Thailand

Centara Hotels & Resorts will debut the 142-key Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives in Apr 2025. The group will launch four more international properties in 2025, namely the new Annapurna Mountain Resort in Nepal, and the Centara Collection resort in Bali, along with two new hotels in Vietnam – Centara Hotel & Residences Van Don, and Crystal Holidays Harbour Van Don. Domestically, Centara Life Wisma Hotel Ratchaburi will open at end-Mar, with three more hotels to open later in the year, namely Centara Villas Phi Phi Island, Saree Samui (part of The Centara Collection), and Centara Life Hotel Surat Thani. The group expects a revenue growth of 23% YoY in 2025. It will also launch a new guest-centric app in H1 2025, to ease reservations for guests and to drive better personalisation

President of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association said that the province expects 10% of room booking cancellations from Malaysian tourists in the coming weeks due to violence in the deep South, despite the province not being included in the incident. He noted that the number of arrivals to Hat Yai and Songkhla was already less than 1,000 per day via land borders as it is Ramadan month for Muslims. He said Malaysian tourists are familiar with the situation in the deep South and they typically return within a month if sentiment returns to normal

President of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta) said the Thai tourism industry has not developed as it should over the past four years when compared with other nations, citing the lack of new supply and poor management of existing supply. He added that the situation worsened due to negative sentiment over safety and security. He projects that Thailand is unlikely to achieve the pre-pandemic level of 10 million Chinese arrivals unless traveller confidence is restored

Deputy Government Spokesperson reported that Thailand welcomed 7.6 million international tourists from 1 Jan-9 Mar, generating around 375.04 billion THB in revenue. The top source markets were China with 1.12 million visitors, Malaysia (938,000), Russia with (559,000), South Korea (419,000), and India (408,000). Thailand welcomed over 638,800 in the first week of Mar alone

The Vice Chair of the special committee overseeing the casino-entertainment complex project announced that the panel is looking at Bangkok, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, and Phuket as the first four locations. A Pheu Thai Party MP projects that the 500 billion THB project is expected to attract at least 50 million visitors annually and generate at least 40,000 jobs. Each complex will feature a five-star hotel, a world-class shopping mall, an amusement park, a sports arena, a convention hall and a large exhibition centre, with less than 10% of the space being allocated for a casino. The Entertainment Complex Bill was initially set to be presented at the Cabinet meeting on 12 Mar, but was delayed due to the Finance Ministry’s ongoing public feedback through its website

Founder and Chairman of Minor International Plc met with PM Paetongtarn to discuss investment in Thailand’s tourism sector

General manager of the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui said that the production of The White Lotus Season 3 did a two-month buyout for shooting in Feb-Mar 2024. She revealed that much of the crew and cast stayed on the property, and that during weekends “they were out on the island, behaving like tourists”. She added the Thai staff stayed at Anantara Bo Phut. She said the resort raised their rates in 2024 by 15% and yet they received more bookings. She expects bookings to “really pick up” in the summer, for at least 18 months for their top markets, the US and the UK. She also expects more private jets from the US. Expedia reported that flight searches for Koh Samui have increased by 30% since the setting of the series was announced. General Manager of Anantara Bo Phut also expects an uptick in bookings but he noted that Koh Samui is not easy to access, taking over 30 hours to reach from the US and requiring a change of planes in Singapore or Bangkok. The Four Seasons has exclusive rights to use the White Lotus brand, and the resort's beach bar now serves White Lotus cocktails. The resort plans to launch tailor-made White Lotus itineraries and private jet tours

The Royal Gazette announced that the Victory Monument in Bangkok has officially been registered as an ancient site by the Fine Arts Department

Rotary Club of Meuang Rae Phuket and Rotary Club of Ihcheon West, Gyeonggi-South Korea, along with five government agencies, including the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) and the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), as well as the Phuket Art Association, signed an MoU to install an Underwater Art Museum called “Raya” at Siam Bay at Koh Racha Yai, south of Phuket, under Rotary International’s “The Magic of Save the Underwater World” initiative. Rotary International invested 5 million THB for the coral restoration project, which will feature sculptures of characters from the Ramayana epic, designed to serve as artificial coral reefs

The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce reported that consumer index fell to 57.8 in Feb from 59.0 in Jan, the first decline in five months over uncertainty from US trade policies, higher living costs, and the slow domestic economic recovery

C9 Hotelworks reported a surge in investment levels from regional Asia markets into resort-style condominium units in prime areas, including Phuket

Minor International Plc’s Founder and Chairman said the company plans to expand in the US, including opening one Anantara hotel by early 2026. Four Minor-owned hotels – three Anantara properties and one Four Seasons hotel in Phuket and Koh Samui – were used as filming locations for The White Lotus Season 3. Direct online bookings for the three Anantara resorts surged 41% YoY since the show premiered, while web traffic more than doubled YoY

Deputy Government Spokesperson announced a temporary waiver of re-entry permit fees from 1 Apr-15 May for migrant workers from Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, allowing them to return home for Songkran without any additional fees

PM Paetongtarn reported that the bill proposing a casino-entertainment complex was not taken up for deliberation by the Cabinet. A public hearing is being held before further action can be taken. The PM said that the government is cautious with the proposal, noting the need for comprehensive examination and a study or related laws and regulation. The Finance Ministry is scheduled to complete its public hearing on the bill by 14 Mar. The Cabinet is expected to review the bill again before deciding its approval

The Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (Pubat) to hold the 53rd National Book Fair and 23rd Bangkok International Book Fair 2025 from 27 Mar-7 Apr at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok. The event is expected to attract 1.3 million visitors, generating sales of 420 million THB, +5%-10% YoY. The event also features the Bangkok Rights Fair 2025 from 28-29 Mar, with the expected participation of over 115 publishers and rights agents from 14 other countries. The event aims to facilitate over 200 business matching sessions with expected rights transactions worth over $2 million USD

The global online booking system for Sansiri Plc’s 3.2 billion THB PTY Residence Sai 1 condo project in Pattaya was launched on 6 Mar, allowing real-time reservations for foreign quota units. The entire foreign quota sold out in record time, generating total sales of 1.85 billion THB. A pre-sale event for Thai buyers will be held from 29-30 Mar at the Hilton Pattaya

One Asia Ventures to invest 250 million THB to host the Siam Songkran Music Festival 2025 for the fourth consecutive year on 11-14 Apr at the Arena Area on Rama IX Road, Bangkok. The festival is expected to attract 100,000 attendees over four days, up from 2024’s 70,000

TAT expects a surge in Chinese travellers during China’s five-day Labour Day holiday. TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing in Asia and South Pacific said that Chinese travel sentiment has constantly been improving, and arrivals should rise in May. She added that travellers with medium to high spending power are also unlikely to be impacted by the slow economy in China. TAT is currently partnering with tourism partners to offer promotions, including Trip.com, Qunar, Alipay, and AirAsia. TAT is also organising a roadshow to Xiamen, Wuhan, and Chengdu in Mar, as well as invite over 500 Chinese travel agents to inspect tourism products and destinations in Apr to appeal to MICE groups

A boat travelling from Koh Lipe, Satun, to Phuket encountered rough waves near Koh Poda Nok in Ao Nang, Krabi, which caused a hull breach. The Phi Phi Island National Park Officials dispatched a patrol boat and successfully rescued all 28 passengers

PM Paetongtarn chaired an economic policy meeting, which approved the third phase of the 10,000 THB stimulus package and introduced a registration system for citizens without smartphones

The Labour Minister expressed commitment to raising the nationwide minimum wage to 400 THB despite concerns over its impact on SMEs and inflation. A tripartite wage committee will review the proposal on 12 Mar, a day before its term ends. The committee will continue its duties until a new one is formed. If the wage increase is not approved in the first meeting, a second meeting can be convened within 15 days

TAT launched the “Grand Songkran Grand Privileges” initiative, which will include over 60 exclusive offers from 40+ partner brands throughout Apr for international tourists

PM Paetongtarn chaired a meeting at Government House to prepare for the Songkran Festival in Apr. She said that she wants to spread the festivities across all five regions and to stagger the celebrations throughout the month, to encourage extended stay in Thailand. The PM also encouraged the promotion of “must-visit” cities in Thailand after returning from ITB Berlin. She said the government has made efforts to support tourism operators from the 18 “must-visit” provinces in 2025: Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Sukhothai, Phrae, Lampang, Satun, Trang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Loei, Nakhon Phanom, Chanthaburi, Trat, Prachinburi, and Sa Kaeo. Thailand reportedly generated 70,000 business deals and an estimated turnover of 4.4 billion THB at ITB Berlin

The Tourism Minister announced that Thailand is expected to enter negotiations with Dorna Sports within the next 1-2 months to extend its MotoGP contract for another five years, while also exploring possibilities of holding Formula One (F1) races in Thailand

TravelInsurance.com.au’s report showed that 1/3rd of Australians’ international trips in 2025 will be to Southeast Asia. The data shows demand to Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia is expected to surge by 42% in 2025, and Southeast Asia is expected to attract 4 million Australian tourists

Spokesperson for the PM’s Office revealed the tourism revenue generated by each province in Thailand in 2024. The top 10 were: • Phuket 497 billion THB • Chon Buri 316 billion THB • Surat Thani 119 billion THB • Chiang Mai 103 billion THB • Krabi 91 billion THB • Prachuap Khiri Khan 51 billion THB • Phang Nga 50 billion THB • Songkhla 50 billion THB • Chiang Rai 49 billion THB • Kanchanaburi 36 billion THB

The Transport Ministry expects 16.32 million people to travel from Bangkok to other provinces via private vehicles during the Songkran Festival period. Another 15.84 million people are expected to travel via public transportation, including buses, trains, boats, and planes, comprising 11.50 million people travelling within Bangkok and surrounding areas, 2.52 million traveling between provinces and 1.82 million traveling overseas. The State Railway of Thailand will operate 26 additional train services from Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to destinations such as Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Sila At, and Yala. Transport Co will deploy an extra 1,000 buses to accommodate up to 100,000 passengers

Trat welcomed 465,618 visitors in Jan-Feb, generating 4.308 billion THB in tourism revenue. Of the total, 222,751 (44.5%) were domestic tourists, while 242,867 (55.5%) were international visitors. Domestic tourists contributed 1.329 billion THB, while international tourists contributed 2.979 billion THB. Average expenditure per trip stood at 4,407.49 THB/pax. Trat Airport recorded 16,164 travellers in Jan-Feb. Average occupancy rate reached 74.48% across 11,299 rooms, with tourists staying an average of 3.42 nights per visit. Trat aims to welcome 1.89 million domestic tourists in 2025, generating 15.75 billion THB in tourism revenue. TAT Trat will host travel agencies from nine European countries in Apr for a fam trip to Koh Chang

A Government Spokesperson announced that the government plans to build a new cruise terminal in Koh Samui, with construction expected to begin in 2029 and completed in 2032. The proposed site for the terminal is located in the Laem Hin Khom area of tambon Taling Ngam. The planned terminal will be able to handle two large cruise ships simultaneously, each with 4,000 and 2,500-pax capacities. The project is expected to cost 12.172 billion THB, with a lifespan of 30 years. It is expected to handle 120 cruise routes per year and generate at least 8 billion THB in revenue

The Inspector-General of Police advised Malaysians against travelling to southern Thailand following a bombing incident in Sungai Kolok border city in Pattani. Malaysian authorities have improved safety measures along the border to prevent the insurgents entering Malaysia

Foreign Affairs Ministry advised Malaysians to avoid non-essential travel to Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces following recent security incidents

Charn Issara Development aims to launch six new projects totalling 16 billion THB in Bangkok, Phuket, and Hua Hin, of which five are projects in the luxury segment with unit prices ranging from 20-250 million THB. Managing Director of the firm said demand in the luxury segment remains strong despite economic slowdown and high household debts

The Thai Hotels Association (THA) reported 1,677 room booking cancellations nationwide following the deportation of Uyghurs back to China

President of the Upper Northern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association (THA) said issuing the Clean Air Act is crucial to increase tourist confidence to visit Chaing Mai. He noted that some long-stay foreigners opt for other destinations like Pattaya and Phuket during the smog season, with bookings from domestic tourists also declining

PM Paetongtarn outlined Thailand’s tourism vision at ITB Berlin: • 2025 has been designated as “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism & Sports Year 2025” • Thailand aims to attract 39 million international visitors in 2025, generating 98 billion EUR, including 10.6 million visitors from Europe, generating 24.2 billion EUR • The government aims to boost convenience by improving visa procedures and exemption, ensure tourist safety, as well as boost tourism through infrastructure development • The government plans to develop Thailand into a regional aviation hub to accommodate 250 million passengers annually through expanding Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, upgrading U-Tapao, Phuket, and Chiang Mai airports, and building new airports, including Andaman and Lanna airports • The government plans to promote soft power, boost ecotourism, and transform Thailand into a global medical hub

PM Paetongtarn met with the Chief Marketing Officer of Trip.com Group at ITB Berlin. Trip.com is set to support the Thai government’s “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025” initiative. The company has closely collaborated with the Thai government since 2018

Commerce Minister targets the Thaifex-Horec Asia 2025 event to see a trade revenue of 4 billion THB, surpassing 2024 edition’s 3.6 billion THB. The event is being held from 5-7 Mar at Impact Muang Thong Thani, featuring over 460 companies from 25 countries

Singha Corporation has extended its partnership with MotoGP for the 13th year, covering seasons 2025 and 2026. Thailand has hosted MotoGP events since 2018, with the government subsidising license fees paid to the event owners. Chairman of Chang International Circuit, the venue for MotoGP events, recently stated that the government may not renew the MotoGP contract. PM Paetongtarn responded that business details unrelated to politics were under review. The Tourism and Sports Minister explained that negotiations for renewing the MotoGP licensing rights are ongoing, handled by the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT)

The Thailand Film Office curated a list of the filming sites of The White Lotus Season 3, inviting fans of the TV series to explore the locations

TAT participated at ITB Berlin from 4-6 Mar, marking its 50th year of participation. The Thailand Pavilion featured over 150 Thai tourism operators, as well as a Partner Organisations Area showcasing key stakeholders. The Thailand Mini Mart was also held, its 10th year at ITB Berlin

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) approved a 350-day extension of the Thai-Chinese high-speed railway project due to rental buildings obstructing construction. The new completion deadline is now set for 10 Mar 2026

The Deputy PM said that the Thai GDP is expected to grow 3.4% in Q1 2025, which would be the fastest in 10 quarters, attributed to government stimulus measures

The 43rd Thailand Tourism Festival will be held from 26-30 Mar at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. TAT is organising the festival under the theme of carbon-neutral tourism, highlighting sustainable travel experiences

Thailand and Qatar signed an agreement to waive visa requirements for diplomatic and official or special passports holders

The Tourism Ministry reported that Thailand welcomed 7 million international arrivals from 1 Jan-2 Mar, +5.9% YoY. Of the total, 1.1 million arrivals came from China

Thailand deported 40 Uyghurs who had been detained for nearly 11 years to China. The US Embassy in Bangkok and the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued warnings for their citizens in Thailand to exercise more caution, mentioning the Erawan Shrine bombing incident in 2015 after Thailand deported 109 Uyghurs to China. President of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta) said the issue may hamper tourism in the short-term, but the effect will not be as severe as the call centre scams issues

Luxury travel service platform Kensington’s survey of affluent travellers, carried out with Opinium Research and Dig Insight, showed that Thailand was ranked fifth globally as the top destination for solo travel in 2025

PM Paetongtarn held a small-group discussion with the Deputy PM, the Finance Minister, and the Secretary-General to the PM to talk over economic matters. Following the meeting, the PM announced that she had asked the Deputy PM to develop an economic stimulus plan to achieve a GDP growth rate of 3%-3.5%

The National Command Centre for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has issued a heat advisory as temperatures climb to over 40°C. The heatwave is expected to continue until at least 6 Mar, with the highest temperatures seen in the northern and northeastern regions. The Pollution Control Department reported that pollution levels in the central, southern, and eastern regions have declined

Google Maps has revealed Thailand’s most reviewed locations: • Most reviewed restaurants o Pu Pen Seafood Restaurant, Chon Buri (15,862 reviews) o Tandoori, Phuket (15,854 reviews) o Chocolate Ville, Bangkok (14,548 reviews) o Sukishi Teenoi, Samut Prakan (14,237 reviews) o Nana Plaza, Bangkok (14,108 reviews) • Most reviewed cafés o Maidreamin MBK, Bangkok (17,380 reviews) o The Village Farm To Café, Kanchanaburi (12,725 reviews) o Cafe Phuket Viewpoint, Phuket (8,662 reviews) o Plearn Cafe Bangpu, Samut Prakan (6,314 reviews) o Nami Dessert & Coffee by Chaokhun, Samut Sakhon (5,684 reviews) • Most reviewed parks and national parks o Lumpini Park, Bangkok (35,617 reviews) o Khao Yai National Park, Nakhon Ratchasima (15,423 reviews) o Erawan National Park, Kanchanaburi (14,016 reviews) • Most reviewed museums o The Sanctuary of Truth, Chon Buri (26,932 reviews) o Jim Thompson House Museum, Bangkok (14,412 reviews) o Baan Dam Museum, Chiang Rai (12,298 reviews) • Most reviewed temples o Wat Arun, Bangkok (39,926 reviews) o Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok (37,399 reviews) o Wat Pho, Bangkok (33,154 reviews)

Around 250 of the 450 units in a condo building in Sukhumvit 11 developed by an SET-listed company are reportedly being illegally rented out on a daily basis via online platforms, despite complaints from residents and the Bangkok Metropolitan’s recognition of the issue

Property consultant JLL reported that room rates at luxury hotels on Koh Samui rose by 40%-50% following the premiere of The White Lotus Season 3, but they have not reached peak levels recorded in Phuket and Bangkok yet. Overall average daily rate (ADR) for luxury hotels on Koh Samui, especially newer properties, surpassed 10,000 THB per night since the season aired. The rate surged by 40% when the filming locations were revealed. Older properties also recorded rates of 8,000-9,000 THB per night. JLL projects hotel transactions to reach 13 billion THB in 2025, down from the record 22.3 billion THB in 2024

Business operators expressed concerns over weak law enforcement in Thailand regarding illegal actions committed by foreigners: • Committee member of the Professional Tourist Guides Association of Thailand noted that local guides have long faced competition from illegal foreign guides, especially in the Chinese market. He said the current 60-day visa-free scheme offers a loophole for foreigners to work illegally in the country • President of the Association of Chonburi Tourism Federation said Pattaya is affected by foreign investors renting out their residential units as short-term accommodation • President of the Thai Restaurant Association said there has been a significant rise in foreign restaurants. She noted that restaurant regulations are complex, and some restaurants open without obtaining the necessary approvals

The Entertainment Complex Bill has been amended, replacing the requirement for Thais to enter casinos from a proof of 50 million in fixed deposit to a requirement that Thais must have filed three-years of income tax returns

The Thai Cabinet announced that PM Paetongtarn has approved the Tourism Ministry to use 153 million THB from the central budget to organise Songkran events in Bangkok in Apr. The Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 will be held from 11-15 Apr at Sanam Luang. The event is expected to attract 800,000 local and international tourists, generating a 3.2 billion THB spending

Pattaya saw severe traffic congestion due to an influx of tourists for the Pattaya Kite Festival from 26 Feb-2 Mar

The Tourism Minister reported that the co-payment scheme to promote domestic travel in the low season could be launched in May, following approval from the Cabinet. The ministry is still looking for approval from the government to use its central budget to finance the subsidy programme, with the initial phase estimated to cost 3.5 billion THB. The ministry expects 1 million travellers to take advantage of the scheme. The minister indicated that the programme would be named differently from the previous “We Travel Together”, since the new scheme would be issued under PM Paetongtarn’s government

PM Paetongtarn believes that Thailand’s GDP only grew by 2.5% in 2024 because the country had not invested significantly in new industries and had not prepared Thais for future industries

The Thai baht opened at 34.08 THB to the USD on 1 Mar, weakening from the previous closing level of 33.90

Centara Hotels & Resorts (CHR) plans to invest 15 billion THB in hotels from 2025-202, out of the total budget of 19 billion THB under SET-listed Central Plaza Hotel (Centel). Around 5 billion THB will be allocated to hotel renovations and project development in 2025, including a renovation of Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin with 251 rooms, which will be developed into three hotels – Centara Grand, The Centara Collection, and Centara Life – totalling 486 rooms. The company also plans to rebrand Centara Grand Beach Resort and Villas Krabi into Centara Reserve Krabi and to develop another resort in Samui next to Centara Reserve Samui. CHR targets a revenue of 15.5 billion THB, average occupancy rate of 77% and RevPAR of 4,500-4,800 THB in 2025

Hundreds of people visited Kham Chanod Island in Udon Thani on 28 Feb, seeking blessings and luck ahead of the 1 Mar Lottery Draw. The lottery is organised by the Government Lottery Office and will take place at the Le Erawan Hotel in Mueang Phang Nga district, Phang Nga

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) launched a new “SRT Passport” tourism promotion campaign, aiming to encourage travellers to visit 162 iconic railway stations nationwide and promote domestic tourism

TAT Governor highlighted the urgency of the upcoming European Union (EU) Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), which requires all EU businesses to ensure their supply chains adhere to strict environmental and human-rights standards. She noted that Thai tourism businesses must adopt the standards to remain partners with EU companies

The official practice for the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Thailand has started at the Chang International Circuit in Buri Ram. A qualifying round and a sprint race will be held on 1 Mar, whilst the main race will occur on 2 Mar

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has launched the Southern MICE District: Phuket Series initiative, aiming to establish Phuket as a leading MICE Economic District. The four MICE districts in Phuket are: • The Old Town, a historic district of culture and heritage • The North Wind, an ecotourism and adventure hub • The Lagoon, a waterfront area with premium accommodations • The South Shore, a luxurious beachfront destination for high-end MICE events The project follows the 3S strategy, namely Spend More, Stay Longer, See You Again. TCEB also plans to expand the model to Songkhla and Surat Thani. The initiative aims to attract 34 million MICE travellers, generating 200 billion THB in revenue

TAT has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Beijing Baidu Netcom Science Technology to leverage Baidu’s advanced digital platforms, AI capabilities, and large user base to attract more Chinese travellers to Thailand

Royal Galaxy Cruise has issued a public apology after a video showing the cruise dumping garbage into the Chao Phraya River went viral on social media. The company noted that an untrained temporary employee was to blame for the incident

Phuket City’s waste incinerator is closed for maintenance from 18 Feb-18 Mar, impacting waste management efficiency. Phuket can now only eliminate 300 tonnes of waste per day, with over 900 tonnes to be dumped in landfills. Waste volume could reach 1,400 tonnes per day during the tourism high season

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) predicts extreme heat condition in several regions from 27 Feb-5 Mar, with temperatures expected to rise above 40°C in some areas

The Tourism Minister will request a 3.5 billion THB budget from the government’s emergency fund for the We Travel Together programme, which will offer Thai tourists 50% subsidies on hotel rooms and meals – up from previous editions’ 40% – from May-Sep through one million vouchers. The scheme aims to encourage domestic travel during the low season. The minister also hinted at the possibility of expanding the subsidy to cover airfares, although no decisions had been made

Marriott International signed an agreement with property developer Jee Teng Hospitality to open the Sheraton Nai Harn Beach, which will become the first Sheraton Hotels & Resorts in Phuket and fifth in Thailand. The hotel will feature 600 rooms

Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS) plans to add around 800 new beds at its hospitals, to a total of 9,600 by end-2027. BDMS highlighted Thailand’s high-quality and cost-effective health services, which has attracted many travellers from around the world

The Tourism Minister said that the 300 THB Tourism Tax for international visitors is expected to come into effect by end-2025, during the high season, provided it is approved and published in the Royal Gazette by Mar. Visitors arriving by air will be charged 300 THB per pax per trip. Visitors arriving by land or sea will be charged the same amount but will be allowed multiple entries within 30-60 days. The fee is expected to be integrated with the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), which is scheduled to be launched on 1 May

The chair of the Thai Chamber of Commerce has said that Laos should cooperate further with Thailand, developing tourist attractions together to attract high value tourists, as well as help Laos’ sustainable tourism developments through Thailand’s experience

Phuket City is collaborating with local communities to launch a “community waste bank” as part of a larger initiative to resolve management and disposal issues. The programme aims to encourage locals to separate waste such as plastic and glass bottles and paper, which can be sold at the waste bank

The proposed Nebu Hotel project in Cherng Talay, Phuket, has been suspended after residents pressured officials to review its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), expressing concerns about transparency, zoning violations, and environmental damage. The proposed hotel was planned in a Yellow Zone, which are meant for low-density residential use. Phuket MP stressed that allowing a high-rise hotel in the such zone is illegal

The Tourism Ministry announced that Thailand welcomed 6.35 million international arrivals from 1 Jan-23 Feb, +10.3% YoY. Of the total, 988,451 arrivals came from China

The TAT Governor reassured that Thailand remains the top destination for Chinese tourists, suggesting that the recent decline in arrivals may be attributed to the government’s crackdown on call centre scams. She believes the crackdown on scams will attract more quality international tourists in the long run

Trip.com Group reported that hotel bookings by Chinese travellers to Thailand increased by nearly 10% YoY from 1 Jan-19 Feb, way less than the initial growth forecast of 50% attributed to the recent kidnapping case of a Chinese actor in Thailand. Managing Director and Vice-President of International Markets at Trip.com believes that the safety issue should be a short-term concern and that Chinese tourists will return after it passes. Trip.com Group also reported that the number of bookings for four destinations in the South – Phuket, Krabi, Samui and Phangnga – rose 20% YoY from 1 Jan- 19 Feb, attributed to rising interest from The White Lotus TV series and the Jurassic Rebirth movie

TAT Governor said the 2025 tourism vision is focused on attracting high-spending visitors to enhance the value of tourism. She added that they will focus on “creating seamless journeys, ensuring the safety and well-being of our visitors, and promoting unique events”. TAT is also banking on emerging destinations like Krabi, Hat Yai, and Hua Hin. It will also tap into global music sensations like Thai K-pop star Lisa – who also starred in the newest season of The White Lotus – to attract a new generation of travellers. Luxury tourism is expected to drive a 10%-15% increase in visitor spending, and a 40% increase in accommodation prices

The Pattaya Holi Festival 2025 will be held from 14-16 Mar on Pattaya Beach Road. The event is organised in partnership with the Thai-Indian Pattaya Business Association and the Pattaya Indian Association

President of the Thai Hotels Association (THA) reported that both foreign and local investors are illegally renting out condo units to tourists, against the Hotel Act which only allows a minimum rental period of 30 days. There were recent reports of foreign nationals behaving in unruly manner and causing damage at a condo project in Bangkok, which raised public concerns. The THA President noted that these incidents mainly occurred in the South, especially Phuket, where many luxury residences and villas have been bought by Russians. He believes that it is important to limit the buying quota of each foreign buyer to prevent them from bulk-buying units to rent as daily accommodation

Lao and Thai rail operators signed an MoU which includes Thailand providing support for Lao railway personnel and smooth operations at border stations, including Nong Khai in Thailand and Thanaleng in Vientiane

The Thai government lauded Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal and The White Lotus Season 3 for boosting interest in Koh Samui and other destinations in Thailand. Lisa was cast as a hotel employee in the series. Deputy government spokeswoman said there has been a 40% increase in luxury hotel bookings on Koh Samui

Phuket’s Provincial Governor projects the island to earn 500 billion THB in tourism revenue in 2025, up from the 497 billion THB generated by 13.14 million tourists in 2024. He added that Phuket will implement projects and measures to address tourism impacts – including tourists’ inappropriate behaviour and rising levels of rubbish and water pollution – in order to show its commitment to sustainable tourism initiatives. Phuket will host the World Sustainable Tourism Council conference in 2026. Phuket collaborated with the China Water Environment Group (CWEG) on a feasibility study for installing additional wastewater treatment systems at 10 locations. Phuket will sign an MoU with CWEG for the wastewater management project in Mar

TAT held the “Amazing Thailand Romance Trade Meet 2025” and “Amazing Thailand Romance Networking Dinner” on 21 Feb at The Millenium Hilton Bangkok, connecting 52 global buyers with 55 Thai tourism suppliers

President of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta) remarked that while the visa-free policy is necessary to attract tourists, the 60-day period was “excessive”, as most tourists stay no more than 20 days. He noted the need for stricter law enforcement, following reports of inappropriate behaviour and exploitation of legal loopholes by foreigners. President of the Thailand Hotel Association (THA) also noted that a reduced visa-free stay period could indirectly boost hotel occupancy, as long-stay tourists tend to opt for apartments, condos, and villas instead of hotels. TAT Governor acknowledged the concerns but called for the separation between the visa-free policy and issues of tourist behaviour. She stressed that they are working with relevant authorities to improve screening and inspection of tourists

A government spokesperson gave an update on key government policies and development on the weekly “Voices from Thai Khu Fah” programme, including: • The government is promoting Betong in Yala as a growing travel destination, especially for Malaysian tourists. Officials are considering reintroducing commercial flights at Betong Airport – which has been inactive since late 2023 – to boost tourism • PM Paetongtarn visited Talay Noi in Phatthalung to assess water management for Songkhla Lake • Plans are being discussed to expand business hours, develop a walking street, and improve waterfront areas in Songkhla’s Old Town to attract high-end tourists • The Thai Cabinet approved 600 million THB for 35 projects focusing on community-based tourism, road restoration, and flood prevention across Songkhla, Surat Thani, Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Phatthalung. Another 400 THB million has been allocated for the conservation of Irrawaddy dolphins in Songkhla Lake • A 28 million THB project was approved to complete a 300m road connecting Thailand and Malaysia at the Sadao Border Checkpoint, set to be completed by Jul

The Thai government to host a ceremony on 28 Feb to install the World Heritage logo at Phu Phrabat Historical Park in Udon Thani Province. The site has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site in the cultural category, becoming Thailand's fifth cultural heritage site

The Culture Ministry is finalising a nomination dossier to earn UNESCO World Heritage status for Songkhla and its associated lagoon settlements. The proposal will undergo national review before being submitted to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre

The Royal Forest Department has reclassified Freedom Beach as Recreational Forest, in effect from 19 Feb, allowing businesses and small vendors to operate on the beach. Deputy Director-General of the Department said the area remains a reserve forest, but can now serve as an ecotourism zones. Facilities such as service centres and toilets may be installed, and entrance fees can be collected under Royal Forest Department regulations

The White Lotus Season 3 has boosted internet searches and accommodation bookings for Koh Samui since promotional activities for the show began. Travel agency Opodo showed that travellers from the UK showed the most interest in Thailand, with a 53% YoY increase in searches. In the show’s opening week, Thailand made up 9% of travel queries from the UK. Koh Samui saw an 88% rise in searches from UK users, while Phuket recorded 66% and Bangkok 61%. Accommodation and travel bookings also saw an increase, with bookings for Koh Samui rising by 44% and Bangkok by 17%

The Thai baht closed at 33.60 THB to the USD on 21 Feb. The currency is expected to fluctuate within 33.20-34.00 THB to the USD, with key factors to watch including the Bank of Thailand’s meeting on 26 Feb, export figures for Jan, and any updates on US trade policies

The Pollution Control Department issued a warning for high PM2.5 levels across 32 provinces, with the highest level recorded in Bangkok

The Interior Minister believes that the new Council of State proposal for Thai nationals to enter casinos under certain requirements is unlikely to receive Cabinet approval. Secretary General of the Council of State said that the requirement aims to restrict gambling to financially capable individuals. Deputy Finance Minister believes that if the requirement is implemented, most Thais would likely be unable to enter legal local casinos, which may possibly lead to continuous use of illegal gambling venues or foreign casinos

The Assistant Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) inspected the operations to tackle black wastewater pollution in the main canal in Kamala, Phuket, which flowed to the Kamala Beach and into the sea. Local agencies assured that a wastewater treatment system would be completed within one month. They also expressed commitment to sustained efforts in monitoring and tackling the problem in the long term. The Andaman Sustainable Tourism Forum 2025 was held at the Phuket Merlin Hotel in Phuket Town on 20 Feb. The “Green Hotel Plus Phuket Sandbox” agreement was signed during the event. The initiative aims to certify at least 60% of Phuket’s hotels, or about 600 establishments, with the “Green Hotel Plus” certification by 2026. An MoU to promote sustainable diving in Phuket was also signed during the event. Phuket is also gearing up to host Thailand’s first sustainable tourism seminar and exhibition – the “Thailand Sustainable Tourism 2025”

President of the Thai Hotels Association said internet bookings and the visa-free policies have made average occupancy difficult to predict, and needed to be monitored on a weekly basis. He noted that tourism outlook for the high season is promising, but the “real test” will come during the low season. He added that the Chinese market alone could determine whether Thailand meets its revenue target of 3 trillion THB

Director of the Asia-Pacific International Spirits and Wine Association believes that there could be an additional revenue of 50-100 billion THB if the four restrictions on the sale of alcohol – between 2-5pm, during the five most important Buddhist holy days, on e-commerce platforms, and outside of permitted zones – are lifted

TAT Paris Office and Louis Vuitton officially launched the “Louis Vuitton City Guide Bangkok 2025” with an event at the Maison de Famille de Louis Vuitton in Asnières-sur-Seine, France, on 18 Feb

Agoda reported a 12% increase in accommodation searches for Koh Samui following the release of The White Lotus Season 3, with interest from the US growing by 65% MoM

The Tourism Ministry reported that Thailand welcomed over 5.5 million international tourists from 1 Jan-16 Feb, generating over 270 billion THB in revenue. Arrivals from long-haul markets rose 1.3% WoW over the past week, with notable increases from Russia (+7.54%), France, and the US. Total arrival for the week reached 784,175, -6.36% WoW. Top source markets during the period were Malaysia, China, Russia, South Korea, and India

The Transport Minister announced that Bangkok’s Pink Line monorail brand to Mueang Thong Thani will offer free rides during its trial period in late Jun, ahead of its official opening on 19 Jul

Thailand is looking at Swiss port operator Terminal Investment Limited (TiL) for potential investment in the expansion of Laem Chabang Port. The development project aims to increase container handling capacity to 18 million 20-foot containers per year

Thailand and Laos have agreed to boost bilateral cooperation, including border security, transboundary haze, a technical arrangement for rail passenger transport between the State Railway of Thailand and the Lao National Railway State Enterprise

Research and Communication Director at Colliers Thailand said that inquiries about residential units on Koh Samui have been rising since last year, mainly from Americans and Europeans, which have shifted their interest from Phuket as prices there increased

PM Paetongtarn said they have verified that the online rumours about Pai district becoming a “promised land” housing over 30,000 Israelis “is not true”

Minor Hotels reported a net profit of 5.1 billion THB, +16% YoY, and a total revenue of 134 billion THB, +9% YoY, in 2024. Group-wide occupancy hit 68% in 2024, +2pp YoY, with its Thailand properties reaching 70% occupancy and seeing a 17% increase in RevPAR

Bangkok has signed an MoU with Beijing on Air Quality Monitoring and Management Cooperation. The agreement aims to solve Bangkok’s smog problem through knowledge exchange, training sessions, and pilot projects supported by Beijing

PM Paetongtarn has ordered local government officials to expedite the completion of an unfinished road to Malaysia within Q1, in order to finally open the long-delayed 2nd Sadao Border Checkpoint

A group of 15 tourists from Thailand and Laos were the first to enter Xishuangbanna, China, under the new visa-waiver scheme for ASEAN groups to visit the Dai Autonomous Prefecture