Thailand

The annual Pattaya Flowing Day, or Wan Lai, was held on 19 Apr

President of the Thai Hotels Association (THA) expects occupancy rate in Pattaya to reach 70% this weekend during Wan Lai, or the late Songkran celebration, which is being held from 16-21 Apr in many areas, including Bang Saen, Na Kluea, and at major shopping malls in Pattaya. Occupancy rate is expected to drop from the over 90% recorded during the peak Songkran travel period of 14-13 Apr. The THA President also expects hotels to receive many last-minute bookings during this weekend. She added that a lot of visitors for Wan Lai are young travellers from the area and surrounding provinces, opting for daytrips or overnight at budget hotels. She said that even second-tier provinces in the region like Chanthaburi are seeing many tourists for its Wan Lai events. She stated: “Despite a sluggish economy, domestic tourists are still allocating a travel budget and visiting Pattaya because of various activities and accommodation options, including several budget choices”. She noted that families that are repeat guests of 4- and 5-star hotels already checked out following the end of major Songkran events. She said most hotels were fully operational during the long holiday, including those focusing on large tour groups, but noted that average daily room in Pattaya is still lower compared to 2019. She estimates revenue to be around 80% of pre-pandemic levels, attributed to a slow recovery of flights. She criticised the government’s promotion of the 21-day Songkran Festival, saying that it did not have an effective strategy and did not successfully attract a lot of tourists

The New York Legislative Assembly adopted a resolution designating Songkran as an important cultural event for the Asian-American community in the state. In the resolution, it is noted that Songkran is not only celebrated in Thailand, but also in Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, as well as among minorities in Vietnam, China’s Yunnan province and in Sri Lanka

A consortium of Phuket companies, PKCD, and the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation to launch a free air-conditioned electric bus service in Phuket Town from 9 May. The service is operated by Smart Bus EV and will operate every day as a trial period. The bus will run along a circular route every 30 minutes, and features 16 stops

TAT to launch the month-long Nihao Festival in Oct on Yaowarat Road in Bangkok’s Chinatown, aiming to attract Chinese tourists during China’s National Day Golden Week. TAT also plans to urge tour operators to offer deals and promotions for Chinese visitors throughout Oct

Head of the Central Restaurants Group forecasts the restaurant market in Thailand to grow by 5%-7% in 2024, reaching a value of around 480 billion THB. He noted several challenges such as rising household debt and expenses, like logistics, as well as China’s economic situation, geopolitical tension and economic uncertainties related to key trading partners, such as the US, and the ongoing elections in Russia and India. He outlined three emerging trends in the restaurant industry, including: • A shift back to traditional sales channels – 30% of the company’s sales during the pandemic came from delivery channels, but it has now declined to 20% • A noticeable change in customer preferences – there is an increasing demand for unique culinary experiences and more premium dishes, as well as a change in dining habit, with many restaurants now catering to late-night diners • A shift in customer demographic – restaurants need to devise new strategies as family sizes reduce and single-person households become more common • Technology has started to play a key role – many establishments now use tech solutions to streamline order taking, whether at the table, counter, or via a kiosk, and also to facilitate contactless payments

PM Thavisin met with a group of Middle Eastern and Chinese companies, including Emaar Group, Broad Group and Vatone Group, to discuss plans to “build the world’s tallest building in Thailand”. Emaar is the company behind Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world. Founder of Emaar said that the project would not be developed by the company, but by a group of investors that includes him in a personal capacity. The project, which is proposed to be located in Bangkok, will include a department store, offices, a financial hub, a hotel, and an entertainment centre

TAT and Klook signed a Letter of Intent of Strategic Partnership to strengthen cooperation on promoting and developing quality tourism experiences in Thailand. The two parties agreed to increase awareness and travel demand to Thailand, utilise Thai soft power to promote meaningful travel experiences in primary and secondary cities, strengthen efforts on promoting sustainable and community tourism, and adopt digital transformation to boost Thai tourism industry. Both sides also agreed to collaborate on forging partnerships with major ticketed festivals in Thailand, in order to offer an integrated booking experience, with an extension to in-destination services such as accommodation, curated experiences, and local attractions. Klook currently offers nearly 1,700 experiences and over 10,000 packages in Thailand, with the number expected to rise by 20% in 2024, including curated experiences in line with the Thai five soft power

PM Thavisin to visit Phuket on 19 Apr to receive a briefing at Phuket International Airport on ongoing traffic improvement projects, as well as inspecting the construction sites of the Airport Connection Bridge, Sarasin Bridge, and the overpass project at the intersection of Highway No. 402 and Highway No. 4027

President of the Southern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association believes that conflict in the Middle East would not affect Phuket’s hotels in Q2, as it is the low season for long-haul markets. Tourists from the Middle East are expected to come to Phuket again during the rainy season in Jul-Aug

A “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire”-themed attraction has been opened at Columbia Pictures Aquaverse in Pattaya, featuring Ghostbusters-themed bumper cars, complete with projection mapping for visual effects throughout the ride

Deputy PM announced that Thailand has submitted an application to join as a member of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), with the majority of OECD member countries supporting the application. The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) estimates that joining OECD could increase Thailand’s GDP by 1.6% or 200 billion THB

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) reported that the upper region of Thailand is experiencing extremely hot weather due to a low-pressure area from intense heat, with could likely lead to afternoon thunderstorms

Chief of the Phuket Irrigation Office reported that the water levels in the province’s three main reservoirs are enough to last until end-May, noting that there “will be no problem” as rainfall is expected in May

Phuket Mayor stated that the Phuket Municipality has sent a letter to the PM requesting to become a special administrative organisation, in order to make Phuket’s administrative system more flexible to expedite the resolution of problems and increase urban development opportunities to compete with major tourist cities around the world. PM Thavisin said that he had not received the proposal yet, but will consider it and gather opinions from all sectors once he does. The proposal includes enacting 17 more laws to manage the city in an integrated manner, including laws on tourism and travel guides, as well as immigration. Under the plan, the structure and administration of Phuket City will be under the supervision of the Phuket Special City Supervisory Committee, which reports directly to the Cabinet

Director-General of the Revenue Department said that the deparment has increased its revenue collection target to 2.27 trillion THB for FY2024, +3% from 2.02 trillion in FY2023. The increase is in line with the National Economic and Social Development Council’s GDP growth estimate of 2.7% and the Fiscal Policy Office’s estimate of 2.8%. Tax collection reached 766 billion THB from Oct 2023-Feb 2024, +1.6% YoY. The Revenue Department listed several sectors with growth potential, including tourism-related sectors, which are expected to grow owing to government policies such as visa exemptions

A delegation of Phuket officials went on a 3-day visit to Chengdu in China to explore potential collaborations in tourism, trade, and investment. The delegation was led by the President of the Phuket Chamber of Commerce and includes the Commander of the Phuket Provincial Police and the Phuket Vice Governor, among others. One of the discussions include the application of drones to tackle various issues in Phuket, such as traffic management and tourist assistance

Deputy Transport Minister revealed that the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) expects the last two out of 14 construction contracts for the first phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed railway, which connects Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima, to be signed soon. The contract covering the 9.9 billion THB Ban Pho–Phra Kaeo section in Ayutthaya is expected to be signed after a heritage impact assessment (HIA) report on the proposed Ayutthaya station is completed. The Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy expects to submit the HIA report to UNESCO within Apr. The other contract covers the Bang Sue-Don Mueang section in Bangkok, of which the initial design is connected to the high-speed railway linking the Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports. Construction for the railway has not started as Asia Era One Company, who holds the concession, is seeking to renegotiate some terms of its contract. The Board of Investment (BoI) is expected to approve the contract by 22 May. If not approved, the government need to find another solution, such as for SRT to solely invest in the Bang Sue-Don Mueang section. Final decision by SRT is expected in end-May

True Corporation’s Mobility Data has shown that around 19% of Bangkok residents travelled during the Songkran holiday from 13-15 Apr, with the top destination provinces including Buriram, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Si Sa Ket, and Khon Kaen. Some of the most crowded areas at night during Songkran events include Songkran Midnight at Khaow Tiphya Road in Chanthaburi, Khao San Road in Bangkok, and Patong Beach in Phuket on 13 Apr; Siam Songkran Music Festival and Summerland Water Fest at RCA in Bangkok, ICON SIAM in Bangkok, S2O Songkran Music Festival at Live Park Rama 9 in Bangkok and Bangkok's Old City Songkran at Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya on 15 Apr; Pre-Sand Pagoda Ceremony at Bang Saen in Chonburi, Pak Chong at Mitr Phap Road in Nakhon Ratchasima, and Khaow Hang Road in Sakon Nakhon on 16 Apr. Bangkok was the top province with the highest data usage during the Songkran Festival, followed by Chonburi, Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, and Nonthaburi

The government spokesperson said that Thailand and New Zealand will strengthen strategic partnership in 2026 to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties, with increased cooperation in various areas of mutual interest, including tourism, culture, security, trade and investment, science and technology, and closer people-to-people ties. Thailand and New Zealand also agreed to prioritise visa facilitation and the resumption of direct flights, with the goal of attracting 100,000 tourists from New Zealand to Thailand and 40,000 tourists from Thailand to New Zealand by 2025. Thai Aviation Industries Co Ltd and New Zealand’s NZSkydive Limited signed an MoU on supply, repair, and maintenance support

Thailand hopes to sign a tourism deal within 2024 with the Philippines to push the “Two Countries, One Destination” initiative. The Thai Ambassador to the Philippines revealed that stakeholders are in talks for a possible direct Cebu-Phuket flight

The Thai Cabinet has approved the permanent visa exemption for tourists from Kazakhstan

TAT reported that the “Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024”, held at Sanam Luang and Ratchadamnoen Avenue on 11-15 Apr, attracted over 780,000 visitors, including around 81,000 foreign tourists, and generated around 2.8 billion THB, including around 742 million THB in tax revenue

Highway police in Nakhon Ratchasima opened an extra lane for reversing traffic near kilometre 40 in Pak Chong district to ease traffic flow after congestion worsened since the night of 15 Apr, one day before the end of the Songkran holiday period

Officers at Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya reported a surge of tourists during the Songkran holiday period, with 41,708 passengers embarking on island trips from 12-15 Apr, including 8,102 passengers across 42 ferry services on 12 Apr; 16,885 passengers across 87 ferry services on 13 Apr; 7,462 passengers across 36 ferry services on 14 Apr; and 9,259 passengers across 48 ferry services on 15 Apr. The total number of visitors is expected to reach 120,000 when accounting for speedboat trips

Chiang Mai Zoo reopened its aquarium on 1 Apr after being closed in 2023 for a 29-million-THB renovation. The Director-General of the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand (ZPO) expects a 10% increase in aquarium income from admission fees following the reopening. ZPO plans to provide an additional 1 million THB budget to the aquarium for sourcing more marine species

The Deputy Finance Minister said that a super app is being developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) and the Digital Government Development Agency (DGA) to be used for digital-based policies, including the 10,000 THB digital wallet scheme. The app will work in sync with existing mobile banking apps on users’ phone

The Tourism Ministry reported that Thailand has welcomed 10,723,953 international arrivals as of 14 Apr, +140% YoY, generating an income of 518 billion THB. China was the top source market with over 2 million visitors, followed by Malaysia (1.39 million), Russia (695,624), South Korea (619,186), and India (546,935). Thailand welcomed 735,802 international arrivals from 8-14 Apr, +19% WoW, with an average of 105,115 visitors per dat. Malaysia was the top source market during the period with 150,390 visitors, followed by China (148,653), India (36,056), Russia (34,671), and South Korea (30,427)

The Transport Ministry reported that there were 15,035,465 trips made during the Songkran holiday from 11-16 Apr, +7.92% YoY. A total of 485,323 people travelled by rail, 543,017 by air, and 822,725 by road. There were 13,877,651 vehicles departing and entering Bangkok during the period. A total of 1,811 accidents were recorded during the period, -9.2% YoY, with 1,837 injured people and 243 deaths, down from 2,005 and 223, respectively, in 2023. Motorcycles were the top vehicle type involved in accidents at 684, followed by four-wheel pickup trucks (608 accidents), private vehicles (517), lorries with over 10 wheels (47), six-wheel lorries (39) and tuk-tuks (33)

The Department of Rail Transport recorded 6.55 million train passengers in and around Bangkok, as well as to/from Bangkok, during the 6-day Songkran period, +21.22% YoY. A total of 6,071,358 passengers used electric trains in Bangkok on the Green, Blue, Gold, Yellow, Pink, Red and Purple lines, and the Airport Link, whilst 485,323 used State Railway of Thailand services. There were 793,018 train passengers on 16 Apr alone, the last day of the holiday, -10.55% compared to early projections

President of Transport Company Ltd reported that there were 99,995 public bus and van passengers during the Songkran holiday on 15-17 Apr, across over 6,689 trips

Herbalife Asia Pacific Extravaganza 2024 to be held in Bangkok’s IMPACT Arena from 9-12 May, expected to attract 25,000 participants. Money 20/20 to be held at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC) and is expected to attract around 4,000 participants. Both events were held in Singapore in previous years, but is now moved to Thailand. QSNCC will also hold FIFA Congress 2024 on 17 May, expected to welcome 1,300 participants, as well as the 32nd Congress of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis from 22-26 Jun, expected to welcome 7,000 participants. IMPACT Arena will host the Bangkok for the Global Leadership and Innovation Conference 2024 in Oct, with the expected participation of 20,000 Unicity delegates. China’s Infinitus will hold its annual event in Thailand in Noong Nooch, Pattaya, from 12-19 May, expected to attract 3,500 delegates

The Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4 Forward Command and the Southern Border Provinces People’s Assembly co-hosted the 2024 Melayu Raya Event on 13 Apr at Wasukri Beach in Pattani, attracting over 8,000 youths from southern provinces

TAT reported that the “Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024”, held at Sanam Luang and Ratchadamnoen Avenue in Bangkok on 11-15 Apr, attracted 784,883 visitors, including 693,288 locals and 91,595 international visitors. The event’s occupancy rate was 3.94%. It generated over 2.88 billion THB in economic activity, including 742 million THB in tax revenue. Of the local visitors, 72.18% were from Bangkok, 22.28% were from surrounding provinces, whilst 5.54% were from other provinces. Shops within the event recorded a sales value of 9.33 million THB, with the OTOP zone generating 7.29 million THB, the soft power zone recording 1.9 million THB, the food trucks generating 1.29 million THB, restaurants generating 640,476 THB, and the retro activity zone generating 101,160 THB. Over 500 small vendors outside the event reported additional revenue during the event. The event reportedly benefitted over 2,000 people in the service industry through job creation and an increase in income. TAT’s survey of the event found out that: • Main information sources for the event was online media (62.88%), followed by word of mouth (12.75%) and television (10.72%) • Thai visitors expressed a high level of satisfaction at 4.2622 whilst international tourist satisfaction was at 4.2485 • Shopkeepers expressed a satisfaction level of 4.4557 for stores within the event and 4.5357 for stores outside the event • Satisfaction for the parade was rated 4.2666 • 57.34% of participants were aware of Songkran Festival’s designation as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage

A fire broke out on a sightseeing boat on the Chao Phraya River in Ayutthaya. The boat was carrying 24 tourists, including 5 children, as well as two crew members. All passengers and crew members were successfully evacuated

Meliá Hotels International expands partnership with Asset World Corporation (AWC) to launch two new properties, namely Meliá Pattaya City and Paradisus Jomtien Resort, the first Paradisus-branded property in the region

Tourism operators expressed mixed opinions in response to calls for elected provincial governors to replace appointed governors. Local communities in Chiang Mai recently criticised the performance of appointed governors in handling the hazardous smog in the North on social media. President of the Association of Thai Travel Agents believes that provincial governors should play a greater role in developing local economies, especially tourism, as well as tackling issues regarding tourist safety. He expressed agreement “with locals who want provincial governors to be elected”, adding that “elected governors won't be afraid to get their hands dirty if they know constituents gave them the authority, unlike appointed governors who still have to consider their career path”. Board Advisor for the Thai Hotels Association’s Northern Chapter said appointed governors can still play a key role in the provinces as they are directly connected with the national government and will balance the local administrative power of the elected municipal mayor and the president of the provincial administrative organisation (PAO). She added that some provinces might not have appropriate local candidates who know the strengths and weaknesses of their areas

PM Thavisin addressed the rumours about cabinet reshuffling, stating that if there were to be changes, discussions would be needed and would involve a number of parties, such as the Secretary-General of the Prime Minister, the leader of the coalition party, and the leader of the Pheu Thai Party. Discussions is expected to take place immediately after the Songkran holiday. He also said that many problems have not been solved satisfactorily in the last 7 months since he’s taken office. He noted that tourism numbers have increased by 140% vs normal days since 12 Apr for Songkran. He expressed confidence that tourist arrivals will hit 39.4 million in 2024 due to the visa exemption for several markets, the easing of checks on tourists, and the resolution of problems with unlicensed tour guides and cab drivers

The Thailand Culinary Image Assessment and Michelin Guide Thailand 2023 survey has shown that: • Japan is the top destination for food tourism (56%, up from 54% in 2022), followed by Thailand (44%, up from 38%); China (30%, up from 24%); South Korea (28%, down from 29%); and Hong Kong (27%, up from 25%) • Awareness of the Michelin Guide for restaurants and accommodations among foreign tourists remained at 76%, whilst awareness of the Michelin Guide Thailand increased to 18% in 2023, from 16% in 2022 • The Michelin Guide influenced travel destination choices of 62% of respondents, same as in 2022 • Overall satisfaction of foreign tourists who dine at Michelin-rated restaurants remained at 95% • 85% of foreign tourists who dine at Michelin-rated restaurants shared their dining experiences online, up from 83% in 2022 • 92% of foreign tourists who dine at Michelin-rated restaurants expressed willingness to revisit Michelin-rated restaurants, down from 93% in 2022 • 97% of foreign tourists who dine at Michelin-rated restaurants recommended these restaurants to others, down from 98% in 2022 • 95% of foreign tourists who dine at Michelin-rated restaurants tried dining at other Michelin-rated restaurants in Thailand, up from 94% in 2022 • 97% of foreign tourists who dine at Michelin-rated restaurants recommended Thailand as a culinary tourism destination, unchanged from 2022 • 40% were aware of the Michelin Guide Thailand project in 2023, and 11% or 1.86 million people, said the guide influenced their decision to visit Thailand • Additional revenue from food expenditure by foreign tourists as a result from the Michelin Guide Thailand project was approximately 262.99 million THB in 2023, up from 223.34 million THB in 2022 • Awareness of Michelin Guide the Michelin Guide for restaurants and accommodations among Thai tourists decreased to 58%, from 78% in 2022, whilst awareness of the Michelin Guide Thailand decreased to 46%, from 61% in 2022 • Overall satisfaction of Thai tourists who dine at Michelin-rated restaurants increased to 92%, from 91% in 2022

The National Soft Power Strategy Committee of Thailand aims to transform traditional events into world-renowned festivals, through research and festival organisation training. Vice President of the Committee stressed the need for better management of Thai attractions and proposed that each province should establish its own soft power committee responsible for creating unique city festivals. The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) President revealed that TCEB aims to support over 30 large events and festivals in FY2024, expected to attract around 2.3 million visitors and generate over 3.6 billion THB. Upcoming events include the Money 20/20 Expo in Bangkok in Apr, the Mango Art Festival in Bangkok in May, and the Isan Creative Festival in Khon Kaen from 29 Jun-7 Jul

The government spokesperson advised Thai nationals in Israel to “comply with safety guidelines issued by Israel” and to “follow announcements by local authorities and keep contact with the Thai embassy in case of emergencies”

The Phuket Marine Office reported that over 2,500 passengers departed Chalong Pier on 13 Apr across 119 boat trips from the pier and 36 from the marina area, for activities such as sailing, snorkelling, fishing, or sunset-watching. Koh Hei and Koh Racha were the most popular destinations, with most passengers being foreign tourists. There were a total of 379 outbound boat trips from Phuket piers on 13 Apr, carrying 11,637 passengers, +25% YoY. The number of passengers is expected to increase by around 1,000 on 14 Apr

The Transport Ministry recorded 5.63 million travellers on public transports nationwide during the Songkran period on 11-12 Apr, +0.99% YoY. Rail transportation was the most popular, with a market share of 45.4%. The central region recorded 91,442 flights, the highest number of air travellers. The northeast region saw the most travellers using land transport with 80,679 passengers, followed by the south (69,534), the north (49,728), and the east (40,671). Bangkok’s 10 main highways saw 2.21 million vehicles, +4.71% YoY. Bangkok’s motorways recorded 2.98 million vehicles, -4.62% YoY. The Transport Minister said that there were four additional train routes to serve the northern and northeastern routs, with extra carriages to accommodate the expected 100,000 passengers per day

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) reported that only three provinces in the North and the Northeast recorded red (seriously harmful) levels of PM2.5 matter on the morning of 14 Apr, namely Mae Hong Son, Nakhon Phanom, and Mukdahan. Orange (initially unsafe) levels of PM2.5 were recorded in 29 other provinces in the North and the Northeast. Central Plain, East and South provinces recorded moderate to good air quality

The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) expects 140-200 billion THB to circulate in Thailand during the Songkran Festival, of which 11.8 billion THB is expected to come from foreign visitors. An estimated 129 billion THB is expected to come from Thais, stimulating economic growth by 2.9%

The National Security Council (NSC) expressed concern that the exemption of the TM.6 immigration forms at land and sea border checkpoints could allow foreign criminals to enter Thailand. NSC suggested the use of the Foreign Ministry’s electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system for foreign tourists to register their information electronically regarding their stay in Thailand

The Meteorological Department expects temperature to reach to up to 41°C in the coming days, and warned the public to avoid staying outdoors for too long

Ao Nang’s Tambon Administration Organisation (TAO) said that it is considering either having a pipeline bring water from the mainland to the Phi Phi Islands or producing fresh water from the sea, amid a freshwater shortage due to the water reserve of Water Hill Company Limited – the private company that provides tap water for households, businesses, restaurants, hotels and resorts on the Phi Phi Islands – running out of water. President of the TAO said that it had received a budget to explore the two options. Large hotels, resorts and businesses on the islands remained unaffected from the water shortage as they had their own artesian wells

Hat Yai district in Songkhla expects to welcome around 100,000 Malaysian tourists this weekend during the Songkran Festival

PM Thavisin expressed readiness to upgrade Thailand and Vietnam’s relationship to a “comprehensive strategic partnership” soon. The two countries also plan to collaborate on advancing the ACMECS for inclusive and sustainable development in the Mekong sub-region

The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) reported that tourism confidence index stood at 81 in Q1 2024, lower than the standard of 100, attributed to lower revenue for tourism operators and deflation risks. The figure is an improvement from 77 in Q4 2023 and 74 in Q1 2023. TCT President noted that the high season in Q1 led to an increase in tourism confidence from Q4 2023. Total international arrivals reached 9.4 million in Q1 2024, up from 8.1 million in Q4 2023. Tourism confidence was hampered by deflation risks slowing domestic demand, delays to FY2024 budget disbursement, and a high household debt-to-GDP ratio. Southern provinces secured the highest confidence index at 86. TCT also reported that tourism revenue reached 53% of 2019 level, down from 58% in Q4 2023 due to ongoing deflation. Hotel occupancy nationwide stood at 60%. Hotel businesses recorded the highest revenue recovery at 59% of 2019 levels, followed by the souvenir and spa business at 45% of 2019 levels. The northern region recorded the lowest sentiment at 85, compared with an average of 92. TCT forecasts the index to rise to 83 in Q2 due to the 21-day Songkran celebration, school holiday, and the FY2024 budget disbursement. TCT also forecasts international arrivals to reach 35.7 million in 2024, generating 1.68 trillion THB in revenue

Bank of Thailand’s Payment Insight Report has shown that the number of financial transactions using electronic payment platform PromptPay rose to a record high of 75.9 million per day in Dec 2023, with daily money transfers reaching an average of 54.5 million with a total value of 130 billion THB. There were an average of 538 digital payment transactions made per user in 2023, up from 135 in 2019. The average number of cash withdrawals fell to 2,118 per person in 2023, from 2,414 in 2019. Cash withdrawals value declined to 24,835 THB per person per year in 2023, down from 32,977 THB per person per year in 2019

The Royal Thai Police (RTP) aims to reduce road accidents by 5% during the “seven dangerous days” of travelling during the Songkran holiday on 10-17 Apr. RTP expects a 3.1% YoY increase in road travellers during the holiday, with the highest number of people leaving Bangkok expected to be on 12-13 Apr, and the highest number of people returning to Bangkok on 16-17 Apr

The 42nd Thailand Tourism Festival, held on 28 Mar-1 Apr at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok, attracted 152,799 attendees, more than doubling YoY, and generated an income of 63,487,357 THB. Over 96% of visitors were reportedly satisfied with the event. “Travel inspiration” increased by 89.82%, with Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Krabi as the top provinces people were most interested in visiting. The event also led to 89.49% of people surveyed becoming more interested in traveling to various communities and experiencing the Thai way of life; whilst 87.68% learned about new places and gained new experiences

The My Sawasdee special train, aimed at promoting tourism in Southern Thailand to Malaysian tourists, carried over 400 passengers from Kuala Lumpur to Hat Yai for Songkran celebrations. The Malaysian train authority will run seven more My Sawasdee train trips in 2024

The Cabinet has approved the Interior Ministry’s proposal to suspend the requirement for foreigners entering Thailand via land or sea to fill out TM.6 immigration forms from 15 Apr-15 Oct. The suspension will be implemented at eight land immigration checkpoints: Aranyaprathet in Sa Kaeo, Muang district in Mukdahan, Muang district in Nong Khai, Chiang Saen in Chiang Rai, Padang Besar and Sadao in Songkhla, Sungai Kolok in Narathiwat, and Betong in Yala. It will also be implemented at eight sea immigration checkpoints: Pattaya, Sri Racha and Sichang in Chon Buri, Map Ta Phut in Rayong, Samui in Surat Thani, and Phuket, Krabi and Surat Thani

Chiang Mai Provincial Governor announced that the province will declare a disaster relief area for emergency assistance for areas experiencing PM2.5 dust pollution crisis of Level 2 or higher. The Comptroller General's Department is currently developing criteria and guidelines for declaring the disaster relief areas. The governor added that 21 conservation forests have been closed to combat wildfires, with 25 national forest reserves also expected to be closed soon. Transportation authorities have been instructed to intensify checks of vehicles emitting black smoke to combat pollution in urban areas, whilst industrial work officials have been instructed to inspect factories emitting pollutants

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reported that the Thai Industries Sentiment Index rose to 92.4 in Mar, from 90.0 in Feb, attributed to an increased domestic demand driven by the visa exemption scheme and rising foreign tourist arrivals, among others

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) reported that Bangkok was the only province recording red (seriously harmful) levels of PM2.5 matter on the morning of 11 Apr, whilst another 62 provinces recorded orange (initially unsafe) levels

TAT expects tourism revenue to reach 614 billion THB in Q2 as the number of domestic trips surpasses Q1 due to Songkran. TAT Governor said that 246 billion THB is expected to be generated from 44.4 million domestic trips, whilst 368 billion THB is expected to be generated from 8.27 million foreign arrivals. The number of domestic trips in Q2 is also expected to surpass 2019 levels, with domestic income reaching 97% of 2019 levels. TAT recorded 41.1 million domestic trips in Q1, generating 228 billion THB. The number of international arrivals is expected to grow 29% YoY, reaching 92% of 2019 levels, whilst revenue from international markets is expected to grow 25% YoY, reaching 25% of 2019 levels. TAT expects Asian markets to stabilise in Q2, with long holidays in key markets, including Japan’s Golden Week and China’s Labour Day. TAT also expects Middle East travellers to travel overseas in Apr, following the end of Ramadhan

The annual IAAPA Expo Asia to be held from 27-30 May at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok. The event will gather global stakeholders in amusement facilities and attractions sector

A Sungai Golok Immigration Spokesperson believes that the number of Malaysians, especially those from Kelantan, travelling to Thailand are expected to surpass the average daily number of 300 visitors following the exemption of the submission of TM.6 form for foreigners from 15 Apr-15 Oct

Vice Chair of Dusit International believes that the government should focus on increasing tourist spending rather than the number of arrivals, as well as encourage tourists to visit second-tier cities, in order to boost the tourism sector. He added that the government should also expedite registration for accommodations to maintain high standards of service. He said that the growth of hotels in key cities in Thailand is continuing, owing to stronger inbound markets from the Middle East, China, Southeast Asia, and South Korea. Dusit International plans to reopen the Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel in Sep as a part of its 46 billion THB mixed-use Dusit Central Park project. The project is currently 90% completed

PM Thavisin has ordered Chiang Mai and every upper North province to prepare operation centres to deal with the haze situation, in order to reduce air pollution during peak tourist season during the Songkran Festival. The Natural Resources and Environment Minister said that all relevant parties have been working to reduce air pollution over the past months, denying criticisms that said this action is too late. He added that relevant state agencies have been instructed to work with the Foreign Affairs Ministry to discuss with neighbouring countries that are believed to have caused transboundary haze pollution in Thailand

The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce reported that consumer confidence index fell for the first time in eight months to 63.0 in Mar, from 63.8 in Feb, attributed to slow economic recovery and higher living costs

PM Thavisin announced that the 10,000 THB digital wallet handout scheme for 50 million Thais will be launched in Q4 2024. He said that the policy is expected to boost GDP growth by 1.2-1.6 pp

Deputy Government Spokespersons announced that the Cabinet has approved the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s proposal to nominate Songkhla and its associated lagoon settlements – located in four districts, namely Ranot, Sathing Phra, Singhanakhon, and Muang – for UNESCO World Heritage Site listing

TAT is launching a 30-second animated advertisement to introduce Songkran to audiences on the BBC News channel, as well as the BBC app and BBC.com site. The ad was produced by BBC Storyworks Commercial Productions in Singapore and will run from 10 Apr-15 Jun

TAT announced the “ASEAN + India Shoppers in Thailand” campaign, inviting ASEAN and Indian tourists to vote for their favourite Thai soft-power from 29 Apr-15 Jun. Participants will be given 500-3,000 THB worth of gift vouchers and special privileges as a token of appreciation. The project is expected to attract 5,000 participants, generating around 131 million THB in tourism revenue. Thailand expects to welcome over 10 million visitors from ASEAN and 1.7 million from India in 2024, around 35% of the overall international arrivals target

Chiang Mai Provincial Governor issued a work from home directive for all state agencies from 9-11 Apr due to hazardous air pollution. Private companies and business establishments are also encouraged to allow their employees to work from home. Chiang Mai Provincial Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation organised a “Big Clean Day” to clean the streets, water trees, and spray mist at the Three Kings Monumnet Square to increase air humidity. Municipal executives and staff also conducted street cleaning by using water to was hroads and reduce dust at the Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3

Non-governmental tourism agency Tourism.co.th has announced its latest project – Thailand.org. The platform aims to provide reviewed and verified resources for travellers. The platform also aims to promote lesser-known areas and sustainable tourism activities. The mobile app will be available on both Android and iOS

The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that Thailand’s approval of Myanmar’s special flights to pick up passengers and cargo from Mae Sot, a Thai border town opposite Myawaddy that has been seized by rebel forces, is based on humanitarian reason. The Thai PM confirmed that the flights were normal civilian transfers and did not involve military transportation

Singapore-based SUTL Enterprise to collaborate with Numchai Group on the development of ONE°15 Marina Panwa Phuket, the nearest departure point to Phi Phi Islands. The collaboration will see the development of upscale dining options and recreational club facilities. The marina will start welcoming yachts and superyachts of up to 120ft from Q4 2024

Chiang Mai to open clean-air facilities for people endangered by PM2.5 pollution. Chiang Mai Governor announced that public health units are dispatching mobile medical teams to communicate health advisories and provide check-up services for residents in vulnerable groups. Each local administrative organisations (LAOs) have also been instructed to designate at least three clean air rooms each

Chiang Mai was ranked the most polluted city in the world by IQAir on the morning of 9 Apr. Chiang Mai Governor has declared disaster zones in seven district, except Muang district, despite it being one of the province’s most-polluted areas

The Public Health Ministry issued heat stroke warning for the Songkran Festival period, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in many areas

TAT has partnered with TikTok Thailand to launch the “Songkran 2567” campaign, encouraging the public to create and share videos “that captures the essence of Songkran”. The contest will run through 19 Apr and 38 winners will be picked based on the number of views and likes on 7 May. The winners will receive prizes worth over 500,000 THB

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Traffic and Transport Department has finalised a deal with the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTSC) for a fleet of 23 electric buses from China, as part of a five-year, 465 million THB plan. Bangkok’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system is also planned to be extended with two more stops on its Sathon-Ratchapruek route, as well as a 2km extension from Sathon road to Rama IV road, facilitating an interchange with the MRT Blue Line at Lumpini Station

Pattaya is utilising AI technology to elevate Songkran celebrations, including in event planning and promotion; providing real-time guidance on schedules, transportation, and nearby attractions; streamlining communication between organisers and participants; as well as enhancing visual displays and interactive experiences

The Finance Ministry expects the economy to grow “a little over 4%” in 2024, driven by measures to boost the property sector, which was recently approved by the Cabinet. The measures include reduced transaction fees for houses worth up to 7 million THB, with ownership transfer fees and mortgage registration fees reduced to 0.01%. The government will also offer home loans worth 30 billion THB from state banks, tax breaks for some property developers, and tax cuts of up to 100,000 THB for people who want to build their houses. The measures are expected to lead to around 800 billion THB in property trades, over 400 billion THB in investment, and 120 billion THB in consumption

The Department of Tourism (DoT) plans to take legal action against a tour company and unlicensed guide who took two Youtubers on a trip. The Director-General of the DoT said it was found that the tour company’s business license had expired on 3 Oct 2022, and the guide appearing in the Youtubers’ video did not have a valid tour guide license. The Southern Region Office of the Department of Tourism is expediting the collection of evidence to proceed with legal action

The Tourism Minister aims to secure 3.5 trillion THB in tourism revenue in 2025, with an aim to make Thailand a “world-class event hub”. General Manager of UOB LIVE noted that Thailand is “very well position to capitalise on [fans interested in purchasing concert tickets outside their home market] because it's a top international travel destination”. Group Chief Executive of Index Creative Village Plc believes that Thailand cannot establish itself as a festival hub only by hosting multiple events, noting that it also needs infrastructure support, such as efficient transport and connectivity, with sufficient international flights

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) reported that 37 of the 77 provinces were affected with hazardous thick smoke, with 7 northern provinces facing red (seriously harmful) levels of PM2.5 matter, and 37 provinces, mostly in the northeast, facing orange (initially unsafe) levels. Provinces in the lower Central Plains, the east, and the south recorded moderate and good air quality

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) recorded a record-high electricity consumption surge of 34,443.1 megawatts at 8.54pm on 6 Apr, breaking the previous record on 6 May 2023. The Ministry of Energy attributes the surge in energy demand to the gradual recovery of businesses and tourism, along with the intense heat wave nationwide. Electricity usage is expected to surpass 35,000 megawatts in the coming days. The Meteorological Department has issued extreme weather warnings for 9-11 Apr, with temperatures expected to hit up to 43°C in the northern region

Chiang Mai expects hotel booking rates to reach 65%-70% on 12-16 Apr due to the Songkran Festival, with average occupancy rate for the entire month of Apr expected to come in at 55%-60%. Pattaya to hold its “Wan Lai” festival from 19 Apr, which will merge modern entertainment with cultural traditions. Bangkok is expecting around 100,000 visitors for the Songkran celebrations from 13-15 Apr. Phuket will hold the “Songkran Water Music Festival on the Beach 2024” and other cultural events, with hotel bookings already nearing 80% capacity. Phuket is expected to welcome over 264,350 visitors, generating 7.04 billion THB in revenue

The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) announced toll fee waivers on the Chaloem Maha Nakhon Expressway, Si Rat Expressway, and Udon Ratthaya Expressway on 13 Apr to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce travel expenses during Songkran. The Highways Department announced that toll fees will also be waived on 12-18 Apr on Motorway No.7, serving the route from Bangkok to Chonburi, Pattaya, and Map Ta Phut, as well as two sections of Motorway No.9, serving the route from Bang Pa-In to Bang Phli and from Phra Pradaeng to Bang Khun Thien. Toll fee on a 64-kilometer stretch of Motorway No.6, from Pak Chong to Si Khiew and Kham Thalay Sor, will also be waived

Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon District plans to deploy over 1,600 officials and volunteers to ensure safety in key areas, such as Khao San and Silom roads, during the Songkran festivities. The district office also plans to install CCTV cameras equipped with AI, as well as emergency booths along Khao San Road from 11 Apr. The district will also ensure the availability of shuttle buses and taxis to maintain movement flow amid the partial closure of certain roads during the festival. Khao San Road will be vehicle-free from 13-15 Apr until 9pm, whilst Silom Road will be closed from 12pm-12am on 13-14 Apr

The first phase of the Thai-Lao cross-border QR payment system, which started on 3 Apr, allows Lao nationals in Thailand to use their Lao commercial bank apps to scan the Thai PromptPay QR code to make payments in Thailand. The second phase, which will begin around end-Jun, will allow Thai nationals to use their mobile banking app to make QR payments in Laos

PM Thavisin expressed the government’s support towards the Marine Department’s plan to build a cruise ship terminal on Koh Samui to boost tourism. He noted that the government also wants to see a seaplane base and a duty-free zone at the marina terminal to boost local economy. The Marine Department Chief said that the Samui cruise terminal project would be a part of the key sailing route of Singapore-Hong Kong, and that the government expects cruise ship to make a call there. The Samui cruise terminal is expected to accommodate 180,000 tourists and 118 cruise ships annually, with a projected income of about 8.5 billion THB over a 30-year period. The project is being submitted to the Public-Private Partnership Policy Committee and is expected to be submitted to the cabinet for approval in 2024. Construction will then start in 2029, and completed around end-2032. The government also plans to establish other cruise terminals at Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri, as well as Phuket and Krabi

The Tourism Ministry announced that Thailand welcomed 9.37 million international arrivals in Q1 2024, +44% YoY, generating 454 billion THB in revenue. China was the top source market with 1,756,337 arrivals, followed by Malaysia (1,168,574), Russia (622,813), South Korea (558,873), and India (472,952). Thailand welcomed 644,328 international arrivals in the past week alone, -1.07% WoW, but with a “significant surge” of arrivals from Europe and Oceania, due to the Easter holidays. The number of tourists from the UK rose 44.08% WoW, whilst tourists from Malaysia increased 5.03% WoW. A decline was recorded in the number of tourists from India (-15.13% WoW), Russia (-8.10%), and China (-5.80%)

Phang Nga Provincial Administration and Mu Ko Similan National Park Officials are considering reopening Tachai Island to controlled tourist visits, in order to ensure that the island’s environment, ecological system, and natural resources will not be damaged by tourism again. The island was closed in 2016 for rehabilitation of the ecological system

PM Thavisin has discussed his Schengen-type, joint-visa idea with Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam in recent months, with most leaders reportedly responding positively to the concept

The Economic and Business Forecast Centre of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC)’s survey has shown that: • 66% of respondents said they intend to celebrate the Songkran festival by merit making, 42% by paying respects to senior citizens or relatives, 41.6% by splashing water at one another, and 39.2% by partying • 51.2% of respondents said they will travel, but mostly within their respective provinces, whilst 26% said they will stay home and 10.6% said they will travel to other provinces • Top domestic tourist destinations include Chon Buri, Ayutthaya, Rayong, Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phuket, Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Bangkok • Average domestic travel spending per pax is estimated at 6,425 THB, whilst average foreign travel spending per pax is estimated at 40,129 THB • Spending by foreign tourists and locals during the festival period this month is estimated to reach 140-200 billion THB • Road accidents during domestic travel are an issue of concern for most travellers • Songkran Festival is expected to stimulate growth by 2.01%-2.50%

Newly-elected President of the Thai Hotel Association Eastern Chapter announced a strategic shift in focus to revive tourism in the region, including through the restructuring of the association to better serve the entire Eastern Chapter, covering provinces such as Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Prachinburi, and Chachoengsao. She also stressed the importance of collaboration among hospitality associations and businesses. The new strategy will also introduce the Table Top Sale at Nong Nooch Pattaya Garden as the flagship event. Other strategies include incentives to address labour shortages, such as training programmes and partnerships with universities, including the negotiation of MOUs to facilitate internships for Chinese students in the hospitality sector. The strategy also aims to adapt activities and services to cater to romantic markets, extended holiday periods, and events

At least 142 LGBTQIA+ couples have queued to register their marriage following the approval of the Marriage Equality Bill by the House of Representative and the Senate

The Department of Energy Business reported that Thailand’s total fuel consumption increased by 4.1% YoY to 155 million litres per day (MLD) in Jan-Feb. Jet fuel usage rose by 19.5% YoY to 16.7 MLD, attributed to a boost in tourism driven by the visa exemption schemes

Airbnb General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan reported that: • Guests who stay in local neighbourhoods tend to stay longer compared those staying at traditional hotels • Thailand was the most-visited Southeast Asian destination on Airbnb in 2023, with the number of room nights increasing 60% YoY • Long-term stay of 28 days or more grew 32% YoY • Solo travel increased 52% YoY • Most bookings in Thailand on Airbnb came from the US, China, Germany, the UK, and South Korea • The number of searches by Indian guests during the Holi festival, as well as general searches during Easter holidays, increased 200% YoY • Thailand was the top destination for Chinese guests during the cool season • 40% of Chinese tourists who booked a stay in Bangkok also booked stays in other provinces

Tisco Securities forecasts Asset World Corporation (AWC) to be the one who would benefit the most from the government’s plan to legalise casinos as part of integrated entertainment complexes

Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri) is optimistic on achieving 2%-3% SME loan growth in 2024. Head of Krungsri expanded its SME loans by over 2% as of end-Mar

The Department of Tourism has revoked the licenses of Chang Long Travel and Sen Zhou Xing Tour under suspicion that they were acting as nominees for foreign businesses after the two firms were found making changes in the shareholder structure that were against the requirements to operate a tourism business

TAT has partnered with Grab Thailand to launch the “Amazing Thailand, Travel with Grab” campaign, which will run from 1 Apr-30 Jun. The campaign aims to stimulate domestic travel by promoting Thailand’s hidden gems through a series of travel vlogs in collaboration with travel influencers, as well as offering promotional discounts on Grab’s services

The Government Spokesperson clarified that whilst the Songkran Festival this year runs from 1-21 Apr, activities are not being held simultaneously in every province. He added that the celebrations will be held from 13-15 Apr as usual in most provinces. He noted that authorities will improve their communication and ensure that tourists are provided with accurate information to prevent misunderstandings. The remarks came after a Chinese tourist shared his confusion on social media on why there were no water-splashing Songkran celebrations, even though the government said that festival is being held from 1-21 Apr

Phuket Governor reported that at least 400 criminal cases have been filed against foreigners by the province’s new special task force to monitor foreign visitors’ behaviour. He added that nearly 100 foreigners have had their visas revoked

Phangan Island has been implementing tap water rationing since late Mar to ensure water availability for the next two months for residents, hotels, and other tourism businesses. Koh Samui is also facing tap water shortage. President of the Koh Samui tourism promotion association said that hotel operators are seeing increased expenses from having to buy water from private suppliers. He added that the water shortages may discourage new tourism investment in the long run. The Pak Mun Dam water management committee in Ubon Ratchathani has decided to discharge water into the Mekong River for tourism purposes from 15 Mar-17 Apr during the Songkran festival. The additional discharge of water exposes the Kaeng Saphue rapids, which have been submerged since dam’s construction, and have attracted many tourist

Vana Nava Water Jungle Hua Hin has introduced two new zones – Vana Village and Adventure River. The water park has also introduced Asia’s first VR slide

Phuket Provincial Court to reopen its tourist case section to “help ensure justice for tourists when a criminal or civil dispute, or a dispute with a state agency, arises so they can receive legal protection”. The decision follows a recent influx in criminal and civil cases involving tourists in Phuket

The Tourism Ministry and the National Institute for Emergency Medicine is planning to explore the possibility of extending the Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (UCEP) programme to cover foreign tourist. The ministry has discussed the plan with the Public Health Ministry and is waiting for a blueprint. The Tourism Permanent Secretary’s Office reported that 128 tourists were injured while travelling in Thailand YTD as of 31 Mar, with 64 fatalities. Road accidents caused 82 injuries. Water accidents, mainly from recreational activities, caused 18 deaths, road accidents caused 15 deaths, personal health issues caused 2 deaths, and there were two cases of suicide

The Director of the Centre for Climate Change and Disasters at Rangsit University forecasts that Thailand could see temperatures hit 50°C in the next 60 years, with the number of days exceeding 40°C rising from 9 to 75 each year, if world leaders are unable to commit to the Paris Agreement, which aims to keep the rise in the global average temperature to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. He predicts Sukhothai to see the highest temperatures in the coming years, followed by Phichit, Chai Nat, Nakhon Sawan, Maha Sarakham, and Khon Kaen

The Real Estate Information Centre (REIC) reported that a total of 14,449 condominium units worth 73.2 billion THB were sold in 2023, +25% YoY. Chinese and Russians were the top foreign buyers, with 6,614 units and 1,260 units, respectively. About 41% of units sold were in Chon Buri, whilst 38% were in Bangkok. Condos bought by foreigners accounted for 13.4% of all condos transferred in 2023

The Phuket Tourist Police announced that two more Russian nationals have been arrested for allegedly working illegally as tour guides

Commander of the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) reported that police raided eight locations in Phuket on suspicions of a Russian money laundering scheme, and some Thais setting up fake firms to facilitate foreigners' visa and work permit applications. Two Thai women confessed to establishing fake companies to assist foreign visa and work permit applicants

Thai Commerce Minister met with the Lao Ambassador to Thailand to discuss expediting the reopening of border checkpoints that were closed during the pandemic, to facilitate tourism and border trade. The minister also proposed an MoU between Thailand’s Phayao and Laos’ Sainyabuli to stimulate border economy and tourism

Agoda named Udon Thani as the destination with the lowest average accommodation rates in Thailand for the Apr-May period

Chiang Mai Provincial Governor said that air pollution in the province has improved from last year. He said that provincial authorities had prepared a pollution mitigation plan to help control the number of forest fires and agricultural burning, as well as working with residents to reduce the amount of burning and working with various organisation to extinguish wildfires

The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) projects the economy to grow 2.8%-3.3% in 2024, whilst exports are expected to grow 2.0%-3.0%

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) reported that 20 provinces recorded red (seriously harmful) levels of PM2.5 matter, with the worst level recorded in Mae Hong Son. Orange (initially unsafe) levels were recorded in 19 other provinces, whilst provinces in the lower Central Plain, the lower Northeast, the East, and the South recorded moderate and good air quality

The Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium reopened on 2 Apr after over a year of 30 million THB worth of renovation

PM Thavisin outlined his “Ignite Tourism Thailand” 2025 vision, which aims to “establish Thailand as a leading destination for tourists from around the world”. The five strategies include: • Elevating tourist experience – through promoting Thailand’s tourism information to allow tourists to plan an informed trip; strictly enforcing measures to ensure tourist safety; enhancing travel facilitation in the next three months, including improving queue management in airports, raising hotel standards, extending visa-free entry to more countries, enhancing tourist safety and security measures, and ensuring good maintenance and hygiene in public restrooms; as well as amending tourism laws, including hotel regulations, alcohol restrictions, import duties on mega-event equipment, and VAT refund requirements, in the next six months • Five must-do activities – including Must Beat (Muay Thai); Must Eat (Thai food); Must Seek (Thai culture); Must Buy (Thai fabric); and Must See (Thai shows) • Travel linkage between major and hidden-gem destinations – promoting travel linkage between major cities and lesser-known destinations to further balance the distribution of tourist arrivals and tourism income between urban and rural areas. • Hub of ASEAN – promoting intra-region travel and helping to enhance the development and promotion of ASEAN as a single tourism destination, through introducing the ASEAN Pass in partnership with airlines and raising awareness of cross-border QR payment • Word Class Event Hub – launching incentives to attract major festivals, concerts, and events to Thailand

PM Thavisin announced that the government aims to extend minimum wage increases to more regions and business sectors, following the approval of the wage hike for 10 key provinces, which is set to come into effect from 13 Apr. Business associations in Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi, including the Phuket Chamber of Commerce and the Thai Hotels Association’s Southern Chapter, among others, has requested a delay in the wage hike, noting that employees’ incomes are already over 400 THB/day, based on minimum rates and service charges

TAT announced that Chonburi province has been selected as the “new city debut” in Michelin Guide Thailand 2025. TAT’s Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications hopes that the collaboration could boost tourism to Chonburi by up to 20%

ONYX Hospitality Group to expand its serviced apartment brand, Shama, with the launch of Shama Rayong, which is expected to open in Q1 2026

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation plans to round up 2,500 urban monkeys in Lopburi and place them in massive enclosures, after years of dangerous incidents involving the monkeys that affected residents and visitors. Director-general of the department said that they will work with wildlife experts to find a way for a limited number of monkeys to still roam free in the city

Immigration Bureau 2 (IB2) has outlined five key measures to facilitate tourists and ensure security during the Songkran Festival, including: • Deploying additional personnel to support key airports like Suvarnabhumi and Phuket, with over 100 officers to be deployed for passport checks • Reducing unnecessary procedures – like face and fingerprint scanning for Thai nationals, boarding pass scanning and passport stamping for foreigners through the automatic departure channel – in efforts to reduce processing time from 45 to 20 seconds per person • Having technical officers from the Immigration Technology Centre on standby to monitor the immigration system and prevent any disruption • Coordinating with security authorities to prevent potential threats such as criminals and people from conflict countries seeking to enter Thailand during the period • Working with airlines to manage emergency situations such as flight cancellations, as well as assisting passengers who require priority handling

Deputy Finance Minister reported that the Finance Ministry and the Revenue Department are finalising legislation for the implementation of a 7% VAT on imported goods valued from 1 THB up, to be completed by May. Imported goods sold for less than 1,500 THB per parcel are currently exempt from VAT. The Deputy Finance Minister explained that the VAT collection is “to ensure fairness for small businesses in Thailand, as both foreign and domestic operators will have to pay taxes at the same rate”

Thailand and Laos has launched a cross-border QR code payment linkage on 3 Apr

Deputy Finance Minister said that over 100 billion THB of investment is needed for each venue of the planned entertainment complex, which would include a legal casino. He noted that gambling is just a small component of the complex, and that the project would incorporate other forms of entertainment which would create employment opportunities and stimulate the economy

The Thai Senate passed the first reading of a bill to legalise same-sex marriage, with 147 votes in favour, four against, and seven abstention. The bill aims to change references to “men”, “women”, “husbands” and “wives” in the marriage law to gender-neutral terms, among other amendments. The legislation will now go through a 27-person committee for further consideration, and it will come back for two more Senate votes, likely in Jul or later. PM Thavisin wrote on his social media: “The passing (of the bill) in the Parliament today is a proud moment for Thai society, which will walk together towards social equality and respect differences”

Centara Hotels & Resorts announced that twelve of its hotels have been approved for certification by Bureau Veritas in 2024 for meeting the GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) criteria. The twelve hotels include Centara Reserve Samui, Centara Kata Resort Phuket, Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa Krabi, Centara Watergate Pavillion Hotel Bangkok, Centara Q Resort Rayong, Centara Sonrisa Residences & Suites Sriracha, Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai, Centara Life Maris Resort Jomtien, Centara Life Cha-Am Beach Resort Hua Hin, COSI Samui Chaweng Beach, COSI Pattaya Wong Amat Beach, and COSI Krabi Ao Nang Beach

The Tourism Ministry reported that Thailand welcomed 9.4 million international arrivals in Q1 2024, generating 454.6 billion THB in revenue

TAT has partnered with True Corporation to launch the “True Nationwide, For Everyone” campaign to ensure seamless internet connectivity for tourists, as well as offer privileges such as complimentary menu sets and beverages at nine airports nationwide; free accident insurance; discounts at select cafes and restaurants; golf cart transfers from the aircraft to immigration areas; as well as other privileges from partners nationwide. TAT and True also has an ongoing programme to support experiential tourism, including the “365 Days of Coffee Lovers' Journey", which promotes secondary cities through coffee

The Thai Cabinet has approved a toll exemption for Motorway No.7 (Bangkok-Ban Chang) and No.9 (Outer Ring Road) during the 11-17 Apr Songkran Festival period, in an effort to facilitate traveller convenience and to alleviate traffic congestion

The Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024 was officially launched at the 42nd Thailand Tourism Festival in Bangkok. The Culture Ministry invited everyone to participate in Songkran festivities in Bangkok, as well as Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Samut Prakan, Chon Buri, and Phuket. It also encourage visits to temple in provinces with UNESCO World Heritage Sites – including Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Ayutthaya, Udon Thani, and Phetchabun – as well as exploring local experiences at the 10 model tourism communities of 2023, located in Kanchanaburi, Chumphon, Chiang Saen, Phrae, Yasothon, Ranong, Ratchaburi, Lamphun, Samut Sakhon, and Udon Thani. TAT also launched 72 faith-based tourism routes during the opening of the Thailand Tourism Festival

Bruno Mars held two performances at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok. The artist shared a picture of himself wearing Thai elephant shirt and pants on his Instagram ahead of the second show

The Samut Prakan Crocodile Farm has reopened on 1 Apr, following a temporary closure of over 2 years due to the pandemic

TAT forecasts the extended, 21-day-long Songkran Festival celebrations from 1-21 Apr to generate 52.5 billion THB in domestic tourism revenue, up from 13 billion THB recorded in 2023. Average hotel occupancy is projected to reach 78%. The number of domestic trips is expected to reach 15 million, up from the 3.8 million recorded in 2023. The Northeast region is expected to see the most domestic travellers with 3.73 million trips, followed by the Central region with 3.43 million trips, and the East with 2.78 million trips. The East region is estimated to earn the most revenue at 10.6 billion THB, followed by Bangkok at 9.9 billion THB and the North at 9.7 billion THB. The South is expected to see 1.39 million domestic trips, generating 7.7 billion THB. At least 2.29 million domestic trips are expected at the six destinations holding Songkran celebrations – namely Bangkok, Songkhla, Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, and Mae Hong Son – generating 16.3 billion THB. Bangkok is expected to see 1.3 million domestic trips, whilst Chiang Mai is expected to see 440,330. TAT expects Chiang Mai to see an average occupancy rate of 82%, higher than Bangkok’s 74% projection, despite high levels of air pollution. Chiang Mai is expected to earn 4.3 billion THB during the Songkran celebrations, whilst Sukhothai and Mae Hong Son are expected to see 113 million THB and 390 million THB, respectively

Deputy Director-General of the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP) encouraged SMEs to join the VAT Refund for Tourists (VRT) programme during a conference held at the Amari Pattaya Hotel on 28 Mar. He noted that SMEs’ involvement in the VRT programme has the potential for significant sales opportunities by leveraging foreign tourists’ purchasing power

Opposition Democrat Party strongly opposed the government’s plan to legalise casinos through incorporation into entertainment complexes. Democrat Deputy Party Leader stated that he thinks “it would be better for the government to support traditional [betting] games such as cow fighting, cockfighting, fish fighting, Hi-Lo board games and funeral card games”. He noted that casinos may bring more issues than benefits, noting that Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines have all seen tax revenue decrease

Deputy Governor for Domestic Marketing at the TAT revealed that the agency is developing guidelines to adjust the domestic marketing plan for 2024-2025, to be published in Jul. She noted that changes include incorporating contingency plans into marketing schemes to address unexpected risks that could affect the TAT's budget, such as the temporary use of FY2023 budget due to the delay in FY2024 budget’s approval; as well as addressing weaknesses in the government’s tourism promotion plan in secondary cities. She said that hotels in secondary cities is limited, meaning new marketing plans are needed to attract both local and foreign tourists, especially budget travellers. She added that the increase in oil prices and rising airfares present an opportunity for rail tourism and electric vehicles (EVs) as eco-friendly modes of travel

World Bank expects the Thai economy to grow 2.8% in 2024, down from the previous forecast of 3.2% due to weak exports and delayed budget, before increasing to 3.0% in 2025, also down from the previous forecast of 3.1%. World Bank expects tourism and private consumption to be the key drivers of growth, with tourist arrivals projected to reach 90% of pre-pandemic levels

Siam Songkran Music Festival to be held at RCA Central Park, Huai Khwang, from 12-15 Apr, featuring a line-up of over 30 international-class DJs

The Meteorological Department forecasts temperatures to reach a high of 43.0°-44.5°C in Apr, with average temperatures hitting 30% higher than normal levels

Over 100 travellers are believed to have paid a total of at least 100 million THB to a tour operator who recently closed down and allegedly left some of its customers without the services promised in package tours to South Korea and Japan that it offered. The affected travellers have filed a complaint with the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB)

The Tour of Thailand 2024 will held on 6 Apr, with the men’s event held across six stages covering seven provinces, including Phitsanulok, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Pichit, Nakhon Sawan and Phetchabun. The competition has attracted 15 teams of cyclists from Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. The women’s event, featuring 12 teams, will be held on 8-10, covering Phitsanulok, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, and Phetchabun

The FY2024 3.48 trillion THB budget bill was approved by parliament on 22 Mar, and by the senate on 25 Mar, after a six-month delay. The disbursement is expected to start from May

President of the Hat Yai-Songkhla Hotels Association recommends the government to open the first entertainment-casino complex in Hat Yai to boost tourism, with only foreigners allowed to enter the premises initially, so any impacts or revenues can be assessed first. He then urge the government to study how many Thais visit casinos abroad and how much money they spend there before deciding whether to allow Thais to enter casinos in Thailand

Chairperson of The Mall Group says that she “agrees 100%” on the establishment of legal casinos, which could create more jobs and revenue. She added: “If we can’t get rid of [illegal gambling dens], then legal ones should be allowed, so taxes can be properly collected”

The Vice President of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce reported that the number of searches for Thailand tourism on Chinese social media platform Baidu rose by 48% in Jan-Feb, ahead of the commencement of the Thai-Chinese mutual visa exemption agreement

Central Retail Corporation (CRC) to launch a 4 billion THB renovation of Central Chidlom to transform it into “The Store of Bangkok” for luxury shopping, set to open in Dec. Central Department Store Group CEO reported that foreign visitors account for 20% of Central Chidlom’s guests, with the share expected to increase to 30%-40% following the renovation. CRC also expects a 20% increase in foor traffic and a 30% increase in sales by 2025

Spokesperson for Tomorrowland organisers announced that they are “diligently conducting thorough research and exploration to assess the feasibility of hosting Tomorrowland in Thailand”, noting that the event is not yet confirmed. Thai Government spokesperson explained: “We never said that we had received confirmation from Tomorrowland. We just said we were confident we might”

Former President of the Thai Hotels Association (THA) responded to the tripartite wage committee’s decision to raise the minimum wage to 400 THB for four-star hotels in 10 key tourism cities, starting from 13 Apr. She noted that only 10% of hotels are capable of raising daily room rates, as most accommodation have not recovered from the pandemic and currently have higher operating costs. She stated: “It is unfair to raise the minimum wage only for hotels, as other industries are also recovering steadily from the pandemic”. She also questioned why the regulation only applies to four-star hotels in certain locations. President of the Association of Chonburi Tourism Federation said that as many hotels have not been evaluated under Thailand Hotel Standard Foundation’s star rating system, some operators are still unsure on how the new regulation will affect them. Vice President of the THA’s Western Chapter said that labour costs usually account for 30%-35% of hotel expenses, noting that hotels may need to cut staff service charge income, or even lay off some workers in order to accommodate the wage hike

The Northern Thai Hotels Association Advisor revealed that hotel occupancy in Chiang Mai is only at 30% for early Apr, attributed to the air pollution, although she projects occupancy to rise to 70% during the Songkran Festival. She added that hotel occupancy across Northern Thailand fell to 50% in Mar due to the air pollution, from the expected rate of 60%

Chiang Mai Provincial Governor announced that the province will ban the sale and consumption of alcohol, as well as smoking cigarettes and vaping, at government and state enterprise offices, schools, temples, and any other places under the supervision of a government agency or state enterprise from 1-21 Apr during the extended Songkran Festival. Venues with special permits will be exempted from the ban from 11am-2pm and from 5pm-12am

The Deputy Finance Minister revealed that the study findings on an integrated entertainment complex and casino development plan, as part of the drive to legalise casinos in Thailand, are expected to be sent to the cabinet for consideration over the next two weeks. He added that a specific government agency will be appointed to handle the project if the cabinet approves the findings. He explained that the scope of legislation would permit gambling activities only within designated areas in entertainment complexes, with online gambling prohibited. He cited the example of the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort and entertainment complex in Singapore, which reportedly “significantly” reduced illegal gambling in the country and brought 300 billion THB of revenue over the past 10 years. He said that many Thais have travelled to gamble in neighbouring countries, noting that Thailand could potentially generate more revenue from entertainment. He added that entertainment complexes should be located in areas with convenient transport infrastructure and in tourist destination. There would also be regulations to ban Thais below a certain income threshold from entering the premises, as well as a ban on minors. A portion of the proceeds received by the state would be allocated to a special fund used for specified purposes, such as drug addiction treatment and education, similar to Singapore’s model

PM Thavisin said the legalisation of casinos within large entertainment complexes would allow the government to “regulate the grey economy and collect taxes”. He added: “We do not want to promote gambling but would rather supervise it and use the investment to create jobs”

A parliamentary committee of 60 MPs has recommended the Eastern Economic Corridor, specifically in Rayong, near Pattaya, to be Thailand’s first legal casino complex. The complex would also include five-star hotels, restaurants, and other entertainment facilities. The report will be considered by the Cabinet, which will likely seek public feedback before endorsing the contents. A parliamentary bill is expected to be considered by end-2024

Bank of Thailand (BOT) estimated that the Thai economy grew slowly in Feb, with growth in tourist arrivals and in the service sector offsetting a decline in exports. BOT reported that Thailand had a current account surplus of $2 billion USD in Feb, following a deficit of $200 million USD in Jan

Former President of the Paphayom Forest Rapids Club reported that the Paphayom Forest Rapids welcomed at least 2,000 tourists during the recent weekends. Accommodations in the area for the Songkran Festival period of 12-16 Apr are also nearly fully booked, expected to generate a revenue of at least 500 million THB

The Federation of Thai Tourism Associations (Fetta) to submit a white paper to the government, asking for urgent supply development amid a surge in demand burdening existing infrastructure. The proposal includes plans to increase the carrying capacity of provinces, especially related to infrastructure like roads, water supply, and waste management. Secretary General of Fetta said that their strategy involve attracting tourists to different locations to minimise overtourism, by investing in transport to improve connectivity. Fetta also advised the government to organise public bus services in cities, with the long-term goal being to incentivise tour buses to switch to electric vehicles. He added that the Tourism Ministry should use other indicators aside from tourist numbers and revenue, such as well-being, happiness, community satisfaction, and environmental friendliness. The white paper is expected to be finalised in a month and submitted to the government before the FY2024 budget is disbursed. President of the Association of Chonburi Tourism Federation said it proposed the government to increase annual leave days to help distribute more trips during the year. President of the Thai Hotels Association said the government should legalise unregistered accommodation to ensure fair competition and sustainable standards

The Commerce Ministry is encouraging SMEs to capitalise on the Secured Transaction Act by utilising assets with economic value like machinery, high-value trees, and intellectual property as collateral to secure loans

Eastern Bangkok Monorail Co Ltd announced the suspension of service on the MRT Yellow Line from 9am until midnight after parts of the conductor rail fell from the track between the Kalantan and Si Udom stations, damaging at least 12 vehicles

Airbnb has launched its first city guide, “Airbnb Creative Guide to Bangkok”, showcasing four neighbourhoods in the city: Talat Noi, Wang Doem, Talat Phlu, and Kudi Chin. The guide is available in three languages: Thai, English, and Chinese

Buriram, home of K-Pop group Blackpink’s Lisa Manoban, celebrated the singer’s birthday with the “Buriram Meatball Day”, giving out over 700kg of pork balls for free

The Thai Labour Solidarity Confederation (TLSC) and State Enterprises Workers' Relations Confederation (SEWRC) said in a joint statement that the tripartite wage committee's approval of a daily minimum wage increase to 400 baht for some areas in 10 provinces to be “the worst change to the country's wage system”. They demanded the government to implement the daily minimum wage rise uniformly, instead of only in select areas

Phuket was ranked 3rd, and Koh Samui 4th, in travel magazine DestinAsian’s 10 “Best Islands” list in its 17th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards

PM Thavisin presided over the opening ceremony of the 42nd Thailand Tourism Festival 2024, which will run until 1 Apr at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok

The Board of Investment announced that organisers of large international events requiring an investment of at least 100 million THB would benefit from an import duty exemption on equipment, as well as facilitation for the temporary entry of foreign staff

Chair of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association said that many Malaysian tourists were inquiring on whether the TM6 immigration arrival card exemption for travellers entering Thailand through the Sadao checkpoint would be extended after the policy expires on 30 Apr

A total of 253 out of 257 lawmakers in the House of Representatives voted in favour of a study to allow casinos to be housed within large entertainment complexes. The study estimates that legalising casinos and housing them within large entertainment complexes could increase tourism revenue by around $12 billion USD annually. The study also found that average tourist spending could rise 52% to 65,050 THB per trip, bringing total additional earnings to 449 billion THB

The House of Representatives passed a marriage equality bill in its final reading, making Thailand closer to becoming the third country in Asia to legalise same-sex unions. The bill still requires approval from the Senate and royal endorsement before it becomes law, which is expected in late 2024

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is partnering with the Thailand International Events and Festivals Trade Association, Thai Mass Participation Sports Trade Association, Thailand Entertainment Creators Network Association, and Contemporary Art & Culture Industry Promotion Trade Association to strengthen its support for local festivals, as part of TCEB’s Festival Economy initiative that aims to boost Thailand’s business events sector and attract high-spending visitors

C9 Hotelworks’ data estimates Phuket’s leisure-branded residential real estate market to have a value of $2.3 billion USD, the largest in the world

PM Thavisin forecasts the Summer Sonic, a Japanese music festival that will be held in Bangkok on 24-25 Aug, will attract at least 350,000 people, or the same level of attendance of the regular Japanese edition of the festival

Mae Hong Son had reported 6,646 wildfires YTD, with most found in Muang Mae Hong Son district, Pai district, and Mae Sariang district. The wildfires have resulted in Mae Hong Son exceeding safe level of PM2.5 matter for 38 consecutive days. Mae Hong Son Provincial Governor has instructed the district chiefs of Sop Moei and Mae Sariang to work on supressing the wildfires. Mae Sariang District Chief announced a ban on burning and said that they would expedite the construction of firebreaks

Director of TAT Mae Hong Son Office said that the smog from wildfires has affected tourism sentiment, with many tourists opting for seaside destinations since end Feb. He reported that average occupancy fell to 50% in Mar, compared to over 80% in Jan and 60% in Feb. He expects bookings to remain the same at 50% during Songkran holiday in Apr due to uncertainty over the smog issue, but will increase in May during the rainy season. The office aims to increase tourism spending by 10%-15% in 2024, as it pushes new travel routes and events to boost arrivals and increase average length of stays

Malaysian Transport Minister said the government is “open” to connect its $10.6 billion USD East Coast Railway Link (EXRL) project to existing or upcoming Thai rail infrastructure

Commander of Immigration Division 2 warned tourists to not fall victim to online advertisements offering fake fast-track immigration service at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports

The Thai Government assured that Thailand will not lose sovereignty over Koh Kood in Trat province to Cambodia in upcoming negotiations regarding the sharing of marine resources in their overlapping claims area (OCA) between the two countries

Spokesperson of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration announced that Songkran celebrations will be held at 106 spots across Bangkok, with 14-15 major activities. He added that full details will be released by the BMA on 9 Apr. The celebrations will be in two categories – cultural (a little wet) and fun (very wet). The cultural events will be organised by the government and TAT at Sanam Luang and Ratchadamnoen Klang, as well as at City Hall’s Lan Khon Muang ground. The fun activities will be held at Khao San Road, among others

Thailand to host Summer Sonic’s Southeast Asia debut at Impact Muang Thong Thani on 24-25 Aug

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warned the public regarding higher-than-average temperatures, especially in the northern regions, which are expected to last from 30 Mar-3 Apr

TikTok launched the TikTok Shop Mall in Thailand in early 2024 offering branded products, as part of its TikTok Shop. It has hosted 400 sellers, over 1,000 product items, and has delivered 100,000 orders since its launch

PM Thavisin responded to senators’ claims in a general debate that the Pheu Thai-led coalition has not made significant progress in realising their campaign promises over the past seven months. The PM stated that the delay in approving the 2024 budget resulted in the delay of the implementation of some of its core policies, adding that he also was not entirely satisfied with his and his cabinet’s performance, noting that there is room for improvement. He also responded to criticisms regarding his frequent international travel, saying that it is customary for a new PM to pay courtesy visit to other countries. He added that the visits have resulted in over 100 billion THB of investment in Thailand over the past few months

Asset World Corp’s CEO reported that its hotel properties have seen revenue per available room rose to record highs in Q1 2024, and average occupancy rates reaching over 80%, up from 65% in Q4 2023. The firm’s hotels include several properties under the Marriott International Inc and Banyan Tree Holdings Ltd brand. The CEO noted a “very strong growth momentum for our hotels, especially with the return of Chinese visitors”. She added that room demand remains high in Mar, when bookings usually slowed down

Deputy Finance Minister announced that the fact-finding sub-committee for the 10,000 THB digital wallet scheme is expected to complete its findings soon and present them to the digital wallet policy committee, along with recommendations of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, on 27 Mar. The reports will then be submitted to the Finance Ministry. The digital wallet policy committee will meet on 10 Apr to summarise all the details of the scheme for presentation to the cabinet. Registration for people eligible for the scheme is expected to start within Q3, with payments expected to be received within Q4 2024

Patong Beach held a safety demonstration for the Health Minister as part of the launch of the Phuket Island Safety Sandbox scheme. The demonstration includes surf life-saving techniques and appropriate medical responses to common injuries. As part of the Safety Sandbox scheme, hotels will be required to comply with green health, hygiene, and safety standards. The Health Ministry is also working to improve local community hospitals and launch the One Region One Sky Doctor (OROS) service

Thailand Ambassador to the Philippines said that Thailand hopes to sign the “two-country, one-destination” tourism initiative agreement with the Philippines within 2024. He noted that the agreement could be signed by Jun during the Philippine-Thailand tourism ministerial meeting or even sooner “if there’s a high-level visit”. He added that stakeholders are under discussions for a possible direct Cebu-Phuket flight

The Labour Minister reported that 13,424 foreigners were found to be employed illegally from Oct 2023-Feb 2024, especially in key tourism destinations. He added that some foreigners were found working in occupations reserved for Thais, such as tour guides. The most common occupations for foreigners are sales clerk at a store, street vendor, construction job, and barber. The minister added that they are working on a scheme to raise the minimum wage in 10 key tourism provinces as the industry recovers post-pandemic. The 10 provinces include Bangkok, Phuket, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, Surat Thani, Krabi, Songkhla, Phang Nga, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Rayong

The 16th Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) meeting was held in Phnom Penh from 18-22 Mar. Both sides stressed the need to strengthen cooperation and nurture good relations between their armies to ensure peace, stability, cooperation, and development along shared borders. Both parties also discussed potential challenges along the borders; infrastructure development in border areas; as well as joint military training programmes and collaborative efforts to combat transnational crimes