Thailand

The Cabinet has approved a special public holiday on 2 Jan 2026, making it a five-day New Year holiday from 31 Dec 2025-4 Jan 2026. A government spokesperson noted that the extended holiday is a “strategic push to revitalise tourism and stimulate spending”

Managing Director and Head of Personal Financial Services at UOB Thailand projects credit card spending in Q4 to remain unchanged from Q1-Q3, which grew 2%-3%. He noted that the government launched several stimulus measures to boost domestic consumption, such as the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” co-payment scheme, but it is too early to assess the impact on Q4 spending. UOB Thailand recorded growth in spending, especially among upper-income customers across three categories: dining, travel, and luxury products. Krungsri reported that total spending via its credit cards reached 286 billion THB in Jan-Sep, +1% YoY. It expects total card spending to reach 400 billion THB by year-end, +2% YoY. The bank noted that the government’s personal income tax deduction scheme should stimulate spending in tourism-related sectors, especially restaurants

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has issued flood alerts in Bangkok and 65 provinces due to Storm Kalmaegi

Tourists reported long queues and traffic jams for the Koh Lanta ferry in Krabi province amid the high season

The Phuket Provincial Disaster and Mitigation Office (DDPM) has issued a warning for heavy rain, flash floods and strong winds, amid strengthening southwestern monsoon

TAT’s Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa featured as a speaker at the “Destinations with Heart” Summit on 5 Nov, held during the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2025. She highlighted Thailand’s long-standing cultural values of openness and kindness, focusing on how inclusion is deeply rooted in the Thai way of life and the country’s tourism strategy. She also highlighted TAT’s “Go Thai Be Free” global initiative, which promotes Thailand’s inclusive tourism through welcoming environments, authentic local engagement, and meaningful visitor experiences for all travellers

24 private sector organisations joined hands to call on the government for urgent action on the Kathu–Patong tunnel project amid concerns about delays. The project was approved by the Cabinet on 26 Aug, with a total investment of 16.7 billion THB, with construction set to start in Apr and completed by Mar 2030. The Transport Minister’s recent suggestion for a redesign that would reduce the tunnel's width and eliminate tolls have sparked concern that the project could be delayed by up to five years

TAT led a delegation of 50 Thai businesses to the World Travel Market (WTM) 2025 in London from 4-6 Nov, under the theme of “Senses of Siam: A Journey to Total Well-being”. TAT Governor announced the launch of the new “Amazing Thailand: Unforgettable Experience – Healing is the New Luxury” global campaign during the event. TAT expects over 1,500 business meetings, potentially generating over 1.33 billion THB in revenue. TAT targets 8.4 million European arrivals in 2025, +15% YoY, generating around 510 billion THB in revenue. TAT expects 2.75 million European visitors in Q4 alone, generating 165 billion THB. Flight bookings are up 8%, driven by TAT’s Airline Focus strategy

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) hosted a consultation to review its proposed role in managing the Thailand Pavilion in future Specialised and World Expos, as well as coordinating national representation at global events. A white paper titled “Lessons Learned from Thailand’s Bid to Host Expo 2028 Phuket” recommended a single agency to oversee Thailand’s expo participation, and supported expanding TCEB’s responsibilities in partnership with civil society, the private sector, and relevant ministries to ensure consistent messaging, ongoing content development, and coordinated operations. A study by the Thammasat University Research & Consultancy Institute identified four key objectives for national pavilions at international expos: promoting diplomatic engagement, enhancing national branding, encouraging innovation and cultural exchange, and expanding global trade

Bangkok City Hall workers collected 391,027 krathong floats from local waterways following the Loy Krathong festival on 5 Nov, -24% YoY. Of the collected floats, 83% were made from natural materials, 7% made from Styrofoam (+1.1 pp YoY), and 10% made from bread. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration organised the floating of “digital krathongs” via the Greener Bangkok Website, resulting in 23,347 digital floats. The website simulated krathong floating at 34 public parks and along the Chao Phraya River at Iconsiam mall

Phuket City Officials confirmed the cancellation of the annual Loy Krathong Festival in mourning of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. A venue will remain open for floating krathongs, at the pond in front of Chalerm Phrakiat Public Park (Suan Luang Rama IX), but no live music, stage shows, contests, or fireworks will be permitted in the official event zone

The Commerce Ministry reported that Thailand’s headline consumer price index fell 0.76% YoY in Oct, following a 0.72% YoY decline in Sep. The annual headline inflation rate was negative for the seventh consecutive month in Oct. The ministry expects inflation to continue to decline in Nov. Core CPI rose 0.61% YoY in Oct

TAT announced the winners of the Responsible Thailand Awards 2025 during the Amazing Thailand Press Conference at the World Travel Market (WTM) 2025 in London. The award is currently in its 18th year. Winners include: Elephant Hills in Khao Sok National Park in the Responsible Animal Welfare category, Tumlungwahn Community Enterprise in Suphan Buri province for the Responsible Community Tourism Award, Bang Rong Community Based Tourism in Phuket for the Responsible Conservation Award, Discovery Travel Khao Lak received the Responsible Destination Management Company Award, and Chiva-Som Hua Hin for the Responsible Tourism Accommodation Award

The Deputy Government Spokesperson announced that the Cabinet has approved the Tourism Ministry’s proposal to extend Thailand’s MotoGP hosting rights from 2027-2031, with a budget of 3.997 billion THB. The race at Buriram’s Chang International Circuit attracts an average of 206,000 spectators per event, generating a total of 24.9 billion THB in economic value since its first year

Bangkok’s Impact Muang Thong Thani has achieved certification under the ISO 20121:2024 Event Sustainability Management Systems standard. It is the first venue in Thailand to certify under the updated standards across all five of its core event categories – weddings, parties, exhibitions, meetings, and concerts

The Royal Irrigation Department has increased water releases from the Chao Phraya Dam following continuous heavy rain across Northern and Upper Central Thailand. Bangkok residents are advised to prepare for potential water intrusion in vulnerable neighbourhoods as the Chao Phraya gradually rises. Low-lying districts downstream are warned of flooding risks if heavy rain continues

Pattaya City Officials, in cooperation with local administrative organisations in Bang Lamung district, has launched safety and environmental campaigns for a more sustainable Loy Krathong Festival. Locals and tourists are urged to avoid floating lanterns (krathongs) in the sea to protect marine life. Authorities have set up designated areas with prepared ponds, such as Lan Pho Park in Naklua, for krathong floating. Participants are also invited to wear traditional Thai royal attire and mourning ribbons to honour Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother

The government spokesperson expects a “visible” increase in the number of Chinese visitors within 1-2 months, following Chinese President Xi Jinping’s discussion with PM Anutin. President Xi has agreed to hold internal discussions on how to encourage tourism to Thailand after its stance to oppose the legalisation of casino entertainment complexes

The Thai Cabinet has approved the Transportation Ministry’s proposal to allow the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to borrow 18 billion THB in FY2026 – which started on 1 Oct – to cover operating expenses amid lasting financial losses

TAT expects the Loy Krathong festival to generate about 6.54 billion THB in tourism revenue, from the participation of around 1.91 million Thai tourists nationwide. President of the upper northern chapter of the Thai Hotels Association, said hotels in Muang Chiang Mai are expected to see 100% occupancy during the Yi Peng floating lantern festival on 5-6 Nov. He added that room rates have risen by 10%-15%, owing to foreign tourists, especially Europeans, who have booked since 3-6 months ago. Many Chiang Mai hotels are recording 60% confirmed bookings between Nov 2025-Jan 2026

TAT aims to welcome 6.71 million international arrivals in Nov-Dec to reach its full-year goal of 33.4 million visitors. Thailand welcomed 2,573,743 international arrivals in Oct, -3.94% YoY. Malaysia was the top source market with 378,143 visitors, followed by China (357,445 visitors), India (213,858), Russia (145,764), South Korea (136,382), the US (83,929), Taiwan (83,574), the UK (78,947), Singapore (77,095), and Germany (76,709)

The Op Luang National Park announced the temporary closure of Mae Tia Waterfall in Chiang Mai after continuous rainfall caused water levels to rise and overflow onto the walking trail. A total of 25 tourists were evacuated safely from a campsite at the waterfall after being left stranded due to the forest runoff

Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Pattaya experienced flash flooding due to heavy rain on the night of 2 Nov. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported that flooding remained in parts of 12 provinces – Phitsanulok, Phichit, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, and Ubon Ratchathani

The Transport Minister has ordered the Mass Rapid Transit Authority to conduct a study into expanding the 40 THB one-day travel pass – which is set to be launched on Bangkok’s Red and Purple Lines on 1 Dec – to all electric train services. The minister has also instructed the Permanent Transport Secretary to look into implementing the capping of expressway tolls, excluding inter-city motorways, at 50 THB per trip by year-end

PM Anutin apologised for suggesting that “Thailand has also encroached upon Cambodia” during a media interview at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, following criticism from Thais. He added that any decision by the government to reopen border checkpoints would be made after public consultations. He assured the public that “there is no possibility that Thailand will lose any territory, sovereignty, honour, or dignity”

The Royal Thai Army is watching the Thai-Myanmar border in Mae Sot as 1,500 foreign nationals fled from KK Park special economic zone in Myanmar to Thailand, after the junta were said to have taken control of the area

The Full Moon Party at Koh Phangan, originally scheduled for 5 Nov, has been cancelled following the passing of Queen Mother Sirikit on 25 Oct. The Jungle Experience event set for 4 Nov has also been cancelled. Loy Krathong festivities will proceed, but in a way that honours traditional and cultural practices during the mourning period

2 more Thai cities were added to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network: Nan as a Crafts and Folk Art City, and Songkhla as a Gastronomy City. Other cities added in ASEAN included HCMC (Film), Malang (Media Arts) and Ponorogo (Crafts and Folk Art) in Indonesia and Kuala Lumpur (Design)

President of the Association of Thai Travel Agent said the association projects only 32 million international arrivals in 2025, down from 35.5 million in 2024. It also projects Chinese arrivals to reach 4.6 million (below the 5 million target set by TAT), Malaysian arrivals to reach 4.5 million (below the 4.9 million target), South Korea 1.5 million (below the 1.8 million target), India 2.2 million and Russia 1.6 million, same as 2024 numbers. Atta will propose to the TAT an additional tourism stimulus for flight promotions, either via discounts or free tickets. The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) plans to submit proposals from private operators next week to the PM’s Office Minister, including proposals on tax incentives or soft loans for the MICE sector, both for organisers and venue operators. TCEB discussed the “Quick Win” measures with seven tourism and MICE organisations, including the Thai Hotels Association (THA) and the Thai Incentive and Convention Association (Tica). TCEB also called on the government to offer subsidies for new events over the coming months, and encourage public organisations to hold meetings in regional destinations. Honorary President of the THA said the Finance Ministry should increase the meeting budget for the public sector and organisation, which has not changed in over 10 years, to adjust with the surging living costs. President of Tica urged the government to hold hybrid or online trade shows to draw new events and meeting groups to Thailand, focusing on markets with high growth rates like India and the Middle East

Kanchanaburi Governor reported at least 11 million local and foreign visitors in Jan-Sep, generating 28 billion THB in revenue and resulting in a hotel occupancy of 67.3%. He said the uptick in tourism is helping to offset the slowdown in trade at the Thai-Myanmar border, including the Phu Namron permanent border checkpoint and the Three Pagodas Pass crossing, due to a rise in armed skirmishes in Myanmar. Most foreign tourists to the province come from China, followed by India, South Korea, Russia, and Malaysia

Officials reported that preparations for the Thailand Biennale Phuket 2025, the country’s largest international art festival, is now over 90% completed and it’s ready for the grand opening on 29 Nov at Saphan Hin Park. The festival will run until Apr 2026, featuring large-scale art installations from over 60 artists from Thailand and overseas placed in public spaces around the island, including at city streets and coastal parks

Director for Europe at the TAT reported that European arrivals to Thailand have continued to grow, with 5.48 million recorded between 1 Jan-14 Sep. Long-haul travellers are reported to spend an average of 64,000 THB per trip. Arrivals from key European markets continue to perform well, with arrivals from Germany growing 12.42%, France by 17.13%, the UK by 14.66%, and Russia by 10.4%. Emerging markets also saw growth, such as Turkey with 23% and Poland with 30%. Southern European markets like Spain, Italy, Israel, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine remain strong despite geopolitical uncertainties. Smaller CIS markets like Uzbekistan saw growth of 43%, while Belarus grew by 133%. TAT targets 8.45 million European visitors in 2025, with over 70% already achieved. TAT targets 2 million arrivals for Russia, and 1 million each for the UK, Germany, and France. Forward bookings from Europe for Q4 are up 6%

Chinese President Xi Jinping lauded PM Anutin’s stance against the legalisation of casinos. President Xi also reaffirmed China’s commitment to cooperate with Thailand across trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people connections. PM Anutin highlighted opportunities in innovation, science and technology, digital economy, clean energy, future-oriented agriculture. Among other topics discussed include cybersecurity, infrastructure and connectivity

TAT hosted a delegation of 15 leading Chinese MICE tour operators to promote Thailand as a high-value tourism destination. TAT introduced a series of tourism products and services for the MICE sector, such as the Vijit Chao Phraya Light Festival. TAT also urged expanding travel beyond major hubs through routes to secondary destinations

Trip.com has partnered with TAT and One Bangkok to launch two initiatives: • The “Move On for Good, Travel Smooth” campaign running from 1 Oct-31 Dec, to promote Trip.com’s 24/7 customer support and transparent pricing. The campaign will takeover three major BTS stations - Phrom Phong, Chit Lom, and Chong Nonsi Stations – to spread the message • A specially-designed BTS travel card for international visitors, available exclusively at Product LINK. The card provides international tourists with over 18 special rewards at One Bangkok, including discounts, cash coupon, and complimentary gifts

The Bank of Thailand reported that Thailand’s economy improved MoM in Sep – due to a rebound in manufacturing, exports and rising foreign tourism receipts – but was weaker over the entire Q3

The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) hopes to extend its MotoGP hosting rights for another 5 years, with a proposal to be approved by Cabinet on 4 Nov. The SAT governor called the Thai MotoGP “a cornerstone of our sports tourism strategy. It has consistently generated economic returns while boosting the country’s global image”. If it is approved, SAT would work with the private sector to transform it into a mega event

The Thai Government has introduced the “Check-in Fin Wow: East x Northeast” campaign to boost tourism and local economies in seven provinces along the Thai-Cambodian border, namely Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Buri Ram, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat. The campaign is set to begin on 15 Nov and is expected to generate over 90 million THB from 10,000 participants. TAT will provide travel and accommodation subsidies to registered tour operators for cross-provincial trips that include at least one overnight stay within the target areas

President of the Thai Hotels Association said the association plans to propose the Ministry of Finance to review the Land and Building Tax Act, claiming that the current system is burdening small hotels that are affected by declining Chinese tourists. THA recommended combining features of the former house and land tax system, which was based on business income, with the current land tax structure. Smaller hotels are now facing two major issues: persistent tax burdens despite losses, and inappropriate valuation base for developed properties. The THA President added that the government’s tourism stimulus measures have provided some relief, but are not as effective or well-targeted as they could be

Deputy PM and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment has launched the “Zero Food Waste” campaign across Thailand’s national parks, aiming to reduce organic waste and reduce methane emissions. The initiative is led by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) and supports the government’s “Quick Win” plan to cut food waste by 50% by 2030. Under the campaign, no food waste in national parks be buried or burned, but instead, all organic waste will be reused or recycled locally. The campaign will implement three key measures: reducing waste generation through awareness efforts and restrictions on single-use plastics; reusing and recycling organic waste into compost or black soldier fly feed; and promoting shared responsibility among visitors, local businesses, and park authorities. The project is already implemented in 118 national parks. The parks processed over 2,900 tons of waste from more than 18 million visitors in FY2025, with 60% managed on-site. Average waste generation rate dropped to 0.16 kg/pax/day. The campaign will be rolled-out across a four-month period, establishing model sites, followed by a five-year plan from 2026-2030 to expand implementation across all 156 national parks

TAT announced that the New Year countdown events will go ahead as scheduled, but the fireworks show usually held at Wat Arun in Bangkok will be moved to Phayao province in order to promote secondary destinations. TAT said the decision was already made before the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. The event in Phayao is expected to attract at least 250,000 visitors

The Bank of Thailand (BOT) launched the cross-border QR code payment services between Thailand and China. Tourists from China can now use their Alipay, UnionPay, and WeChat Pay apps to scan Thai QR codes to pay at merchangs in Thailand. The scheme is a collaboration between National ITMX Co., Ltd., the three major Chinese payment service providers, and the designated settlement banks – Bangkok Bank and Krungthai Bank. The service will initially be available through five Thai banks – Bangkok Bank, Krungthai Bank, Kasikornbank, ICBC (Thai), and Siam Commercial Bank – with more banks to join the service in the next phase

PM Anutin made a direct plea to US President Trum for a “better” trade deal as the two countries continue tariff discussions

The Koh Phangan Tourist Police raided two unlicensed hotels on the island, arresting 12 individuals, including three Spanish nationals, two Thais, an Argentine, a Polish, and five Myanmar workers for illegal accommodation business operations

The Finance Ministry reported that all 20 million allotments for the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” (Half-Half Plus) co-payment programme have been filled. The government allocated 44.4 billion THB for the programme. Non-taxpayers receive 2,000 THB/pax, while taxpayers receive 2,400 THB/pax, usable from 29 Oct-31 Dec. Participants can spend up to 200 THB/day, with the government covering 50% of the amount. Around 190,000 applications were rejected, mostly welfare cardholders who already receive direct assistance. Almost 600,000 shops have registered to accept payments under the scheme, with registration remaining open until 19 Dec

Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) said that local authorities have been instructed to adjust Loy Krathong festivities formats to align with the mourning period of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, and to prioritise public safety

The Immigration Bureau has denied claims by South Korean media that 11 South Korean nationals were abducted in Thailand. The bureau’s spokesman confirmed that of the alleged 11 individuals, five entered and exited Thailand normally, two were deported to South Korea due to legal violations, and four had no record of entering Thailand

Deputy Spokesperson of the Thai Foreign Ministry announced that both Thailand and Cambodia have begun withdrawing heavy weapons from the border following the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Declaration. She added that the 18 Cambodian prisoners of war will undergo a thorough health check-up by the International Committee of the Red Cross as part of their release

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) warned that the Thailand-US MoU on the joint development of a rare earth minerals supply chain could put Thailand at risk of straining diplomatic ties with China. The Finance Minister sees the agreement as a way of improving Thailand’s opportunity to negotiate tariffs with the US

The Commerce Minister assured that the MoU with the US on joint development of a rare earth minerals supply chain does not create any legal or geopolitical obligation for Thailand. She noted that the agreement “does not mean we cannot sign with China”

The TAT Governor expects Thailand to welcome a record of nearly 1.2 million tourists from the US in 2026, +8% YoY, following the return of United Airlines flight to Bangkok. She added that the US is a high-spending market with strong demand from premium travellers, driven by season 3 of The White Lotus TV series, which was filmed in Thailand. Thailand welcomed a record high 1.03 million tourists from the US in 2024, generating 58.8 billion THB. The number is expected to reach 1.1 million in 2025, +8% YoY, generating over 62 billion THB. TAT said American tourists had an average stay of 12 days and daily expenditure of 4,726 THB

The Tourism Ministry reported that Thailand has welcomed 26,245,277 international arrivals from 1 Jan-26 Oct, -7.25% YoY, generating 1.211 trillion THB in spending. Malaysia was the top market with 3,804,766 arrivals, followed by China (3,723,070), India (1,946,989), Russia (1,387,594), and South Korea (1,256,786). Thailand welcomed 592,196 international arrivals from 20-26 Oct, +6.37% WoW, attributed to two concerts – Blackpink’s World Tour in Bangkok and Crazy in Love Zeenunew Concert – as well as high season demand from long-haul markets, such as Russia, which saw a 31% WoW rise in arrivals. Top markets during the 20-26 Oct period include Malaysia (90,855), China (74,421), India (54,877), Russia (38,749), and South Korea (25,307)

Thailand and Vietnam held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, reaffirming their commitment to strengthen strategic partnership, including expediting the implementation of their joint action plan. The two countries agreed to cooperate in the renewable energy sector, and Vietnam has agreed to reconsider its energy pricing structure to attract more Thai investment

The Tourism Minister held a meeting to evaluate Thailand’s 60-day visa-free policy. The meeting discussed the possibility to adjust the stay period for repeat visitors to prevent misuse for illegal business operations, while still allowing tourism activities

The Department of Business Development (DBD), under the Commerce Ministry, has launched a crackdown on nominee operations on Koh Phangan. DBD held a joint operation with local law enforcement and provincial task forces to inspect four targeted locations. Authorities found potential nominee structures in the accounting services sector and the real estate sector. A 150 million THB luxury villa project renting to foreign tourists without a hotel license was flagged, and was reportedly being registered under Thai firms but included significant foreign ownership

The US government reported that Thailand has agreed to eliminate tariff barriers on around 99% of goods, covering a full range of US industrial and food and agricultural products. The US will maintain 19% reciprocal tariffs on goods originating from Thailand

The First Army Region dismissed claims that border checkpoints in Sa Kaeo will reopen on 1 Nov. The army stated that crossings in the province will remain closed until further order

TAT announced that Thailand remains open and fully operational during the mourning period for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. Visitors are urged to dress and behave respectfully, especially when visiting temples, royal sites, or government premises. TAT has announced the following adjustments for its events following the passing of The Queen Mother: • The Bureau of the Royal Household announced the temporary closure of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram (Wat Phra Kaeo) from 26 Oct-8 Nov to facilitate the Royal Merit-Making Ceremony in honour of the Royal Funeral • The Sukhothai Loi Krathong and Candle Festival 2025 will go ahead as scheduled from 27 Oct-5 Nov at Sukhothai Historical Park. Activities will be modified to reflect the national mourning period. A nightly candle-lighting tribute will take place at 21.21 hrs. Fireworks will feature only traditional Sukhothai-style displays, and the Noppamas beauty contest will be cancelled • The Loi Krathong Festival in Ayutthaya will be held as scheduled, with activities also toned down to reflect the mourning period. Candle-lighting ceremonies will be held as a tribute • The Vijit Chao Phraya Thailand 2025 event, will be postponed to 9 Nov-23 Dec, from the initially scheduled 1 Nov-23 Dec. It will be held along both banks of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. The presentation concept has been refined under the theme “Light of Siam – Mother of the Land”, featuring drone displays instead of fireworks to convey tribute and remembrance. Lighting design and colour tones will be softened, while the New Year’s Eve programme will include a candle-lighting ceremony titled “Light of the Nation”

Phuket Immigration launched a crackdown on five businesses in Patong for alleged illegal foreign operations, of which four were found to be in violation of Thai law and one still under investigation. At one location, an Israeli national admitted to being the owner and manager of a business offering motorbike rentals, tour services, and barber services

The Pattaya Mayor announced that the Green Line Monorail project is currently finalising its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), expected to be submitted by end-Oct. Once approved, the proposal will be forwarded to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) for economic feasibility assessment before seeking Cabinet approval for a public-private partnership (PPP) investment. The Green Line Monorail will stretch from Pattaya Station, through the city centre, Thappraya, and ending at Bali Hai Pier. It aims to transform Pattaya into a “liveable, smart tourism city”

The Deputy PM and Transport Minister introduced a new proposal to extend the Eastern high-speed rail project – expected to connect Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports – to Trat Province. He stressed that the government does not support amending the original investment contract, but would negotiate a new proposal with the private concessionaire, Asia Era One Co., Ltd., to construct Phase 2 of the project that would extend the line from U-Tapao to Trat via Rayong and Chanthaburi. Preliminary discussions have been held with the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EEC), with a formal meeting planned for late Oct or early Nov with the Ministry of Transport, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), and Asia Era One. The meeting will discuss the proposed extension’s distance, additional investment requirements, and the potential increase in passengers compared to the current U-Tapao terminus. SRT studies showed that the Rayong-Chanthaburi-Trat extension would span around 190km, with four stations: Rayong, Klaeng, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Preliminary investment was estimated at around 101.7 billion THB, including for land acquisition (13 billion THB), civil works (69.1 billion THB), electrical and mechanical systems (12.1 billion THB), and rolling stock (4.7 billion THB). The economic internal rate of return (EIRR) is estimated at 5.39%, with a net present value (NPV) of -45 billion THB, indicating the full line may not yet be financially viable. SRT plans to build the first phase from U-Tapao to Rayong, at an estimated cost of 20.5 billion THB, pending budget approval for detailed project design. The Ministry plans to start construction of the three-airport line while finalising the extended section

The Pheu Thai Party condemned PM Anutin’s order to ban poker and card gambling "sports" events, a reversal from the previous administration’s policy. The party’s Acting Secretary-General noted that the Sports Authority of Thailand endorsed poker and flag football as official sports in Jul, with clear restrictions against gambling at competitions. He added that poker could be used to promote tourism and attract high-spending visitors through an annual Poker Tour Festival. He said the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) estimated that each participant in such an event spends around 20,000 THB daily over a stay period of 7-14 days, meaning the event could generate over 1.4 billion THB in revenue annually if it attracts 10,000 participants

Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother passed away on the night of 24 Oct. A royal funeral procession will be held on 26 Oct. PM Anutin announced a cabinet resolution on the national mourning period from 25 Oct: • All government offices, state enterprises, public agencies and educational institutions were instructed to lower the national flag to half-mast for 30 days • Civil servants, state employees and government officials are instructed to wear mourning attire for one year • Entertainment venues and service businesses are requested to suspend or reduce entertainment activities for 30 days. Organisers of pre-planned activities is urged to adjust formats to ensure appropriateness in line with public sentiment. Two concerts by K-pop group Blackpink will go ahead on 25 and 26 Oct at Rajamangala National Stadium, but organisers BEC Tero have asked concertgoers to wear black • The public is urged to wear black or non-vibrant tones for a period of 90 days, if possible

Galaxy Resorts Thailand’s Chief Brand Officer believes that Thailand should set an ambitious target of 45-60 million arrivals by 2030=2035, noting that it is “not unthinkable to achieve those numbers with the right plan and growth strategy”. He said that Thailand is likely to achieve 33 million foreign arrivals in 2025, below 2019 levels. He added that several issues need to be handled, including ensuring safe travel, accessibility, digital marketing upgrades and curating unique experiences to target high-spending tourists. He said Galaxy Resorts Thailand remains patient about its expansion, and he is hopeful that there can be progress around integrated resorts with the formation of the new government. Galaxy Resorts brought Jackson Wang’s “Magicman 2” World Tour to Thailand in early Oct, attracting an audience of over 24,000 people across two days

The Labour Minister had ordered officials to strictly investigate and take legal action against foreigners working as illegal tour guides in Thailand, particularly during the upcoming high season. The ministry reiterated the penalties for offenders. Illegal foreign guides working without a work permit or beyond the scope of their allowed rights will be fined 5,000-50,000 THB, deported to their origin country, and will be banned from applying for a work permit in Thailand for 2 years from the date the penalty is imposed. Employers of establishments hiring foreigners without a work permit or allowing foreigners to work outside their permitted scope will be fined 10,000-100,000 THB per hired foreigner and will be prohibited from hiring foreigners for 3 years. Repeat offenders will be liable to imprisonment for up to 1 year, or a fine of 50,000-200,000 THB per hired foreigner

TAT’s Moscow office held a media briefing in Russia and Belarus following the death of a Russian woman who was trafficked to Myanmar through Bangkok on 29 Sep, after arriving in Thailand on 27 Sep. Tourism bookings from Russia have reportedly not declined following the case

The Real Estate Information Centre (REIC) reported that there was a surge in hotel applications in ten provinces in H1 2025, accounting for 75% of new supply nationwide. Bangkok remained the top market, but occupancy has slightly fallen. Samut Prakan showed the strongest growth with a 366.7% YoY increase in new hotel applications. Chonburi saw a 63% YoY decline

PM Anutin has proposed abolishing alcohol zoning laws and extending closing times for entertainment venues from 2am to 4am. The PM also plans to lift the 2pm-5pm alcohol sales ban, and replace licensing requirements for entertainment venues with a simpler registration process. He aims to introduce the changes by Jan 2026, in time for the expected dissolution of the Parliament. The new regulations are expected to generate an extra 500 billion THB in tax revenue

Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show 2025 was held for the first time as a joint collaboration from 16-19 Oct at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, attracting 206,159 visitors. The business zone of the event attracted 5,590 attendees from 81 countries. The Commerce Minister reported that the event generated an estimated over 1.22 billion THB in economic value through business deals and partnerships. The 2026 edition will be held at the same venue from 29 Oct-1 Nov 2026

TAT is holding the “Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival 2025” from 16-31 Oct. Celebrations in Bangkok will be held at Phahurat Road and Klong Oung Aang

SCX Corporation, the recurring-income asset management arm of SET-listed SC Asset Corporation, is seeking to invest 2 billion THB to develop a second hotel in Pattaya, and is looking for a joint venture partner for the project. The new hotel is expected to be announced in 2025 and is planned for completion between 2029-2030. SCX’s next target destinations are Phuket and Bangkok, with plans for 2-3 more hotels with at least 200 rooms each

President of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association (PBTA) reported that hotel rooms along the beachfront are already fully booked for the period of Pattaya International Fireworks Festival 2025, which will be held on Central Pattaya Beach on 28-29 Nov. She added that most early hotel bookings have come from Thai and Korean tourists

TAT’s chartered flight promotion from Oct 2025-Jan 2026 have sold 100,949 of the 140,000 targeted packages via 710 flights. The agency’s online platform marketing project – aimed at increasing occupancy rates and advance bookings for hotels – has already issued over 533,000 discount codes of 17.5%, capped at 1,500 THB per code. The campaign aims to attract 950,000 travellers and 7.2 billion THB. Seven international-level companies are participating in this initiative, with 279,854 bookings completed

The House of Representative has unanimously passed a new Clean Air Bill, which will introduce a “Polluter Pays Principle”, ensuring those responsible for emissions to bear the costs of environmental damage. It also outlines new systems for monitoring pollution, integrates data across agencies, and decentralise authority to local governments for more effective air-quality management. The bill will now be forwarded to the Senate for further consideration

The Thai Cabinet has approved five measures to stimulate domestic tourism during the upcoming high-season. Permanent Secretary of the Finance Ministry projects the tax deductions and incentives could stimulate around 13 billion THB in tourism spending, with combined government programs driving total spending to 110 billion THB, contributing 0.45% to the Q4 GDP. The five measures are: • Individual tax deduction: Thai residents can claim up to 20,000 THB for hotel, homestay, and restaurant expenses with full or e-Tax invoices. Spending in 55 secondary provinces and parts of 15 others is eligible for 1.5x deductions • Corporate tax incentives: Companies hosting training or seminars domestically can deduct 2x expenses – including hotel, seminar, and transport costs – with 1.5x deductions for secondary tourist provinces • Front-loaded government spending: Agencies, state enterprises, and local governments are mandated to spend at least 60% of their training and seminar budgets between Oct 2025-Jan 2026, up from the historical 10%-20% • Hotel upgrades: Renovation and expansion costs for hotels (excluding basic repairs) are eligible for 2x tax deductions from 29 Oct 2025-31 Mar 2026. The Government Savings Bank is readying funds to support hotel upgrades, pending Cabinet approval • Entertainment tax extension: Reduced excise tax for entertainment venues such as nightclubs, bars, and pubs remains at 5% for another year, drom Jan-Dec 2026

President of the Association of the Chonburi Tourism Federation the cyber scam problem has become a big issue in Korean society, according to his informal discussions with a Korean travel agency. The agent said tour packages booked for Pattaya and Thailand have not been cancelled, but new bookings are growing at a very slow pace. South Korea recently issued a travel ban to parts of Cambodia, after a Korean student was allegedly tortured to death at a scam centre. The South Korean market in Pattaya is estimated to have fallen by 20%-30% since the beginning of 2025, as many travellers shifted to Vietnam due to cheaper costs and new attractions. Honorary Secretary-General of the Association of Thai Travel Agents said Thai tourism is sensitive to the Southeast Asian cyber scam issue, taking example of the kidnapping case of Chinese actor Wang Xing to a scam centre in Myanmar, which resulted in an over 35% decline in Chinese arrivals. He noted that there have not been booking cancellations from South Korea to Thailand, only to Cambodia so far. He forecasts the number of South Korean arrivals is unlikely to reach the 1.8 million arrivals recorded in 2024, but it might reach 1.5 million

The Transport Ministry aims to transform Phuket into the main transport hub for the Andaman region. A high-level meeting was held between the Phuket Governor and representatives from the Department of Highways, Marine Department, and State Railway of Thailand to discuss nine major infrastructure projects worth a total 130 billion THB. The projects include: • The 16.76-billion-THB Kathu–Patong Tunnel, expected to cut travel time between the airport and Patong to 20 minutes • The 46.75-billion-THB Muang Mai–Koh Kaew–Kathu Expressway • The 1.3-billion-THB Muang Mai–Airport Junction flyover • The expansion of Highway 4027 • Traffic management upgrade • The 46-billion-THB Phase 1 Light Rail Transit system linking Phuket airport to Chalong Intersection • The Andaman Port project connecting Krabi, Phangnga and Phuket • A new cruise terminal for large vessels • Phase 2 of the Phuket Airport Development Project, aiming to boost annual passenger capacity from 12.5 million to 18 million

The vegetarian festival in Phuket and Songkhla from 20-29 Oct is expected to generate 382,710 domestic trips to the two provinces, +28% YoY, as well as 4.1 billion THB in revenue, +31% YoY. The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is expected to generate 2.3 billion THB from 198,239 domestic trips, with an average hotel occupancy rate of 81%. The Songkhla festival is expected to generate 1.76 billion THB from 184,471 trips, with an average occupancy rate of 75%. The TAT Governor expects 82% of the foreign visitors to Phuket and Songkhla for the festival to be from short-haul markets like Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. President of the Tourism Council of Phuket said this year is the 200th anniversary of the Kathu Shrine, where the celebration originated. President of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association expects around 10,000 Malaysian tourists to visit Hat Yai this weekend

A Bloomberg survey projected the Thai baht to rise about 1% against the USD by year-end

The government projects losses from disruptions of cross-border trade with Cambodia could reach 100 billion THB if situation persists through the end of the year. Thai businesses have reportedly lost an estimated 15 billion THB per month since the closure of Thai-Cambodian borders, according to the minutes of last week’s economic committee meeting seen by Bloomberg News

PM Anutin has ordered the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) to boost inter-agency coordination to combat online scams and call centre fraud. He urged stronger defences against scammers, real-time intelligence sharing, and cross-border cooperation to prevent Thailand from being used as a base or transit point for cybercrime

Agoda ranked Pattaya as the top destination in Thailand for “micro-travel”, or short overnight trips. Chonburi ranked second, followed by Hua Hin, Rayong, and Khao Yai

TAT has launched the 2nd “Amazing Thailand Passport Privileges” campaign, which will run from 1 Nov-15 Dec, to boost international tourist spending during the year-end peak season. The campaign offers foreign tourists discounts, promotional vouchers, and an “Amazing Bag” souvenir package. Visitors can join the campaign by showing their passports at designated booths at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, or Phuket airports. The campaign is expected to generate over 400 million THB in spending

The Immigration Police conducted raids on foreign-run businesses in Koh Phangan. A raid on two hotels run by Israelis resulted in three arrests, with the fourth still being pursued. The Immigration Bureau also raided a restaurant and a guesthouse in Thong Sala village. A total of eight people, including staff illegally employed through nominee arrangements, were detained during the operation – three Israelis, two Thais, and three Myanmar workers

Surat Thani Governor said corrupt officials and Thai nominees are under scrutiny amid investigations into foreign investors exploiting legal loopholes related to business operations and land ownership on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. He said two special task forces are conducting investigations – the first unit focusing on verifying the legal entry of foreigners and the second investigating land ownership, construction, and business activities involving foreign nationals

The Phuket Tourism Association Vice-President said the private sector supported the reclassification of cannabis for medical rather than recreational use. He noted that many recent cases of strange foreign visitor behaviours were connected to excessive cannabis use. He called on the government to reconsider the cannabis policy. Phuket MP of the People’s Party agreed with the concerns and suggested a zoning approach to regulate cannabis use. Phuket Governor said they will gather opinions from local tourism, hotel and business associations to submit to the government for policy review

Phuket MP urged the government to solve the island’s chronic water shortage, warning that it could go out of control during the upcoming high season

A task force addressing illegal land encroachment and environmental destruction in the Fourth Army Region reported a cluster of at least five buildings constructed illegally within a national forest reserve on Koh Phangan during inspections conducted in Sep. Authorities are gathering evidence and cross-referencing map data before submitting their findings to the Surat Thani Governor for legal action

The Tourism Minister instructed the Department of Tourism and the Tourist Police Bureau to launch an urgent investigation into reports that a Chinese tour guide allegedly forced a Chinese tour group to buy goods from a recommended store. The Tourism Department said the case may violate Thailand’s Tour Business and Guide Act. The minister stated that strict legal action will be taken if investigation confirms the allegations, as the case constituted deception and coercion of tourists

The Thai Coral Reef and Marine Life Conservation Foundation, in partnership with the Phuket Marine Biological Centre, has launched a campaign to restore seagrass beds in the Andaman Sea, after drone surveys showed a significant drop in dugong numbers due to food loss and habitat damage

Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business at the TAT said the agency’s tourism product development will now focus on attracting high-value visitors – including segments like health and wellness, luxury travel, and sustainable tourism – rather than relying on mass volume. He acknowledged that neighbouring emerging destinations, such as Vietnam, are competing for market share from Thailand, especially for markets looking for affordable prices. He added that tourism products should meet sustainability standards, of which only 20% of private operators are enthusiastic about. TAT expects revenue from health tourism to reach 124 billion THB in the whole of 2025, after generating over 62 billion THB in H1 2025. The agency believes the segment has the potential to grow to the pre-pandemic levels of 140-150 billion THB in a few years. Average spending for the segment is 103% higher than average at 107,662 THB, while average length of stay was 13 nights. Health and wellness services in Thailand could be 30%-70% cheaper compared with Western countries, and 30%-50% lower compared with Singapore. TAT also plans to attract more ultra-luxury markets in 2026, through partnerships with service providers that offer unique experiences and transport. TAT's Prague Office launched a one-day trip via classic car in Bangkok this year, costing 100,000-150,000 THB per pax. TAT is aiming to push this product and similar packages to other markets, including China. TAT also plans to promote sports tourism with events that could encourage travellers to spend a longer time in Thailand, such as trail running, where athletes typically spend 14 days training before the event, unlike marathoners who might stay for just a few days

TAT led a delegation of 22 Thai tourism businesses to participate in ITB Asia 2025 from 15-17 Oct at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore. Thailand aims to expand short-haul markets, attract high-value travellers, and promote sustainable tourism through the event. Thailand has welcomed 73,522 Singaporeans from Jan-Sep, of which over 80% were repeat travellers. Top destinations include Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Krabi, with average visitor spending of 45,000 THB per trip and average stay of about five days. Singapore-Thailand air connectivity has reportedly recovered to nearly 87% of pre-pandemic levels, with 283 weekly flights

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation issued a ban on sunscreens containing four hazardous substances that are harmful for coral reefs – namely Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor, and Butylparaben – at marine national parks. Violators could be fined up to 100,000 THB according to the National Park Act 2019

The Finance Ministry will propose four measures to boost domestic tourism, especially to support secondary provinces and SMEs, to the Cabinet on 21 Oct. The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion reported 42,227 accommodation providers nationwide, with 45% located in 55 secondary tourist provinces. Of those, 80% are small businesses. The proposed measures is projected to increase GDP by 0.05%-0.06% in 2025 compared with a scenario without these measures, and by 0.03%-0.04% in 2026. The proposals are: • Tax incentives for tourism from 29 Oct-15 Dec, where individuals can claim deductions of up to 20,000 THB on hotel, homestay, and registered restaurant expenses. In secondary tourist provinces and selected districts in 15 provinces, the deduction is multiplied by 1.5 times. The incentive is expected to be utilised by 140,000 people, with a projected revenue loss of 420 million THB in personal income tax • Incentive to boost spending for training, seminars, and workshops by the government, state enterprises, and local administrative bodies from Oct 2025-Jan 2026. At least 60% of the allocated budget is to be spent, prioritising secondary tourist provinces • Extension for reduced excise tax rates on entertainment venues from 1 Jan-31 Dec 2026. Excise on nightclubs, discotheques, pubs, cocktail lounges, and venues offering music or other entertainment after midnight will be cut from 10% to 5%, reducing expected revenue by 219.55 million THB annually • Tax incentives for hotel renovations from 29 Oct 2025-31 Mar 2026, where corporate hotel operators can claim double the expenses for expansions or upgrades, excluding repairs to original condition. Corporate income tax can be exempted for 100% of these expenses over 20 consecutive accounting periods. Around 1,200 hotels are expected to invest an estimated 24 billion THB, with government tax revenue loss projected at 240 million THB annually, totalling 4.8 billion THB over 20 years • Other proposed measures include loan guarantees for hotels and tourism-related businesses from specialised financial institutions, and a low-interest credit scheme worth 100 billion THB from the Government Savings Bank, with 10 billion baht allocated to upgrade the tourism sector and related industries

The First Army Region vowed to act on the initiative of HRH Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana by constructing the Thai-Cambodian border wall and safety shelters under the "Hataitip Fund" launched by the Chulabhorn Foundation

The Thai and Cambodian PMs have signed an eight-point joint declaration of peace, witnessed by the US President and the Malaysian PM: • Commitment to Peace and Security • Adherence to Border Agreements – which was set at the General Border Committee (GBC) meetings • Establishment of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) – to ensure ceasefire implementation • Measures to De-escalating Tensions and Restoring Confidence – including removing military de-escalation and removing heavy weapons from border areas, and restricting the dissemination of false information, among others • Release of Prisoners of War • Enhanced Cooperation on Security and Border Control • Acknowledge the Need to Chart a Course for a Bright Future • Witnessed by Global Leaders

TAT held the “Amazing Thailand Networking Dinner” on 16 Oct to strengthen Thailand-China tourism partnership and explore new collaboration opportunities. Major Chinese partners attending the event include UTour, Caissa, Qunar, Tongcheng, China Comfort Tourism (CCT), China Travel Group (CTG), 6renyou, ZX-Tour, Hainan Airlines, and Air China

TAT’s Trat Office has launched the tourist season across Koh Chang, Koh Kut, and Koh Mak, aiming to bring the total number of tourists from Oct 2025 to 2025 year-end to 700,000 and generate over 6 billion THB in circulating income. TAT plans to promote the "Kaew Deaw Thieaw Trat” (Travel Trat in One Reusable Glass) campaign to encourage waste reduction on the islands. The campaign will offer special promotions from registered places for visitors using reusable glasses and straws. Koh Mak will also be promoted as a low-carbon destination, with discounts on electric golf cart rentals. Koh Kut will be promoted as a nature and wellness destination, while Koh Chang will be promoted with sport tourism with its Bikini Run on 22 Nov

The Koh Phangan Hotel and Tourism Association met with the head of the Chabad Centre, a local rabbi, to seek cooperation in encouraging Israeli tourists to respect Thai laws and local customs following rising online criticism of Israeli tourists’ behaviour. The rabbi agreed to work with the association to issue notices reminding visitors to act respectfully in Hebrew and English, to be displayed in hotels, restaurants, cafés and public places. Immigration Chief of Surat Thani reported that 2,711 Israelis entered via Samui Airport in Jan-Sep, the 12th largest international source market. During the period, over 20 Israeli nationals have been arrested for offences including illegal business operations, counterfeit currency use, and visa violations

The Culture Ministry invited Thais to wear traditional Thai fabric to honor the upcoming consideration of Chut Thai Phra Rajaniyom (Royal-Inspired Thai Dresses) for inclusion on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2026. The ministry is drafting a 2026 Action Plan to call on government agencies, private organisations, and the public to appreciate the cultural significance of wearing Thai fabric and traditional attire

The Thai Cabinet has approved the sudden transfer of Phuket Governor Saransak Srikruanetra, only two weeks after he began his term on 2 Oct. Secretary to the Phuket Governor noted that the transfer will only become effective upon Royal Assent. Saransak will be replaced by Nirat Pongsitthaworn, shifting from his role as Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA). Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee criticised the “revolving-door approach” to provincial governance

The Thai Cabinet has approved a 264.35 million THB budget framework for the Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok from 2025-2027, as part of the World Capital Marathon Series. The budget will cover licensing fees and related taxes. The Sports Authority of Thailand will oversee implementation and budget management. The event is expected to generate at least 1.46 billion THB in direct and indirect value through employment, tourism, international participation, and global exposure. Spending by both local and foreign participants, supporters, and visitors is expected to reach over 3.29 billion THB across the three years. The event is expected to create over 21,000 jobs, or about 7,000 roles annually, including staff, volunteers, students, and contractors, during each six-month preparation period

The Chinese Embassy warned Chinese travellers to only use well-known, licensed outbound tour operators and to not buy “cheap tours” to Thailand, following a viral video where a man was seen telling a Chinese tour group they must buy goods from a recommended store or they would not be allowed back on the bus. The embassy reported that the man in the video was a Chinese national and not permitted to be a tour guide in Thailand. Chief of Investigation of the Tourist Police Bureau said the Thai tour company involved had a valid permit for the business and arranged the tour in cooperation with a Chinese company. The tour was priced legally and was not a “zero-dollar” tour. The Chinese man in the video was a member of the Chinese company serving as the head of the tour, and he was accompanied by a registered Thai guide who confirmed there was no coercion

Phuket Highways District is leading a two-phase initiative to modernise Phuket’s traffic management system. Phase One will involve installing AI-powered traffic lights, which will be able to analyse and adjust signal timings to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. Phase Two will involve introducing new traffic warning and information signage, as well as establishing a central traffic control centre to coordinate management across all key roads. Phuket has also proposed the new 1.95km road from Baan Muang Mai to the Phuket Airport intersection to the Transport Ministry for funding, aiming to complete the project in 2028

TAT has appointed Thai K-pop star Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal as the “Amazing Thailand Ambassador” for the next 12 months, expecting to attract more visitors to Thailand and bring tourism revenue back to above 3 trillion THB in 2026. The collaboration is expected to reach 1 billion online views, of which 5-10 million is expected to translate into actual trips in 2026. The campaign is also expected to generate 250-500 billion THB in tourism revenue. Lisa will participate in a 60-second TV commercial and a separate 30-second trailer, along with twelve photoshoots, special merchandise, and an exclusive event in Jan

Thailand is expected to see 33.4 million visitors in 2025, nearly 6% below 2024 levels and the first decline in a decade outside the pandemic. The TAT Governor said the agency is monitoring Chinese tourist numbers in Nov-Dec, following the implementation of stimulus measures targeted for the market. She expects chartered flights from China, India, and the Middle East to see a tangible effect from Nov. There is a planned total of 731 flights coming from 16 Chinee destinations between Q4 2025-Q1 2026

The Thai 2nd Army has indefinitely postponed the Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting with Cambodia, initially planned for 15-17 Oct, due to Cambodia’s failure to present a clear action plan proposal for the withdrawal of heavy weaponry and for landmine clearance. Cambodia had also still not submitted a plan regarding troop adjustments or designated demining zones in accordance with the General Border Committee (GBC) agreement

The Thailand Pavilion at World Expo 2025 Osaka recorded 2,088,206 visitors from 13 Apr-12 Oct. The pavilion saw 18,721 visitors on 21 Sep, the highest daily number, and 15,398 visitors on 12 Oct, the day before the exhibition closed. The Thai Pavilion during the Dubai Expo 2021/22 saw 2.35 million visitors

OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Go in Thailand, offering access to its GPT-5 model for 259 THB/month. The package is priced lower than the premium plans, and is targeted towards everyday users who want access to advanced AI tools for daily tasks

Similan Islands National Park in Phang Nga province has launched the “Save Similan” campaign under the theme “Happy, Safe, and Eco-Friendly Travel”, ahead of the reopening of its tourism season from 15 Oct. The campaign was joined by over 400 participants, including residents and tourism operators. It featured activities like educational sessions on marine buoys, a “Return Hermit Crabs to Their Homes” event, and the release of green sea turtle hatchlings into the Andaman Sea

Vice President of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) believes that the Finance Ministry’s stimulus package is needed to revive tourism in second-tier cities. He said outlook in secondary cities has worsened from last year, with arrivals declining due to an image of unsafe travel, border conflict, slow economy, and the strong baht. He added tourism operators in provinces bordering Cambodia are struggling to restore visitor numbers. He said the government’s corporate tax exemption scheme for meetings and seminars in second-tier cities, as well as the domestic tourism subsidy, should help attract domestic tourists, especially those with high spending power. He urged authorities to assure participants that systems have been prepared so they are seamless and user-friendly, and not cause inconvenience like in the previous domestic co-payment scheme. He noted that the tax incentive programme for hotels to renovate into green properties in in line with sustainable tourism trends

Deputy Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 8 and the Surat Thani Provincial Police Chief led an inter-agency task force meeting to coordinate inspections into suspected illegal nominee businesses on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan in Surat Thani province. Deputy Governor of Surat Thani said the provincial committee on land and building ownership by foreigners have been checking foreigners’ travel records visa categories, and passport renewals to distinguish legitimate tourists from those staying long-term to run businesses. They will also investigate shareholder lists, investment fund sources, and corporate financial status, as well as cross-check with the Department of Business Development’s land office records to verify company landholdings. Surat Thani Provincial Police recorded 2,001 foreign-related offenses between Oct 2024-Sep 2025, mainly for traffic violations, illegal entry, and drug crimes. Of those, 18 were nominee cases, including those involving real estate, hotel, and villa operations (10 cases), construction firms (2), computer services (2), and one case each for car rental, café, visa services, and cleaning companies

The government is aiming to attract 12 million international visitors during its four-month tenure, driven by four events during the high season: • The Amazing Thailand Marathon 2025 in end-Nov, expected to attract at least 36,000 local and international participants, generating 894 million THB in revenue • The 30-million-THB Maha Loy Krathong 2025 in Nov, with celebrations planned for Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. The event is expected to see at least 450,000 visitors and generate 800 million THB in revenue • The 50-million-THB Vijit Chao Phraya Light Festival from 1 Nov-15 Dec. The duration for this year’s edition was extended to 45 days, from 30 days last year. Tourist bookings for boat cruises during this period are reportedly almost full. The event is expected to attract at least 1.5 million visitors and generate 500 million THB in revenue • The Amazing Thailand Countdown, which will be focused on regional celebrations. Chiang Mai and Phayao are hosting the 25-million-THB countdown events, expected to attract over 150,000 visitors

The UK Foreign Office’s travel advisory against non-essential travel to Trat region due to the Thai-Cambodian border conflict has triggered mass cancellations, reportedly costing the region an estimated 700 million THB in lost revenue during the peak season. TAT’s London Office forwarded a letter from a British citizen saying that they couldn’t obtain travel insurance to go to Koh Chang due to the advisory. They added that the insurance company would reconsider coverage if they can get local evidence that things are normal on the island”. Director of TAT’s Trat Office acknowledged the issue, and assured that the situation in Trat border, as well as in popular islands like Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and Koh Mak, are not dangerous. He added that the biggest problem is that Thai security forces have declared Trat province a Martial Law zone, which signal high risk for Europeans and insurance providers. He urged security forces to consider revoking the Martial Law in areas that are not involved, in order to support tour operators

Pattaya and Koh Larn are seeing over 10,000 visitors per day for the long weekend of 11-13 Oct

Flooding in Ayutthaya province has spread to 12 districts, affecting 49,239 households

The Safari World zoo in Bangkok will reopen its Predator Zone (Tiger Zone) on 13 Oct following approval from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. The zone has been closed since 10 Sep after a keeper was mauled to death by the lions

Koh Mak, Koh Kood, and Koh Chang in Trat province is seeing high volumes of tourists for the King Bhumibol Memorial Day long weekend from 11-13 Oct. All ferries from Laem Sok Pier in Ao Yai Subdistrict, Muang District to Koh Kood were reportedly fully booked, with over 800 tourists travelling between the two islands on 11 Oct. Authorities expect over 5,000 visitors to Koh Kood over the long weekend. Vice President of the Trat Tourism Business Association said hotel occupancy in Koh Chang for the peak season from mid-Oct through Nov has already reached 80%. He added that the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict has had no impact on tourism at Koh Kood, Koh Mak, or Koh Chang

Media intelligence group Dataxet’s social listening between 22 Jul-22 Sep revealed that 33% of Thai social networkers expressed interest in visiting the Sukhumvit area – the highest among all Bangkok districts – due to it representing the “heart of modern Bangkok life”. The area is home to major shopping malls and luxury hotels, and is well connected via the BTS Skytrain. Thong Lor and Ekkamai, two neighbourhoods within Sukhumvit, are also frequently mentioned. Other Bangkok districts popular among Thai social media users include Phra Nakhon (27.8%), Siam (8.6%), Yaowarat (7.9%), Ratchada-Huai Khwang (7.3%), Lat Phrao (5.7%), Silom-Sathon (5.2%), and Dusit (4.5%)

The Doi Suthep Cable Car project in Chiang Mai has been formally revived, after three decades of discussions. Austrian firm Doppelmayr Group has proposed a route that would connect the mountain’s foothills directly to the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple, reducing travel time from 30 minutes to only 9.8 minutes per journey. Supporters of the project believes that the new cable car – with modern, low-impact technology – would reduce traffic and exhaust pollution on the mountain road, while opponents questions whether the cable car is needed and highlighted the cultural incompatibility of the modern structure next to the sacred temple