bookings and raising costs ahead of the peak Songkran travel period. President of the Phuket Tourist Association quoted a study by Prince of Songkla University, which found energy accounts for 39%-48% of transport costs and about 24% of hotel operating expenses. Under modelling scenarios, a 10% increase in energy prices would raise hotel costs by about 5% and transport by over 7%. In a severe scenario, a 50% increase could raise hotel costs by 25.7% and transport by 38.5%. The Association of Chon Buri Tourism Federation reported bookings at only 20%-30%, far below the 70-80% recorded during normal peak seasons. President of the Ayutthaya Tourism Business Association reported that the Middle East conflict has driven up fuel prices, leading to over 70% of tour bookings being cancelled

The International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) – a professional network to advance responsible tourism – has been established in Thailand. ICRT Thailand was jointly launched by the co-founder of Tripseed, People and Planet First Verified Social Enterprise, and the CEO of Sivatel Bangkok Hotel

The Department of Provincial Administration reported that Thailand’s population stood at 65.8 million as of 31 Dec 2025, of which 64,820,708 are Thai nationals and 988,620 are non-Thai residents. The figures fell from 2024, when the population was recorded at 65.95 million. Bangkok remains the most densely populated province, with a population double that of the second place, Nakhon Ratchasima. Over 20% of the Thai population, or around 15 million people, are now aged 60 and over, of which over 30% are still working, often due to a lack of savings or family support. The Labour Ministry has instructed the Department of Skill Development to upskill and reskill older workers, especially in digital skills. The Department of Employment has prepared 1,969 positions for elderly workers, including roles such as sales staff, general labourers, cleaners, security guards, and administrative staff

Caretaker Deputy PM expressed the government’s continued commitment to bring the first Disneyland to Southeast Asia as part of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Capital City project. He said the government recently submitted a letter to the new Walt Disney Company Chief Executive to express intentions in persuading the company to explore opportunities in Thailand

The Transport Ministry announced its plan to manage traffic and ensure safety during the upcoming Songkran holiday, where an estimated 26.54 million vehicles will travel nationwide between 10-19 Apr, including 10.65 million on main roads and motorways and 15.89 million on motorways. Around 18.58 million travellers are expected to use public transport, of which 11.5 million will be in Bangkok, +10% YoY, and 3.45 million in the provinces, +14% YoY. The minister expects a shift in how people travel and in transportation costs due to surging global energy costs related to the Middle East conflict. He expects a decrease in tourist numbers, with fewer Thais making trips to their home provinces. He also expects more people to shift to using public transport. The ministry has launched the seven-point “Smart Travel Songkran 2569” traffic management plan

Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan are seeing higher ferry fares due to fuel price surge. Setran Ferry – which operates services from Don Sak Pier (Surat Thani mainland) to Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan – first announced a 10 THB price hike on 14 Mar, before increasing it by a further 30 THB following fuel price increases of 6 THB on 26 Mar

Members of the Pattaya-Koh Larn Ferry Club said they will raise their fares from 30 THB to 40 THB starting 10 Apr due to rising fuel costs

The Deputy PM and Transport Minister announced that the incoming “Anutin 2” administration plans to expedite the 300 THB entry fee for foreign air arrivals, with the proposal set to be tabled during the government’s first Cabinet meeting

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) held its largest-ever overseas MICE roadshow in Singapore on 26 Mar. TCEB aims to welcome one million Singaporean business event travellers in 2026, up from the current annual average of 50,000-60,000. TCEB highlighted secondary destinations, with the roadshow delegation featuring first time exhibitors from Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima (Khao Yai), and Udon Thani. TCEB’s Director of Meetings and Incentives announced that the annual Thailand Incentive and Meeting Exchange showcase will be held in Bangkok from 19-24 Jun, but the buyer fam trip will be hosted in Kaho Lak, a new destination. TCEB highlighted two strategic initiatives, including the First Time Ever Campaign, a new programme that provides support for conventions being held in Thailand for the first time, as well as for cities outside of Greater Bangkok. The second initiative is the ongoing Meet Well Campaign, which offers incentive groups access to 155 service providers across 10 categories, with a focus on the high-growth luxury wellness sector

The Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand urged state agencies to end overseas study trips that are mainly tourism-oriented. Chairman of the organisation reported that ACT Ai data showed that state agencies organised at least 928 overseas study trips from 2016-2025, with total spending exceeding 2.5 billion THB, or about 250 million THB per year

Bangkok City Hall warned that the heat index in the city is in the danger zone, with “feels like” temperatures ranging between 42°-51.9°C. The Meteorological Department forecasts official maximum temperatures to range between 34°-39°C

The Oil Fuel Fund’s announcement on 25 Mar to cut subsidies prompted motorists to fill up on fuel before the new prices took effect on 26 Mar, causing long queues overnight at service stations nationwide. Retail petrol and diesel prices rose by six THB per litre, with diesel prices rising by 18%

The Caretaker Cabinet has approved a series of measures to ease the impact of surging fuel prices on households and businesses, including: - Proposals to lower excise taxes on fuel - Over 13 billion THB allocation for welfare card top-up, with monthly allowance increased by 100 THB from 300 THB to 400 THB for low-income earners - The “Green Flag” scheme to help cut fertiliser costs for farmers - Encouraging commercial fishing operators to use B20 biodiesel, which would reduce fuel costs by 5-6 THB per litre - Allowing government agencies to extend inspection periods for contractors and consider case-by-case compensation for cost increases - The Government Savings Bank (GSB) will allocate 10 billion THB for soft loans to boost liquidity for SMEs - Subsidies for transport operators, including public buses, freight trucks, small commercial vehicles and motorcycle taxi drivers. Support will focus on two key groups: freight trucks and public passenger buses. Small public vehicles and motorcycle taxi drivers will receive usage-based assistance

PM Anutin organised a special Cabinet meeting at Government House to address the energy crisis, following the fuel surge of 6 THB per litre in a single increase

Long queues are seen at petrol stations in Ban Kruat district in Buri Ram – which borders Cambodia – despite another 6 THB fuel price hike. Motorists, farmers, and truck drivers stated they have no choice but to refuel to sustain their livelihoods. Stations in the area are still rationing fuel amid hoarding cases and distribution bottlenecks

TAT Government said combined international and domestic markets are expected to generate 30.4 billion THB in tourism revenue during the 2026 “Maha Songkran World Water Festival”, +6% YoY. TAT still plans to go ahead with nationwide celebrations, with the main event to be held in Bangkok’s Benjakitti Park and the former tobacco factory from 11-15 Apr. There will be 10 supported events in the North, five in the East, eight in the Northeast, and four in the South. An additional 11 water festivals in Bangkok will also be organised by the private sector and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, including water splashing in Silom and Song Wat Road

President of the Khon Kaen Tourism and MICE Association (KKTMA) and Acting Chair of the Tourism Council of Khon Kaen said the oil crisis and the Middle East conflict are heavily impacting the tourism and MICE sectors, leading to cancellations of hotel bookings and seminars, with many operators reportedly struggling with higher costs. Some cost-saving measures include reducing the amount of complimentary bottled water, limiting air-conditioning and lighting to specific hours, and reducing staffing levels. KKTMA is focusing on stimulating domestic tourism, promoting low-carbon travel, and strengthening the MICE sector to mitigate the crisis, while also working to improve service quality and highlight local identity. About 50% of hotel bookings in Khon Kaen have been cancelled, with MICE events either cancelled or indefinitely postponed

The Commerce Ministry has increased the number of controlled goods to 71 and required advance permission for price hikes on 21 products, as part of new measures to ease living costs. The Trade Policy and Strategy Office conducted inspections at 2,726 locations across 16 provinces from 5-24 Mar, including 1,650 petrol stations, 569 fertiliser outlets, and 507 retail markets. Fourteen violations were recorded in nine provinces, mainly involving failure to display price labels

The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) will waive toll fees during the Songkran holiday period, including on the Burapha Withi and Kanchanaphisek (Bang Phli–Suksawat) expressways from 10-16 Apr and the Udon Ratthaya and Chalerm Maha Nakhon expressways from 13-15 Apr. The Department of Highways will waive fees on three motorway routes – Motorway No. 7 (Bangkok–Pattaya); Motorway No. 9 (outer ring road: Bang Pa-in–Bang Phli and Phra Pradaeng–Bang Khae); and Motorway No. 81 (Bang Yai–Kanchanaburi)

The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) called for urgent government intervention amid fuel bottlenecks nationwide that are disrupting tour bus operations and hampering forward bookings. The Honorary Secretary-General of ATTA and owner of Golden Discovery Express said that the main issue is that “bus operators cannot calculate costs in advance”, prompting operators to mark up the bus fare by 20% due to fluctuations in fuel prices. He noted that there has been no outright cancellations from tour groups, but bookings are currently being postponed. Flight loads for the international market fell from 60% last week to around 35%-40%

TAT confirmed that Songkran Festival 2026 will “take place as planned across every region of Thailand”

Passenger boat fares on the Saen Saep Canal and the Chao Phraya River will be increased by 2 THB from 30 Mar. Krob Krua Khonsong (2002) Co – which operates passenger boats on the east-central Saen Saep Canal – will raise prices from 11-21 THB to 13-23 THB. Chao Phraya Express Boat Co – which operates services on the Chao Phraya River from Nonthaburi province north of Bangkok to inner city areas – will raise prices from 14-33 THB to 16-35 THB

The Tourism Ministry’s Permanent Secretary projected that Thailand could see 3 million fewer international arrivals in 2026, nearly 10% of 2025’s total, if the Middle East conflict continues on for six months. It could result in a 150 billion THB decrease in revenue, or 10% of total foreign tourist receipts in 2025. Thailand could see around 1-2 million fewer foreign arrivals even if the conflict ceases at end-Mar. The permanent secretary said Thailand is aiming to attract at least 200,000 Middle East visitors in 2026, including those seeking refuge from the war. Tourists from the market are among the highest spenders, at an average of 80,000 THB per trip, compared to 61,000 for a European tourist and 39,000 for an Asian tourist

Central Pattana Public Company Limited is planning to invest over 110 billion THB in the next five years to expand its portfolio, aiming to increase the number of mixed-use projects from 37 to 33 by end-2030. The investment will be focused on new retail plazas, office buildings, and integrated projects, particularly in major cities and tourist destinations including Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai

Adviser to the Songkhla Tourism Industry Council projects Songkran celebrations in Hat Yai from 10-14 Apr usually attract tens of thousands of tourists, generating 400-500 million THB in revenue. He said bookings this year have already surpassed 50%. President of the Hat Yai-Songkhla Hotel Association said foreign bookings have reached 50%-60%, but remain unstable due to worries related to the Middle East conflict, especially concerns over fuel shortages and price volatility. Some tourists have reportedly cancelled bookings amid the uncertainty

During the Thaifex HOREC Asia 2026 Academy session, the Director of Commercial for Grab Thailand said the company expects an 11% growth in inbound tourists for 2026. He noted that tourists spend nearly 1.68X more than locals, with a 25% higher repeat purchase rate

Deputy PM warned that the government may have to implement fuel tax reductions if the Oil Fuel Fund is insufficient to maintain domestic price stability. Customs Department Director-general confirmed that crude oil imports have not declined. Secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council assured that refiners have stepped up production to meet increased demand. Major operators like PTT and Bangchak Corporation have increased their refining output by around 9%. Retail sales have also surged, with PTT Oil and Retail Business reporting an increase of 25% in petrol sales and 35% in diesel sales. The Energy Ministry said that the Oil Fuel Fund is still capable of cushioning price surges, but officials admitted that domestic retail prices may need to adjust to reflect rising costs

The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) Secretary-General said the government has announced a relaxation of fuel reserve regulations to immediately boost supply, with distribution expected to reach all regions within two days. He added that a real-time “Energy Dashboard” is set to launch on 26 Mar, which will allow the public to monitor current fuel prices and remaining stock levels transparently

The Oil Fuel Fund Management Committee has approved a cut in diesel subsidies, setting the retail price at 33 THB per litre

Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council the Department of Special Investigation and energy agencies has investigated eight depots operated by companies including PTT, Bangchak, and Shell, as well as facilities in Khlong Toei, Lam Luk Ka, Samut Prakan, and Samut Sakhon. The investigation found no issues in fuel volumes or distribution processes, with officials confirming that temporary shortages in some areas were driven by a surge in demand. The situation has begun to improve after fuel transport operations were extended to 24 hours a day

Dusit Hotels and Resorts has become a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), in line with Dusit International’s strategy to integrate responsible tourism practices across its global portfolio of 290 properties in 18 countries

The Thai Exhibition Association (TEA) has announced its MICE Masterplan 2026-2027, aiming to position Thailand as a global leader in the MICE sector. The Thailand MICE X-Change 2026 (TMX 2026) will be held on 29-30 Apr at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, expected to attract over 4,000 participants. The event will gesture over 100 exhibitors across the event value chain, including venues, logistics, and event technology. A workshop and seminar platform – “X-Change Square” – will feature over 25 industry experts. TMX 2026 will implement sustainability practices, including promoting public transport and reducing single-use plastics

Thai bus operators reported to The Straits Times that less than half of bus tickets for the Songkran period have been sold, compared with about 80% in previous years at around the same time. The Thai Transportation Operators Association – which has 500 members with at least 15,000 tour buses – said its members plan to sell tickets closer to holiday, with its Honorary Adviser saying they “don’t want to end up pushing the vehicles or leaving passengers stranded” if the tour buses run out of fuel midway

PM Anutin said the new cabinet line-up is ready to be submitted for royal endorsement. The new cabinet is expected to comprise 35 members

The Motor Show 2026 is being held from 25 Mar-5 Apr at Challenger Halls 1-3, Impact Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok

TAT announced that Phuket will host the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference 2026 (GSTC 2026) from 21-24 Apr at the Royal Phuket City Hotel and Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town. The event is organised in collaboration with the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Phuket provincial office, and the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation. It is expected to attract over 700 participants from 30-50 countries, including policymakers, tourism executives, civil society networks, and sustainability experts. The conference will be held under three key themes: Sustainable Hospitality, Resilient Cities & Communities, and Visitor Distribution Management

The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has published the findings of its study into the Chiang Mai mass transit Red Line project. Under the proposal, the system will use electric trams, with tramways covering a distance of about 5km, running between the Mae Hia Samakkhi junction and Royal Park Rajapruek across five stations. The MRTA expects the private partner selection process to start in 2027, with construction scheduled for 2028-2031 and operations to begin in 2032

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has proposed reducing the visa-free period from 60 days to 30 days. The Foreign Minister believes that the proposed adjustment would not affect tourism and would help strengthen national security, preventing foreign visitors from misusing the scheme for purposes other than tourism

TAT held an urgent summit at the Tourism Crisis Monitoring Centre on 20 Mar to assess the impact of the Middle East conflict. Leaders from 10 major private sector entities joined the meeting, including the Tourism Council of Thailand, Airlines Association of Thailand (AAT), Thai Travel Agents Association, Association of Domestic Travel, Association of Thai Travel Agents, Association of Thai Tour Operators, Thai Tourism Promotion Association, Thai Transportation Operators Association, Thai Hotels Association, and Airports of Thailand. TAT stressed that any relief measures must be calibrated to balance the needs of the public and the service sector. The agency is focusing on energy-efficient strategies, including promoting domestic tourism, local conferences, and group travel to reduce energy consumption. Campaigns will also urge travellers to explore nearby destinations and discover “hidden gems”. The coalition agreed on the necessity of immediate public-private collaboration, including on strategic flight management, targeted regional and domestic tourism promotion, fuel cost controls, and the establishment of a dedicated working group to monitor developments. The TAT Governor stated: “In the face of any global challenge, we want the world to view Thailand as a space defined by the resilience of its people and its culture. True resilience lies in our capacity to recover swiftly from setbacks, ensuring that our businesses and industry can continue to thrive”

The Deputy PM, also acting as Chairman of the Joint Management and Monitoring Centre for the Situation in the Middle East, announced that PM Anutin has signed an order to suspend the oil reserve requirement of 3% and the proportion of oil reserves will be reverted to 1%, the level prior to the Middle East conflict, to ease fuel shortages

Deputy Director-General of the Department of Energy Business (DOEB) said that Thailand’s fuel shortage crisis is starting to ease following government interventions at stabilising supply and distribution. He said the DOEB, alongside the Department of Special Investigation and local authorities, has launched several measures to tackle bottlenecks

The Tourism Ministry reported that Thailand welcomed 8,544,484 international arrivals from 1 Jan-22 Mar, -2.97% YoY, generating 417.216 billion THB in revenue. China was the top source market at 1,377,750 arrivals, followed by Malaysia (854,438), Russia (668,479), India (566,337), and South Korea (391,040). Latest weekly data recorded 675,407 international arrivals, +7.47% WoW, driven by an over 15% growth in short-haul arrivals supported by post-Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr travel among Muslims from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Middle East. Malaysia was the top source market for the week with 107,485 visitors, +73.85% WoW, followed by China (95,344 arrivals; -1.30% WoW), India (48,551; -1.81%), Russia (48,330; -10.32%), and Japan (28,420; +8.16%)

President of the Upper Northern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association said European guests continue to cancel their bookings for Apr due to flight disruptions. He noted the market is expected to be affected for at least six months, even if the Middle East conflict subsides. European guests normally account for 30% of all visitors to Chiang Mai at this time of year. He said there are no new bookings from the European or Middle Eastern markets, and forward bookings for the Songkran holiday in Apr have also fallen to 55%-60% from 60%-70%. Hotel occupancy rate usually reaches up to 90% in a normal year during the period. Most three-star and lower hotels have already cut their rates in order to retain domestic guests and attract demand from Asian markets. Room rates in the segment have declined by 20%, while four- and five-star hotels maintain their prices. Asian markets are expected to account for 10%-15% of all guests in Chiang Mai. Forward bookings from China for Songkran continue to rise, with a growth of around 10%-20%

Head of Research of the Banking and Financial Sector at Kasikorn Research Centre (K-Research) said the Thai baht could depreciate to 33.50 to the USD this week, amid uncertainties relating to the Middle East conflict. Senior Vice-President of the Global Markets Planning Division at Krungsri (Bank of Ayudhya) said the bank expects the baht to continue depreciating to around 32.60-33.40 to the USD this week

Phuket Governor reported that Phuket Island had 12 million cubic metres of raw water remaining in three reservoirs, only slightly more than 50% of their full capacity, which is sufficient until end-Jun. The Southern Meteorological Centre on the Andaman Coast forecasts rainy season in the South to start around 20 Apr or early May at the latest

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) have reported 6,581 hotspots in Myanmar, with 1,850 in Laos, 1,488 in Thailand, 627 in Cambodia, 361 in Vietnam and 165 in Malaysia

Rantau Panjang Border Control and Protection Agency Deputy Commander said 7,000 Malaysians and Thais crossed the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex in Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas, Kelantan from 20-22 Mar for the Eid al-Fitr period, and he expects this number to increase in the next few days as the school holidays are still ongoing. 3,500 people crossed the border on 20 Mar and 3,000 people crossed on 21 Mar

A survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration through its NIDA Poll research centre found that: - Nearly 50% of respondents feel alarmed about the possibility of an oil shortage, with about one-third saying they are “somewhat panicked” and nearly 18% saying they are “very panicked” - Over half of respondents reported that they already experienced some level of disruption in their daily lives due to fuel issues, with around one-third saying they encounter occasional problems, and nearly 25% saying the impact had been significant, while about a third said they had not experienced any problems - 44% of respondents said they are not confident that the country’s oil reserves will last the claimed 98 days and that authorities will be able to secure additional supplies if needed. Nearly 29% said they trust both claims - A significant share of respondents who had intended to travel during the Songkran holiday said they were reconsidering, with nearly 15% saying they would cancel their trips entirely if the fuel crisis remains

TAT Singapore Office partnered with Porsche Club Singapore (PCS) to launch the “Drive of the Year – Porsche Club Singapore” caravan. The flag-off ceremony was held on 21 Mar at the Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore and the caravan – which includes 36 participants and 21 Porsche vehicles – will travel across Thailand for 14 nights from 12-25 Apr, visiting destinations like Hat Yai, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, and Songkhla. Participants will join cultural and community activities, including the Songkran Festival in CHiang Mai, and a CSR initiative where they will donate to local schoolchildren in Mae Sot, Tak province

Director-General of the Department of Energy Business (DOEB) said that Thailand has a fuel reserve enough for 103 days of consumption, which includes 1,504 million liters of commercial stock, 3,389 million liters of legal reserve, and 4,200 million liters in transit, along with 3,700 million liters secured by contract. He reported that Thailand produces around 35.28 million litres of gasoline daily from five key refineries – Bangchak, Bangchak Sriracha, IRPC, SPRC, and Thai Oil

Internal Trade Department data showed rising prices for fresh food items, particularly pork, chicken, and eggs

Some five-star hotels in Thailand are offering up to 70% off nightly rates to attract domestic tourists as international arrivals weaken due to travel disruptions from the Middle East conflict

Chief of Phanom Rung Historical Park reported that the number of daily visitors to the park had significantly declined to only a few hundred following the Thailand-Cambodia border clash, down from thousands in normal period. Visitor numbers usually peaked during the annual Visiting Phanom Rung event in early Apr, when it attracted 36,000 tourists in 2025. The event will be held from 3-5 Apr this year

The Juridical Training Institution (JTI) announced that it had cancelled its 10-day field trip for 26 Supreme Court judges from 22-31 Mar — covering France, Monaco, and Italy — following public backlash over costs and necessity. The institution previously noted that the contract for the tour had been signed on 18 Feb, before the cabinet resolution ordering state agencies to refrain from overseas trips. The Finance Ministry has authorized reimbursement for postponed or cancelled overseas trips

Deputy Government Spokesperson reported that Thailand participated at the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) from 17-20 Mar, featuring 38 companies across television, film production, and post-production services. She noted that 16 major producers from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and New Zealand expressed interest to shoot in Thailand in 2026 and 2027, with a projected investment of over 1.6 billion THB. The first out of two days of business matching saw 236 business meetings, generating immediate trade valued at 213.76 million THB. Government incentives — such as the up to 30% cash rebate — was reportedly a key actor in attracting foreign producers

Honorary Adviser to the Thai Wholesale and Retail Trade Association reported that consumer goods were already being affected by higher energy costs and government policies. Bottled palm oil is among the first items to see a price hike, affected by two key factors: government policies promoting biodiesel and rising packaging costs

Koh Samui authorities are investingating a construction permit forgery case involving at least 10 projects, potentially involving municipal staff and outsiders. A municipal legal officer said the first cases were detected in Oct 2025, involving one private construction project and one commercial building modification

The Federation of Thai Tourism Associations (FETTA) has advocated for stimulus projects worth 15 billion THB, including cash handouts to tourists. The Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta) noted that cancellation rates have grown over the past 3 weeks, and new bookings in Apr have slowed down. It is also calling for a scheme to promote domestic tourism and cross-provincial travel, with a budget of 3 billion THB for 1 million privileges, giving tourists 1,000 THB cash handout for a 2D1N trip visiting 1 province; 2,000 THB for a 3D2N trip to 2 provinces; and 3,000 THB for a 4D3N, 3 provinces trip. It also suggested a “One Hundred Tour Buses around Thailand” scheme, which would see a 10,000 THB support given for a 3D2N cross regional trip with 20 travellers, and a total aim of 1 million travellers. It is also recommending a 350,000 THB subsidy for charter flights to maintain tourism from key target markets, especially China. It also called on the government to restore confidence in fuel supplies so as not to deter international and domestic markets. ATTA will also bring forward its planned roadshow to Lanzhou and Urumqi in China, to stimulate new demand, as well as those roadshows in South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore and India

PM Anutin-led government signalled a proposal to integrate the Tourism and Sports Ministry with the Culture Ministry, aiming to align cultural promotion with tourism development

The Bank of Thailand warned that the Middle East conflict could potentially slow GDP growth below its 2% forecast for 2026

The Transport Ministry is moving forward with plans to develop new cruise terminals on the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Coast. The Ministry is planning to develop large-scale terminals capable of handling major international cruise ships under public-private partnership (PPP) models, with potential locations including Koh Samui, Phuket, and the upper Gulf of Thailand. The ministry is also preparing to compile development plans for Laem Chabang Port and other high-potential areas. The ministry held discussions with Royal Caribbean Group (RCG) to facilitate cruise operations in Thailand. RCG plans to bring over 45 cruise calls to Thailand in 2026, with an expected 120,000 international arrivals via cruise travel

TAT announced that Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2026 will be held at the NICE Pattaya Convention and Exhibition Centre from 10-12 Jun. TTM+ 2026 is expected to welcome over 400 Thai sellers and 400 international buyers from over 50 countries, generating over 11,000 pre-scheduled business meetings

TAT announced that the Thailand Tourism Festival (TTF) 2026 will take place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre from 25-29 Mar

Centara Hotels and Resorts has announced its expansion plans for 2026, including the openings of Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, Nepal (46 keys), its debut in Nepal; Centara Life Namba Hotel Osaka, Japan (300 keys); Centara Hotel & Residences Van Don, Vietnam (481 keys); Crystal Holidays Harbour Van Don, Vietnam (496 keys); and Centara Life Hotel Surat Thani, Thailand (110 keys). The group will also revamp and rebrand the Centara Grand Beach Resort Hua Hin and the Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi into its premium brand, Centara Reserve

Major consumer product manufacturers and distributors – including Unilever Thai Trading Co Ltd, Nestlé (Thai) Ltd, Saha Pathanapibul Plc, Berli Jucker Plc, F&N Dairies (Thailand) Ltd, Boonrawd Brewery Co Ltd – warned consumers of possible price hike in Apr due to the Middle East conflict disrupting oil supply chain, resulting in difficulty in sourcing raw materials, decreased packaging availability and rising prices, higher transport costs, and delivery delays

Kasikorn Research Centre (K-Research) expects the Thai baht to weaken to 34-35 to the USD if the Middle East conflict continues on for two months and pushed oil prices above 100 USD per barrel

Adviser to the Thai Transportation Operators Association said that rising fuel prices could affect the Songkran holiday in Apr, with many tourists expected to monitor fuel prices before booking trips. He added that some operators may be hesitant to launch new tour packages. The association is planning to discuss Songkran strategies with partners such as the Thai Hotels Association and the Association of Thai Travel Agents. President of the Kanchanaburi Chamber of Commerce said tourism during Songkran in Kanchanaburi is expected to be weaker. President of the Sriracha Koh Si Chang Tourism and Service Association said Si Racha and the wider Chon Buri area are likely to be less affected owing to their proximity to Bangkok and strong Songkran demand. Forward bookings are recorded at 60%, compared with around 70% during the same period in a normal year

PM Anutin dismissed concerns about fuel hoarding, saying that shortages are due to rising consumption driven by public anxiety rather than illegal stockpiling

Nearly 2,000 Hua Tong (long-tail) boat operators in Krabi are facing fuel shortages and a decline in passenger numbers due to oil supply chain disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict. Many boats remain docked due to engine fuel scarcity

President of the Thai Hotels Association warned that an oil shortage could impact Thai tourism harder than rising fuel prices. He noted that if petrol stations run out of fuel, travel plans would be thrown into chaos and tourists would be anxious about whether they could continue their journeys. He called on the government to urgently secure fuel supplies and provide clear communication about the domestic energy situation

TTA Mariner Co. (TMC) and MuvMi have launched a new electric boat taxi connecting 14 piers within Bangkok’s old town waterways. The fleet consists of eight electric boats, each accommodating up to six passengers. A free trial run is being held until mid-Apr, with standard fares to start at 35 THB following the trial’s conclusion

Khao Lak in Phangnga emerged as the hardest-hit area in the South following flight suspensions in relation to the Middle East conflict. Around 1,200 tourists currently remain in Khao Lak, down from 5,000 before the conflict. All are expected to be repatriated via special flights by Apr

The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced that China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Southeast Asian countries to address energy security issues due to the Middle East conflict. The Thai Finance Ministry is preparing measures to reduce fuel excise taxes, as well as a draft legislation to allow the Oil Fuel Fund to borrow more funds to stabilise domestic prices

Thailand announced a temporary freeze on diesel prices at 33 THB per litre

Grab Thailand has announced an incentive totalling 10 million THB to subsidise fuel costs per trip and runs for drivers from 18 Mar-1 Apr amid rising oil prices. Bolt Thailand has adjusted the bonus structure to focus on peak hours, allowing drivers to maximise earnings during the busiest periods and helps offset increased fuel consumption. Lalamove continues to provide benefits such as fuel vouchers and incentives

The Foreign Affairs Ministry is urging Thai nationals to leave risk areas in the Middle East, following escalating conflict between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. A total of 1,149 Thai nationals have been assisted in leaving the region since the outbreak of the conflict

Thailand’s Parliament voted on 19 Mar to appoint Anutin Charnvirakul as Prime Minister, receiving 293 of the 498 votes, surpassing the 249 needed to win a majority. A new cabinet will be appointed over the next few weeks

Malaysia’s Consul-General in Songhla advised Malaysians to postpone travel to Southern Thailand following the fuel shortage there. The Thai-ASEAN Halal Tourism Industry Association President said the fuel shortage is expected to last for 10 days from 16 Mar. She advised Malaysians to fully refuel their vehicles before crossing the border and refuel at Thai stations in early morning as an alternative

TAT is in talks with West Ham United about featuring the Amazing Thailand logo on the football club’s jerseys, as well as on LED screens and static billboards around the stadium. Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications at TAT also said they are considering inviting West Ham players to Thailand to produce promotional tourism content, although further details have yet to be confirmed. Additionally, British singer-songwriter Henry Moodie is joining the “Healing Journey Thailand” campaign, where he will share his experience of visiting Krabi and Trang in a special series to be aired on the AXN Asia platform

The Thai Yachting Business Association (TYBA) is rallying for a more user-friendly crew visa to support foreign operators better, following the Transport Ministry’s recent changes to the Thai Charter License for yachts. The ministry issued an announcement regarding the “Superyacht Commercial Operation in Thai Water” regulation, granting permission for yachts of 24m and larger, carrying no more than 12 passengers, to apply for the Thai Charter License to conduct commercial charter in Thailand. The rule previously applied to yachts 30m or more in length overall (from bow to stern). The association believes adopting a lower length overall (LOA) could double the number of foreign-flagged yachts to Thailand for superyacht charters

Traveloka reported that cruise bookings in Thailand have nearly tripled YoY, fuelled by the availability of new cruise products in the region, including Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Adventure, which began sailings from Singapore on 10 Mar. C9 Hotelworks Market Research’s NextGen Thai Travellers survey showed that 68% of next-generation Thai travellers prioritise family, while 53% said bonding with family and friends is a key motivation for leisure travel

The Thai Cabinet has asked the Tourism Ministry to expedite efforts in tackling nominee use in tourism businesses, including “zero-dollar tours”. The cabinet acknowledged recommendations from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and ordered the ministry to collaborate with relevant agencies such as the Finance, Commerce, Interior and Justice ministries. The NACC proposed the cabinet consider five areas regarding tourism businesses: addressing the problem of foreign operators using Thais as nominee shareholders to run tour and related tourism businesses; improving the efficiency of supervision and regulation of tour operators; enhancing the capacity of Thai tour guides and tackling illegal foreign guides; strengthening oversight of shops and establishments linked to tour companies; and promoting public participation in preventing and combating corruption

A National Statistical Office (NSO) survey showed: - 69.9% of respondents cite the high cost of living as their primary concern, followed by insufficient income relative to expenses (63.8%), household debt (43.1%), inadequate state welfare (25.4%), and declining agricultural prices (25.2%) - 50.5% urged swift government action to address livelihood issues and ease cost-of-living burdens, followed by job creation and income generation (10.8%), resolving household debt (9.1%), improving welfare and quality of life (5.8%), and combating corruption (5.1%) - Regarding debt issues, 44.2% said reducing living costs and preventing new debt should be the government’s first approach - 44% supported lowering interest rates for both formal and informal lending, while 42.2% stressed the need to increase incomes alongside debt restructuring. Other desired measures included providing low-interest loans for low-income earners (30.8%) and restructuring debt in line with borrowers’ repayment capacity (32.2%) - 80.9% of respondents expects the new government to prioritise transparency and accountability, followed by listening to public opinion (59.7%), making timely and effective decisions (46.7%), avoiding political manoeuvring in favour of the public interest (31%), and responding promptly to crises (29.8%) - 67.7% of respondents believes qualities, honesty, transparency and accountability as the most important attributes for cabinet ministers, followed by being free from illegal involvement (46.7%), having no criminal record (42.2%), possessing relevant expertise and experience (39%), and the ability to resolve issues effectively (31.6%) - 90.4% of respondents said ministerial qualifications are of high to the highest importance in national administration

Malaysia’s Consul-general in Songkhla advised Malaysians to postpone travel to Southern Thailand – such as Hat Yai and Songkhla – over the Hari Raya Aidilfitri holiday period following fuel shortages caused by panic buying amid the Middle East conflict

During AHICE Southeast Asia, which was held in Singapore, JLL Senior Vice-President for Advisory in Asia noted a shift in growth sectors in luxury hospitality from Singapore and Bangkok to emerging markets in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Hyatt Hotels Corporation’s Regional Vice-President for Development in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines said luxury travel is resilient and a prime segment for industrial growth. He added that they are seeing rapid growth in travellers from within and outside Asia. Mordor Intelligence reports the luxury Asia Pacific hotel market will generate around $37 billion USD in revenues by the end of 2026, up from $34 billion USD in 2025, and revenue will reach $58 billion USD over the next 5 years. 60% of Hyatt’s portfolio in the Asia Pacific is in the luxury premium segment, and they plan to open 90 luxury lifestyle properties. Vice-President for Development in Southeast Asia and Korea for IHG Hotels & Resorts said that based on statistics, 80% of luxury travellers are going to be millennials, Gen Z, or Gen Alpha by 2030

TAT hosted the Amazing Thailand Smile @ South Mega FAM Trip, inviting 25 key opinion leaders (KOL), influencers, and bloggers from Australia, New Zealand, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam to explore seven routes in Southern Thailand from 9-19 Mar. The routes were all anchored around Hat Yai, extending to Songkhla, Trang, Satun, and Phatthalung, with some itineraries also including Bangkok. The fam trip is expected to generate an estimated 500,000 impressions

President of the Krabi Hotel Association noted that higher airfares and rising energy prices are expected to affect tourist demand and operating expenses for hotels. There had been 3,500 room-night cancellations worth a total of 25 million THB as of 13 Mar, mostly from travellers who were planning on flying to Thailand via Middle Eastern airlines and from film crews. The Middle East conflict is expected to affect tourism in Mar, with average occupancy rate expected to fall from 95% to 80% or lower. Tourism is expected to remain subdued until the first week of Apr, before Songkran demand is expected to recover the occupancy rate to 90%, supported by domestic tourism

The Deputy PM and Finance Minister, along with energy officials and executives from major oil companies, held a press conference after a meeting of the Joint Management and Monitoring Centre for the Situation in the Middle East. The Energy Ministry confirmed that Thailand has a crude oil reserve enough to cover at least 96 days of domestic consumption. Major fuel providers – including PTT, Bangchak, PT, Shell, Susco, and Caltex – confirmed that service station supplies remain sufficient. PTT Public Company Limited has diversified its crude oil sources across the US, West Africa, and Latin America

Deputy PM and Transport Minister announced that the government will allow retail fuel prices to rise gradually from 18 Mar, but will heavily subsidise pump prices of standard diesel

Panic buying has caused widespread fuel exhaustion across five districts in Tak province

Thailand Week 2026 was held at the Activity Center of Ayala Center Cebu, the Philippines, from 12-15 Mar, under the theme “Songkran: Water Festival Celebrating the Thai New Year”. The event featured a variety of Thai products, cultural performances, Muay Thai demonstrations, business matching opportunities, and daily raffle prizes. It was organised by the Thai Trade Center (TTC) in Manila under the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce of Thailand

The House Speaker announced that the House of Representatives will meet on 19 Mar to vote for a new PM

TAT Director for Eastern Thailand said that European tour groups and tour agencies’ interest has shifted from Southern Thailand to Eastern Thailand destinations – such as Koh Chang and Koh Kut – which are seeing less impact from the Middle East conflict. TAT would promote the eastern islands during the Thailand Travel Mart in Jun. President of the Trat Tourism and Hotel Association said the number of European visitors had fallen sharply, according to tourism businesses in the South

Queues are seen at petrol stations in various provinces, including in Mae Sot district in Tak province, Suphan Buri, and Nakhon Sawan. Pump attendants in Bua Yai district, Nakhon Ratchasima province said they had run out of petrol and diesel on 15 Mar

The government is planning to evacuate more Thai nationals from Iran on 17 and 25 Mar

50,000 travellers are expected to pass through the Rantau Panjang Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security Complex (ICQS) at the Thailand-Malaysia border in the three days before and after Hari Raya Aidilfitri, especially Thai citizens working in Malaysia who are returning home. Rantau Panjang Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) has tightened checks at the border gates to prevent smuggling attempts of goods and fuel

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) warned the public of the dangers of heatstroke during the hot season. The Digital Disease Surveillance system showed there were 182 heat-related illness cases in 2025. DDC also said the Epidemiology Division’s surveillance system recorded 21 heat-related deaths in 2025

The House of Representatives has elected Bhumjaithai’s Sophon Zaram as House Speaker, with 289 votes out of 498 MPs. Bhumjaithai’s Mallika Jirapunvanit was appointed first deputy speaker, while Pheu Thai Party’s Lertsak Pattanachaikul was appointed second deputy speaker

The Tourism Ministry reported that Thailand has welcomed 7,489,983 international arrivals from 1 Jan-11 Mar, -4.4% YoY, attributed to the Middle East conflict. Thailand has recorded 368,172 million THB in tourism revenue. A total of 304,714 visitors from Europe and the Middle East visited Thailand during the period, -16% YoY. European arrivals declined by 14% YoY while Middle Eastern arrivals fell by 55% YoY

The Phangnga Hotel Association said the Middle East conflict has caused an estimated loss of nearly 1.7 billion THB for the province. Postponements and cancellations from European guests have increased 20% YoY. Over 90% of Phangnga’s visitors are Europeans

The Centre for Economic and Business Forecasting at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) forecasts three scenarios for the potential impact of the Middle East conflict: - First scenario: short-term conflict resolved quickly within a month – burden from increased energy costs would rise by 23.3 billion THB, export values would fall by up to 32.5 billion THB, tourism revenue would drop by nearly 9 billion THB, and GDP would fall by 0.35 percentage points - Second scenario: prolonged regional conflict lasting around three months, accompanied by Strait of Hormuz closure – burden from increased energy costs would rise by 80 billion THB, export values would fall by 97.5 billion THB, tourism revenue would drop by 20.8 billion THB, and GDP would fall by 1.07 percentage points. Economic impact would reach 198 billion THB, with total fiscal burden of 72.5 billion THB - Third scenario: wider and prolonged war without a clear end – burden from increased energy costs would rise by 203 billion THB, export values would fall by 195 billion THB, tourism revenue would drop by nearly 29.3 billion THB, and GDP would fall by 2.31 percentage points. Economic impact would surpass 427 billion THB

TAT plans to propose to the cabinet a stimulus package for short-haul and domestic markets to mitigate tourism impact from the Middle East conflict, through the government's existing Joint Management and Monitoring Centre for the Situation in the Middle East. The TAT Governor said there is still budget remaining from its previous "Summer Blast China & Overseas" charter flight scheme, with TAT planning to revise the scheme to include long-haul markets. TAT also plans to propose an incentive programme offering free domestic flights to foreign tourists with international flights, as well as a domestic co-payment tourism scheme. TAT has asked Airports of Thailand for flight slot adjustments to attract direct flights from Europe and other long-haul destinations, including via European or Middle Eastern airlines. TAT held a meeting with private operators to assess tourism impact from the conflict, with plans to establish a tourism “war room” in the future

TAT is preparing a special task force to monitor and manage the Middle East conflict. The task force will develop a Tourism Intelligence Dashboard to track key data, including flights, oil prices, operating costs, load factors, airline seat management and market sentiment. TAT is also preparing economic contingency plans for worst-case scenarios, including possible soft-loan schemes for tourism operators. TAT has discussed with Airports of Thailand (AOT) on reallocating flight slots returned by some airlines to other carriers that want to operate direct services to Thailand. TAT will expedite efforts to rebalance portfolio towards alternative markets, focusing on short-haul destinations and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Southern China, India, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan

The Immigration Bureau Spokesperson reported that a total of 870 foreigners have been interviewed over the past 13 days under heightened screening measures during the Middle East conflict, and that the bureau has denied entry to over 30 foreign nationals deemed suspicious. Those entering the country under the visa-free policy would be subject to stricter screening, including checks on travel plans, accommodation, and return itineraries

Deputy Permanent Secretary for Labour reported that 35 Thai workers have returned to Thailand, including 17 from Bahrain and 18 from Iran. Another 33 – 27 from Iran and 6 from Bahrain – are expected to arrive soon. Around 940 Thai workers in the Middle East have informed authorities that they want to return to Thailand. The Labour Ministry said they are ready to support returning workers upon arrival, including guiding them in claiming benefits from the Overseas Workers Assistance Fund

The Tourism Ministry reported that Thailand has welcomed 7,489,983 international tourist arrivals from 1 Jan-11 Mar, -4.4% YoY, attributed to the Middle East conflict. Combined arrivals from Europe and the Middle East fell to 304,714, -16% YoY. European arrivals dropped 14%, while arrivals from the Middle East dropped 55% to 7,490 visitors, of which 77% were Israelis. TAT is aiming to maintain momentum through promotional activities such as the Amazing Thailand Post-ITB Roadshow 2026 in Eastern Europe, beginning in Poznan, Poland. The roadshow targets “high-quality emerging markets” with an average stay of up to 14 days. The Permanent Secretary’s Office is also planning to launch a Mekong riverside tourism initiative across seven provinces – Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, and Ubon Ratchathani

Laguna Phuket is planning to develop a 2.5km walking trail connecting its six resorts, to be launched in phases throughout 2026. The trail will run across the 405-hectare resort area and connect parks, cultural spaces, wellness areas, and beachfront locations. The project is part of the resort’s wider efforts to integrate nature and visitor experiences

S Hotels & Resorts (SHR) reported a record normalised net profit of over 615 million THB in 2025. SHR also declared a dividend of 0.07 THB per share for 2025, its highest payment since listing. SHR CEO reported that the firm recorded RevPAR growth across all regions in 2025, driven by higher average daily rates and demand from high-spending travellers. The firm’s strategy for 2026 focuses on three areas – asset rotation, asset enhancement and brand development. SHR expects portfolio revenue per available room (RevPAR) to grow by 20%-25%, with EBITDA margins nearing 30% and the average cost of debt reduced by over 0.5%. The company has allocated around 3,000-3,500 million THB for investment in Thailand, focusing on upper upscale hotels and cluster management

The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) and Thailand’s International Air Ticket Agency Association (ITA) have joined the World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA). This admission is part of WTAAA’s expansion in the Asia Pacific region

Director-General of the Department of Business Development (DBD) reported that the department has begun enforcing measures to examine financial documents and the sources of investment funds from the start of 2026 in order to screen out illegal shareholding arrangements, causing registrations of companies in such a form to decline by 66% YoY. The department is aiming to introduce additional measures from 1 Apr to tackle nominee use, focusing on Thai shareholders so as not to affect foreign entrepreneurs who invest in and operate businesses in Thailand legally

The Energy Ministry clarified that the proposal to close petrol stations from 10pm is only a contingency plan for extreme crises, noting that all service stations nationwide are currently operating as usual

Chief Executive of Binance TH by Gulf Binance warned that the recently proposed “Travel Rule” to help combat money laundering should not be overly restrictive or it could “unintentionally undermine the open and decentralised nature of blockchain networks”. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said digital asset operators would be required to comply with the Travel Rule, a global standard aimed at strengthening anti-money laundering protection and prevent technology-enabled financial crime

TAT has strengthened its Trusted Thailand Partnership 360 strategy through high-level discussions with leading tourism stakeholders from China on 10 Mar, on the sidelines of the Amazing Thailand Mega Trade Meet in China 2026 in Shanghai. The TAT Governor and Senior Executives met with the Director of the Shanghai Administration of Culture and Tourism, major airlines such as China Eastern Airlines, Spring Airlines and Juneyao Air, as well as online travel platforms and tour operators, including Trip.com (Ctrip), Meituan, Tuniu, Tongcheng Travel, Fliggy (Alibaba Group), China Travel Service, JOYU Group, Shandong Ocean International Travel, Shanghai Huantai International Travel and Shanghai Jinjiang Tour. Under the 360 framework, both sides explored cooperation across aviation, marketing and product development, with discussions including increasing flight frequencies, opening new routes between Thailand and China, and implementing joint marketing initiatives with online travel agencies based on data-led insights into Chinese traveller behaviour. Other strategies include leveraging KOL and KOC campaigns in Chinese digital platforms, as well as developing experience-based tourism products and promoting emerging Thai destinations

Bangkok Pride announced that Thailand has passed the qualification screening and is now a formal candidate to host WorldPride in 2030, alongside Barcelona and London. The official bidding process and launching of the strategic roadmap for the event will take place at the InterPride General Meeting & World Conference (GM&WC) 2026 in Phuket in Oct

PM Anutin confirmed that the government coalition lineup has been finalised. Pheu Thai leaders have submitted the name of their candidate for the position of deputy House speaker to Bhumjaithai. PM Anutin said Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai would jointly nominate candidates for the House speaker and two deputies for parliamentary approval

Permanent Secretary of the Tourism Ministry reported that the ministry has been working with relevant agencies and embassies to facilitate and support tourists impacted by the Middle East conflict. Thailand has assisted 4,525 foreign tourists between 28 Feb-10 Mar. Most of the tourists are stranded due to airport or airspace closures. The Tourist Assistance Centre (TAC) located at five key airports – Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Krabi – supported 2,833 tourists, while 918 others were assisted through the Tourism Situation Monitoring Centre in Crisis (TSMC) via the 1672 hotline and 774 tourists through provincial tourism offices in 32 provinces

Thailand’s Middle East Situation Monitoring Center (SMC) reported that 381 Thai nationals have been evacuated from the region amid rising tensions

The Royal Thai Navy reported that a Thai-flagged bulk carrier – the Mayuree Naree, operated by Precious Shipping Plc – was struck by Iranian missiles near the Strait of Hormuz, with 20 Thai crew rescued by the Royal Navy of Oman and three still on board. The navy said the details and cause of attack are currently under investigation

Thailand’s new parliament will hold its opening ceremony on 14 Mar and is expected to hold its first meeting on 15 Mar to elect a speaker and deputy speaker. The House will likely vote on a candidate for PM on 19 Mar

PM Anutin instructed government agencies and state enterprises to implement work-from-home measures for those not responsible for essential public services and suspend planned overseas inspection and conference trips, aiming to reduce energy consumption amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. The Energy Ministry has also proposed other measures such as setting air-conditioning systems in government and private sector offices higher, at 26-27°C; urging employees to wear short-sleeved shirts without neckties, except during ceremonies; turning off unnecessary electrical appliances, reducing elevator, and photocopier use; and promoting online meetings. If the Middle East conflict worsens, the government proposes to dim billboard lighting and close petrol stations – except those on main highways – from 10pm. The Energy Minister said the price of E20 gasohol would be cut, to reduce consumption of petrol-based fuel. The government would also switch from using B5 diesel to B7

TAT, Netflix, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration launched the “Grand Line in Thailand” immersive fan event at Lumpini Park from 8-15 Mar to promote the premiere of ONE PIECE: Into the Grand Line on Netflix

UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, held its 2026 Asia-Pacific Conference from 5-6 Mar at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC). The event was hosted by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and gathered over 260 industry delegates

The Energy Minister said Thailand is not facing a fuel crisis related to the Middle East conflict, noting that supplies are being delivered gradually – according to schedule and available storage capacity –and there is no need for hoarding

Caretaker Finance Minister said the energy crisis highlighted an urgent need for adjustment in the industrial sector, as well as in the agricultural and service sectors. He said Thailand should turn the crisis into an opportunity, stating: “If we fail to accelerate investment – which takes time – particularly in clean energy such as solar power, we may miss the chance to achieve rapid growth”

The Thai Restaurant Association is urging the government to provide support amid the Middle East conflict, such as capping energy prices and freezing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices and establishing an energy fund for food sector SMEs. The association called for liquidity enhancement initiatives, such as low-interest loans, a temporary reduction in restaurant business tax, and a cut in restaurant license fees. The association also asked the Tourism Ministry to launch campaigns and stimulus programmes, such as promoting Thai food tourism, and launch an “Eat Thai Save Thai Economy” campaign

The Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta) projects that arrivals to Thailand from long-haul source markets could decline by as much as 50% in 2026 due to impacts from the Middle East conflict. Weekly arrivals from long-haul markets have fallen 13% due to flight disruptions, with arrivals from Europe and the Middle East declining by 18%. Overall weekly arrivals from 1-8 Mar fell by 9% WoW to 616,229 due to US-Israel’s attack on Iran on 28 Feb. The Honorary Secretary of Atta said even if tensions are resolved, tourists are likely to stay cautious about spending, as airfares are expected to remain high, especially for direct flights that bypass Middle East hubs. He noted that attracting more visitors from Asia could help offset the fall in European arrivals to some extent

Traveller Made, a luxury travel consortium, hosted the Essence of Phuket – Boho Sabai event on 2-6 Mar. The next edition of the event has been scheduled for 1-5 Mar 2027

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has deployed a network of 600 cooling spots at parks, BMA-run schools, vocational colleges, health centres, and 50 district offices, as well as 2,806 free drinking water points across all 50 districts to protect residents from the heat amid rising temperatures

Thailand plans to set up security fences to close off illegal waterway crossings along the border with Malaysia to prevent smuggling and other border crimes between Narathiwat (Thailand) and Kelantan (Malaysia). Malaysia has previously installed barbed wire fences and demolished illegal jetties at spots along the bank of the Golok river

The Tourism Ministry estimated that Thailand could potentially lose 40.9 billion THB in tourism revenue and 595,874 in foreign arrivals in the worst-case scenario where the Middle East airspace closure lasts for eight weeks or longer. Under the base-case scenario of a four-week airspace closure, the ministry estimated Thailand could lose 334,084 arrivals, comprising 265,645 tourists from Europe and 68,439 from the Middle East, with total loss of tourism revenue of 21.5 billion THB. In the best-case scenario where the Middle East airspace closure lasts for three weeks or less, Thailand could lose 210,973 arrivals, including 188,129 European tourists and 22,844 from the Middle East, with total revenue loss projected at 13.1 billion THB

PM Anutin has secured a 15-party alliance to form the new government. His new 36-member cabinet will allocate 26 ministerial positions for Bhumjaithai Party, 9 for Pheu Thai Party, and 1 for Palang Pracharath

The Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation, the Phuket Tourist Association, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), and TAT organised the “Phuket Roadshow to Paris 2026” on 26 Feb at Pavillon Wagram in Central Paris, aimed at strengthening Phuket’s image as a world-class destination and position the destination as a MICE hub for high-quality European travellers. Over 50 European travel companies attended business meetings during the event. The event also featured discussions with Air France to expand direct flights between Paris and Phuket

Koh Chang welcomed over 20,000 visitors over the recent weekend, despite ongoing Middle East conflict. The Director of TAT Trat Office said overall impact on tourism has been minimal, although some foreign tourists on the island have been affected by flight changes. Officials expect Trat tourism to grow by around 5% in 2026, partly driven by increased flight services

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is looking to “rebrand” its international image, moving beyond traditional tourism (beach, food, temples), into a modern, creative “Middle Power”. The ministry rebranded its “Thai Festival” programme in late 2025, with the new strategy employing a “40:60” framework, where 40% of event content is a "set menu" dictated by Bangkok to ensure brand consistency, while the remaining 60% is left to the discretion of local embassies to suit specific cultural contexts. The 2026 theme is “Creative Life and Creative Heartbeat”, aimed to highlight Thailand’s progress in areas often overlooked by tourists, such as social progress, contemporary media, sustainability, and innovation

The first group of Thai evacuees from Iran has arrived in Bangkok, comprising 29 domestic workers, university students, and children. Another group of 23 people were set to arrive in Bangkok on 10 Mar

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) has entered a strategic partnership with Grab to launch “The Premium Guest Transport Concierge Service, powered by Grab”, Thailand’s first premium ride concierge service. The service will be launched across 37 IHG properties nationwide. Director of Commercial at Grab Thailand said demand for premium ride services continues to grow, with bookings surging by 90% over the past year, especially among foreign tourists and business travellers

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Thais in high-risk areas to consider leaving as soon as possible and to register their details with the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate-General in their area. A group of 62 Thais from Tehran and Qom left Iran on the morning of 7 Mar, and was expected to arrive in Turkey the same day, while another group is set to depart on 10 Mar. The Royal Thai Embassy in Riyadh and the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Jeddah have coordinated with Thai embassies in neighbouring countries to bring Thai nationals into Saudi Arabia before they travel back to Thailand. A total of 215 nationals in the Middle East have been aided to return to Thailand so far

Phuket Airport Director defended the newly installed signs banning drivers from waiting or activating ride‑hailing apps in front of the terminal, following online criticism that they restrict passengers’ transport options. He said the signs would help regulate public transport services within the airport and prevent unauthorised vehicles waiting near the terminal or offering services outside the designated zones

President of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) said that Thailand’s tourism sector had been affected by the Middle East conflict and was facing severe volatility in terms of travel costs and tourist numbers. TCT forecasts foreign tourist arrivals to drop by no less than 300,000 in Mar alone, if the situation continues for one month, with an estimated 300 billion THB in lost revenue

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) urged passengers planning to travel between Asia and Europe to plan their trips in advance to get reasonable ticket prices, amid the Middle East conflict driving demand for the limited number of direct flights

The Transport Ministry has capped public transport fares amid threats of rising global energy prices due to the Middle East conflict. The ministry has set up a “war room” to track developments and monitor transport operators nationwide to ensure fares and freight charges are within the legally permitted limits

Executive of Boonsiri High-Speed Ferries, operating Koh Kood-Koh Mak services, said that a “mere one-baht (per litre) increase in fuel prices immediately adds a huge cost burden”, adding that the company uses 4,000-5,000 litres of fuel daily. Passenger ferries consume about 600 litres per trip, or 1,200 litres for a round trip. Owner of a Bangkok-Trat minibus operator said their services use about 70,000 litres of fuel per month, or 2,300 litres per day

Petrol stations in Pai District, Mae Hong Son Province, ran out of fuel amid panic buying and reports of fuel stockpiling for transport across the border into Myanmar. Over 10,000 foreign tourists in Pai have been affected, as many are unable to travel to tourist attractions or obtain fuel for return journeys to Chiang Mai

Tomorrowland Thailand has officially begun ticket sales. The TAT Governor reported that they are seeing “unprecedented volumes of interest from over 110 countries, including numerous emerging source markets”. Tomorrowland spokesperson said that current registration data showed strong domestic demand, as well as from short-haul markets like Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, China, and India. Long-haul traction is also seen from Belgium, Germany, the US, Brazil, and the Middle East. All travel packages, which include accommodation and transportation, are sold out, with only festival packages available

The Tourism Ministry reported that Thailand has welcomed 6,541,710 international arrivals in Jan-Feb, -4.2% YoY. Revenue from international markets reached 322,595 million THB, -0.6% YoY. China was the top source market with 1,078,089 visitors, supported by the Chinese New Year period in Feb, where daily arrivals peaked at around 30,000 before easing to around 14,000 per day. It is followed by Malaysia (616,835), Russia (504,756), India (417,114), South Korea (312,689), the UK (242,711), Germany (235,158), France (234,158), the US (221,722), and Taiwan (211,831). In Feb alone, Thailand recorded 3,263,802 international arrivals, +4.63% YoY. China was the top source market (677,768 arrivals), followed by Malaysia (313,506), Russia (231,797), India (185,930), South Korea (144,467), France (120,047), Germany (119,458), Japan (116,776), the UK (114,136), and Taiwan (112,599)

TAT launched the Balkans Roadshow 2026 in Belgrade on 21 Feb, connecting 15 Thai tourism suppliers with 18 regional buyers. The roadshow will also be held in Cluj-Napoca, Bucharest, and Sofia

President of the Khao San Road Business Association believes the Middle East conflict would hit Thailand’s tourism sector, projecting that “tourism arrivals this year could dip even more severely than last year”. He noted that in the medium to long term, tourists are likely to choose destinations closer to home or within their region rather than long-haul. He added that Thailand’s tourism would be affected in Q2-Q3, including during the Songkran holiday, if the tension is prolonged. Around 80% of Khao San visitors are Europeans, while the rest are from Asia. President of the Eastern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association said most guests from long-haul destinations decided to delay their trips to Pattaya instead of cancelling. She said the Middle East conflict has not had a significant impact on Pattaya, as markets like India, China, and Russia are still able to visit through direct flights. TAT set a target of 11.6 million arrivals from long-haul markets in 2025, out of the total 36.7 million target

Caretaker Tourism Minister said that airspace closures due to the Middle East conflict has significant consequences for European markets, which regained strong momentum in 2025. Preliminary forecast by the TAT shows that the worst-case scenario would involve a potential decrease of 25% in foreign visitor arrivals, from the 2026 target of 36.7 million to only between 27-29 million. The base-case scenario, if the war ends within three months, would see an 18% decline to 30-31 million foreign arrivals, while the best-case scenario, if tensions subside in two to four weeks, would see a 2% decline. TAT is focusing on diversifying promotional efforts into unaffected markets, aiming to maintain arrival flows during the Easter and Songkran holidays in Apr

PM Anutin said that there is no need to stockpile fuel as prices would be capped for the next 15 days. The Energy Ministry would use the Oil Fuel Fund to stabilise diesel and petrol prices amid rising global oil prices due to the Middle East conflict. PTT, Bangchak, and PT said that they would not raise fuel prices as they had sufficient stocks, while Shell and Caltex cancelled the price hike they had announced the day before

Long queues were seen at gas stations along Vibhavadi Rangsit Road in Bangkok as motorists rushed to fill their tanks amid concerns of fuel price hikes due to the Middle East conflict

The Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park and the Andaman Natural Resources Conservation Foundation has launched the “Save Maya, Save Pakarang” project, aiming to promote sustainable tourism and protect marine biodiversity across the Andaman Sea, particularly May Bay. Activities include planting coastal trees to rehabilitate shoreline, beach and underwater cleanups, as well as wider ecosystem restoration initiatives to improve the health of coral reefs and surrounding marine habitats

The Thai Exhibition Association (TEA) has published its MICE Masterplan 2026-2027, aiming to boost Thailand’s global standings through digital transformation and sustainability. TEA will host the Thailand MICE X-Change 2026 (TMX 2026), on 29-30 Apr at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. The expo expects to attract 4,000 delegates and 100 exhibitors, facilitating over 360 business meetings

Thailand will open registration on 5 Mar for Thai nationals looking to leave from the Middle East, with the first groups expected to depart on 7 and 10 Mar. The Labour Ministry reported that no Thais have been injured or killed since the conflict began, noting that around 300 Thais in high-risk areas, mostly residing in Iran, have expressed desire to return home. Of those, 50 are registered workers. The government is preparing two channels: state-to-state repatriation, with the responsibility for costs under consideration, and travel organised by labour recruitment agencies, which will fully cover expenses. Around 28,000 Thai workers are residing in Israel, with around 50 requesting to return

The Immigration Bureau will waive overstay fines for foreign nationals stranded due to airspace closures related to the Middle East conflict, provided they can show onward travel plans. Those wishing to remain temporarily in Thailand may apply for a 30-day extension with certification from their embassy. The Bureau also outlined 10 other measures: • Request airlines to ensure passengers complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online prior to check-in • Deploy full staffing at all immigration counters during peak arrival times, based on advance flight schedules • Assign officers to manage congestion at immigration hall entrances and distribute passenger flow more evenly • Provide priority lanes for vulnerable groups, including children under 120cm in height, the elderly, persons with disabilities, pregnant women and foreign families travelling with Thai nationals • Designate specific areas for cancelling departure stamps in cases of sudden flight cancellations, to prevent mixing with regular arriving passengers. • Require airlines to coordinate closely with immigration officers for passengers with urgent domestic connections. • Work with Airports of Thailand (AOT) to manage flight slot allocations and reduce clustering of arrivals • Accelerate the use of Automatic Border Control (ABC) systems for eligible foreign travellers • Intensify screening of individuals who may pose security risks liked to unrest in the Middle East, in coordination with security and intelligence agencies