Thailand

Bangkok Governor invited the public to participate in Songkran festivities on Silom and Khao San roads from 12-14 Apr. He noted that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has set up safety protocols for all Songkran venues in the city, including entrance checkpoints for high-traffic areas and AI-supported CCTV installations. BMA has designated 196 locations where Songkran can be celebrated, including the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 at Sanam Luang and events at Iconsiam, Siam Centre and Samyan Mitrtown

TAT Phuket expects the island to receive over 280,000 visitors from 12-16 Apr for the Songkran festival, generating at least 8 billion THB for the local economy. Director of TAT Phuket said that hotel bookings for Songkran has already reached up to 80% occupancy

Cloud Collective and Thai-based hospitality firm Bound and Beyond have partnered to launch a new hospitality brand in Southeast Asia, called Kaia. The brand will feature outdoor resorts with tended suites, focusing on luxury and sustainability. The first Kaia resort will open on Koh Phangan in late 2025

Malaysia overtook China as the top arriving source country to Thailand. Chinese arrivals recorded a drop amid global economic uncertainty. Thailand Tourism Ministry’s data showed 92,262 Malaysians visited Thailand from 31 Mar-6 Apr, +12.8% compared to the previous week. Chinese arrivals only recorded 64,177 in the same week, -1.2% WoW. Chinese tourist arrivals reached 1.38 million YTD, and Malaysian tourists recorded 1.23 million. As of 6 Apr, Thailand welcomed 10 million international tourists, +1.79% YoY

PM Paetongtarn defended the casino-entertainment complex bill, saying that she hopes to improve the public’s understanding of the bill, which she believes could help reduce resistance. She noted that some have “falsely claimed” that the legal casinos would be allowed everywhere in the country, when in fact, it would only be allowed to operate in 10% of each of the entertainment complex

The Universal Design Foundation for All conducted a site visit to the “Universal Design Ferry Terminal” at Laem Bali Hai Pier and Koh Larn Pier in Pattaya, which aims to improve infrastructure accessibility, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and wheelchair users

The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) reported that the consumer index fell to 56.7 in Mar, down from 57.8 in Feb and reaching its lowest level in five months, attributed to higher living costs, sluggish economy, and concerns over US tariffs. UTCC President said that if Thailand managed to negotiate bringing the tariffs down to 10%, the damage could be around 100-150 billion THB, lowering growth by 0.7-0.9 pp

TAT said that Chinese arrivals have declined amid global trade war, while Malaysian arrivals surged and remain as the top market. The TAT Governor said that the agency is evaluating the situation to determine a plan, such as adjusting promotions and target markets. She added that TAT is still committed to the 7.3 million Chinese arrivals target for 2025, and it plans to revive traditional marketing methods and ask tour companies to attract more tour groups from second-, third- and fourth-tier cities. TAT will also continue to work with OTAs to stimulate bookings for FITs

The Foreign Affairs Ministry announced that all foreign travellers entering Thailand from 1 May would be required to fill in the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). The online arrival card will replace the TM6 paper card, which has been suspended since 2024. TDAC can be filled up to three days prior to arrival in Thailand

Italian luxury fashion house Etro to launch a branded residence in Phuket, its first in Thailand and second worldwide. The project will only have eight units and is set to launch in Dec. The project is part of the 11 billion THB Gardens of Eden luxury beachfront residential complex developed by Phuket-based developer Amal Group of Companies

Phuket has launched the Phuket Gateway project, which aims to boost local tourism, support community businesses, and protect the island’s environment. The project aims to connect tourists with authentic local experiences and community-based tourism initiatives. The Phuket Gate Market was also launched, promoting local products and crafts from community businesses. The government is also working with various partners to develop an ecotourism zone connecting Phuket City Gate to nearby mangrove area. The Phuket Gateway project will also partner with TAT Phuket Office to create a One Day Trip experience

Protesters gathered outside the Parliament to oppose the casino-entertainment complex bill, demanding that the bill be withdrawn, not only delayed

President of the Thai Restaurant Association expects Thais to still travel or visit their hometowns during the Songkran holiday period, but predicts that they may spend less compared to last year due to the sluggish economy and the impact of the earthquake. President of the Krabi Restaurant Association said the restaurant sector in the south faced minimal impact from the quake, noting only few hotel and restaurant booking cancellations

President of the Thai Tourism Promotion Association revealed that many domestic tour agencies saw fewer bookings than expected from domestic tour groups for Songkran, attributed to weakened spending and travel sentiment. He noted that mid-to-lower income groups are reducing domestic trips, while the high-spending segment opted for international trips. President of the Association of Chonburi Tourism Federation reported that most Pattaya and Chon Buri hotels have expected occupancy rates of 80-85% for Songkran

TAT reported that Thailand welcomed 9,549,004 international arrivals in Q1 2025, +1.91% YoY. The low YoY increase was attributed to declining travellers confidence due to the Myanmar earthquake, abduction cases of Chinese citizens across the Thai-Myanmar border, and the US’ new tariff hike policy. Tourism revenue for Q1 reached 42.74 billion THB, +10.47% YoY. China was the top source market in Q1 with 1,331,434 arrivals (-24% YoY), followed by Malaysia (1,153,496), Russia (722,202), India (543,770), South Korea (497,930), Germany (341,242), the UK (335,116), the US (320,631), Japan (316,744), and France (315,116). TAT Governor noted that China and South Korea showed a decline in arrivals in Q1, while Japan, Europe, and the Middle East showed positive signs

Traveloka reported that Bangkok remained the most searched destination for the Songkran holiday, followed by Chiang Mai, Chonburi, Phuket, and Hatyai. The firm also noted a surge of interest in emerging destinations like Chumphon, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Loei, and Nan

Some Pattaya locals have expressed their concerns on social media over alleged inappropriate behaviour and disruptions by Chinese tourists, such as reckless driving, public urination, cutting queues, and noisy behaviour

The Culture Minister visited Chiang Mai to inspect structural conditions and necessary repairs to the temples that were damaged in the 28 Mar earthquake, including at Wat Chedi Liam, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Umong Suan Putthatham. The minister has directed local authorities and heritage site custodians to begin repairs immediately

TAT held the Thai Fight Rome 2025 at Pala Tiziano in Rome on 6 Apr, hosting 10 Muay Thai matches between Thai and Italian fighters. The event is part of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 campaign, while commemorating 157 years of Thai-Italian diplomatic relations. The event attracted over 2,500 spectators

The Thai Cabinet has approved the “Wat Arun Ratchawararam Prang: Identity of Rattanakosin” proposal to submit the Bangkok temple for inclusion on UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites. The proposal will be sent to the World Heritage Centre in Paris by end Apr

Thailand has delayed a parliamentary debate on the casino-entertainment complex bill, which was supposed to take place on 9 Apr. PM Paetongtarn said that the government will focus on addressing the US’ 36% tariff and the aftermath of the 28 Mar earthquake. She clarified that the bill will not be withdrawn, but they will “continue to listen to all opinions”. She added that the bill may be presented to the parliament in its next session

The Tourism Ministry reported that Thailand welcomed over 10 million international arrivals from 1 Jan-6 Apr, generating nearly 500 billion THB in revenue. PM Paetongtarn has instructed various agencies to ensure travel safety during Songkran, aiming to reduce the number of accidents, deaths, and injuries. The Culture Ministry is organising Songkran events across 17 provinces, divided into 5 identity cities (Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Chonburi, Samut Prakan, and Nakhon Si Thammarat) and 12 tourist cities (Chiang Rai, Nan, Nakhon Sawan, Kanchanaburi, Lopburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Nong Khai, Surin, Songkhla, Phatthalung, and Phuket)

The Thai baht fell to 34.44 THB to the USD, reaching its weakest level in nearly two and a half month amid heavy selling of the US Dollar due to fears of a US economic downturn. The Thai Stock Market also hit a 5-year low. Kasikornbank forecasts the baht to range between 33.60-34.50 to the USD from 8-11 Apr

The SET Index fell 42.30 points, or 3.76%, to 1,082.91 minutes after the market opened on 8 Apr, amid concerns about a possible trade war and recession due to tariff hikes by the US. The day ended with the index falling to 50.62 points, or 4.5%, at 1,074.59. Turnover was 66.7 billion THB

TAT is monitoring the US market following the US’ tariff hikes. It said that higher tariffs could drive living costs up in the US, affecting overseas travel. TAT reported that Thailand welcomed 320,631 visitors from the US as of 31 Mar, +14.4% YoY. TAT offices in the US are monitoring traveller sentiment to predict market trends for the next few months. It also plans to launch joint promotions with airlines to stimulate the market and maintain tourism demand in the near future. Former President of the Tourism Association of Koh Samui noted that US President’s move to cut USAID had reduced the number of long-stay expats working for the agency in Thailand. Vice President of the Tourism Council of Thailand said the weakened purchasing power due to the tariffs may result in Thailand not benefiting as much as expected from the popularity of The White Lotus TV series

Agoda reported that based on accommodation searches, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, South Korea, and the Philippines are the top international markets looking to travel to Thailand during Songkran. The top five destination cities for international travellers during Songkran are Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Hatyai, and Chiang Mai. Agoda is offering a “Songkran Fest” promotion, which offers 10% additional discounts at participating hotels in Thailand for bookings and stays made before 15 Apr

PM Paetongtarn said that Thailand has pledged to increase imports of energy, aircraft and agricultural products from the US as part of its offer to mitigate the 36% tariff imposed on Thai exports. The Finance Minister will lead a delegation to the US to negotiate and discuss trade issues. The government has also formed a working group to discuss the issue and consider proposals with the private sector and the US

TAT has launched the “Everyday Special Moment: Happy Central Region Travels Every Moment" campaign to boost tourism in the central region, focusing on promoting weekday travel. TAT will partner with the private sector to offer over 500 exclusive deals, targeted towards Gen Z, Millenials, and families

The Thai Chamber of Commerce projects that Songkran spending will be up 4.5% YoY to 134 billion THB, the highest level since 2020. Only 5% of respondents, the lowest since 2016, are planning to cut back on their spending, and 72.1% are planning to travel during the holiday, the highest percentage since 2019. After the earthquake, 71.7% said there would be no change in their travel spending plans, whilst 17.1% planned an increase and 11.2% a reduction

Pattaya Mayor chaired a high-level meeting at The Green Park Resort to address concerns about structural integrity of hotel buildings in the city following the 28 Mar earthquake. The meeting was led by the President of the Association of Chonburi Tourism Federation and was attended by officials from TAT Pattaya Office, the Chonburi Provincial Tourism and Sports Office, and the Chonburi Provincial Administration, among others. Director of Building Control at Pattaya City Engineering Office said inspections with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation showed that there were no new structural damage in the city following the quake. The meeting also agreed to translate relevant Ministry of Interior regulations and safety information into multiple languages to boost international confidence. TAT will then coordinate with foreign offices and tour operators to spread the information overseas

The Thai government expects tourism and spending to remain strong during the upcoming Songkran festival despite the recent earthquake

Authorities have lifted Bangkok’s disaster status on 3 Apr, which was declared after the earthquake on 28 Mar, with the exception of the collapsed construction site of the new Kingdom of Thailand office building in Chatuchak District

The 6th BIMSTEC Summit was held on 4 Apr in Bangkok. The summit resulted in the BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030, a strategic roadmap for economic integration, enhanced connectivity, and human security. The Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation, which aims to boost maritime connectivity between South and Southeast Asia, was also signed at the summit

Thailand and India have signed six documents to strengthen regional connectivity, trade, and investment, including a Joint Declaration on the Establishment of the Thailand-India Strategic Partnership and MoUs on digital technology, maritime heritage, small and medium enterprise promotion, artisanal crafts, and creative industries

Director of the Pattaya Tourism Development Division confirmed that no significant issues or damages were found in Pattaya following the recent earthquake. Secretary of the Pattaya Entertainment and Tourism Industry Association noted that nightlife and entertainment venues in Pattaya were also not affected

AirAsia MOVE’s report has shown how different generations of Thai travellers are planning their Songkran trips: Gen Z: • 80% of Gen Z travellers book their trips via smartphones and 24% make last-minute hotel reservations • 20% of Gen Z travellers choose solo or backpack travel over structured tours • Gen Z is 45% more likely than Boomers to book stays near major attractions • Gen Z prefers budget accommodations, with 30% choosing hostels, boutique hotels, or capsule hotels, as well as unique experiences, with around 70% looking for nature escapes, hidden cafés, or local workshops • Chiang Mai is the top domestic destination, attracting 30% of Gen Z domestic travellers with its eco-hostels, backpacker culture, and outdoor adventures • Osaka and Da Nang are the top international destinations, due to their good food, pop culture, and adventure activities Baby Boomers: • Over 50% of travellers over the age of 60 book accommodations at least three weeks in advance, and over 40% prefer 4- to 5-star hotels or resorts • Boomers prefer packaged tours and pre-planned itineraries (55%), full-service stays (35%), cultural and fine dining experiences (74%) • Kyoto and Hoi An are the top international destinations, while Bangkok remains the top domestic destination • Baby Boomers prioritise tranquil surroundings and personalised services, showing a 95% higher usage of concierge and private tour options

The Thai Hotels Association (THA) reported that hotel reservations for the Songkran period (11-17 Apr) in seven major tourist cities have fallen -25% YoY following the Myanmar earthquake. THA expects around 689,000 fewer tourists during the 2025 Songkran. The survey was conducted across 52 hotels in seven cities – Bangkok, Krabi, Chonburi, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Surat Thani. A total of 32,344 room nights have been booked for Songkran. THA forecasts 2,067,846 international tourists to visit Thailand in Apr

Iseas-Yusof Ishak Institute’s “State of Southeast Asia 2024” survey showed that Thailand (30.6%) was the top travel destination among ASEAN countries, followed by Indonesia (14%) and Malaysia (13.9%). Among Malaysian respondents, Thailand was the top destination (38.2%), followed by Indonesia (27.3%)

Head of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office expects the inflation rate to decline to around 0.15% in Q2 2025 due to slower energy prices. Headline consumer price index rose 0.84% YoY in Mar, whilst core CPI was 0.86%. Headline inflation in Q1 came in at 1.08%. The Commerce Ministry will reduce its 2025 headline inflation forecast from its current 0.3%-1.3% range

The US administration has readjusted tariff rates on Thailand to 36%, down 1 pp from the initially announced 37%. The tariff announcements caused the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) to plunge on 4 Apr by 30.25 points, or 2.60%

Honorary Secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents said that the weak baht may not make much difference to prospective visitors, as other currencies in Asia also declined due to the announcement of the US tariffs. President of the Southern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association (THA) also agreed that the weak baht will not boost tourism, noting that it is now the low season

The US will impose a broad-based reciprocal tariff ranging 10%-50% on goods entering the country from 9 Apr. The tariffs will be: - Cambodia, 49% - Vietnam, 46% - Thailand, 37% - China, 34% - Indonesia, 32% - Malaysia, 24% - The Philippines, 18% - Singapore, 10% The executive order mentioned that the trading relationship between the US and its trading partners has become highly unbalanced

President of the Eastern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association (THA) reported that some hotels in Pattaya, Chon Buri, and Si Racha recorded many last-minute bookings on the day of the earthquake, with occupancy rising from 70% to full on the weekend. She attributed the increase to local residents escaping their homes in Bangkok, as well as the Qingming festival. She added that some foreign travel agents, especially from Asian markets, have asked hotels to inspect their structures after the earthquake caused the State Audit Office building to collapse in Bangkok. Vice President of THA’s Western Chapter said Hua Hin and Cha-am did not receive as many last-minute bookings, noting that average occupancy in Hua Hin was 60% over the past weekend. He said that some hotels reported cancellations from guests afraid of passing Rama II Road, which was known for delayed construction and recent fatal accidents

Agoda reported that Pattaya was the most searched Songkran destination among Thai travellers in 2025, followed by Hua Hin, Bangkok, and Chon Buri. Bangkok was the most searched Songkran destination among international travellers, followed by Pattaya, Phuket, Hat Yai, and Chiang Mai. Tokyo is the top destination for Thais heading overseas, followed by Hong Kong, Osaka, and Shanghai

The State Railway of Thailand is adding 26 special train services on the Northern, Northeastern, and Southern lines on 11-17 Apr for the Songkran Festival, as well as adding extra carriages to all scheduled trains. With the added services, SRT will be able to accommodate over 100,000 passengers per day

The Thai baht is expected to reach a low of around 34.50 to the USD over the next month amid uncertainty over the US’ reciprocal tariffs. The baht reached 34.38 to the USD on 3 Apr, its weakest level in 2.5 months. Head of Banking and Financial Sector Research at Kasikorn Research Centre expects the Thai baht to continue weakening for the next month. Krungthai Global Markets said the baht weakened to around 34.07-34.45 to the USD following the US tariff announcement

TAT and Expedia Group have signed a three-year partnership agreement to expedite quality and sustainable tourism growth in Thailand. The collaboration will cover three areas: focusing on attracting high-value international travellers; data-sharing and strategy development; and supporting tourism development in secondary provinces

The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) said that the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the US could cause economic losses of 359 billion THB for Thailand, reducing GDP by nearly 2%. UTCC President noted that when combined with the recent earthquake, economic losses could reach 375 billion THB, reducing GDP by 2.02%. UTCC has also decreased its GDP growth forecast to only 1% for 2025

PM Paetongtarn said they will negotiate with the US on the reciprocal tariffs, adding that they “won’t let it get to where GDP will miss the target”. She noted they will send the permanent secretary to negotiate with the US. The US is Thailand’s largest export market, with top goods including electronics, machinery and agricultural products. InnovestX Securities projects the reciprocal tariffs may cause GDP to fall by as much as 1.2pp from the forecast of 2.5%

PM Paetongtarn said they have prepared short-term and long-term plans to address the 36% import tariff on Thai goods imposed by the US. She said in the short-term, she would negotiate on how to support exporters. She also advised Thai exporters to diversify and reduce dependency on the US market. The PM has established a negotiating team and will restructure its own import tariffs from the US. The negotiations will be handled by the Chief Advisor on Policy to the PM, who has been overseeing trade matters with the US

Pattaya Mayor expressed support for the casino-entertainment complex, noting that it is a “new type of tourist attraction” that fits Pattaya’s image as a “vibrant, versatile” destination. He believes that the complex would attract diverse tourists and will enhance Pattaya’s tourism offerings even further

The Deputy Finance Minister said that the global economic slowdown is unlikely to affect investment in the casino-entertainment complex project, as there is a long-term investment and there is a significant amount of global capital ready to be invested. He noted that there is no need to worry about casinos becoming a hub for money laundering or illegal businesses, as these projects require a significant financial commitment of hundreds of billions THB, making investors unlikely to risk illegal activities that could lead to their licences being revoked. He added that the government aims to push the draft bill through parliament by Apr, and that the entire process, from drafting to final approval, is expected to take about a year

The Tourism Minister called a meeting to discuss tourism strategies following the recent earthquake. The meeting was joined by representatives from the TAT, the Tourist Police, the Association of Thai Travel Agents, the Thai Hotels Association, and various tourism associations. The meeting proposed adopting a “single command” communication strategy to streamline messaging across all channels. It also proposed implementing safety certifications for hotels that have undergone structural integrity checks following the earthquake

The Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning (DPT) and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) conducted checks on a total 3,375 buildings after the recent earthquake. Of the total, 3,130 buildings were deemed safe, 211 suffered moderate damage, whilst 34 were severely damaged and declared off-limits

Phuket to host the Songkran No Alcohol Festival Phuket 2025 on 13 Apr from 4-10pm on Dibuk Road, in front of Limelight Phuket and Queen Sirikit Park in Muang district. The event is now in its 11th year and is a collaboration between the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), the Phuket Tourism Business Association (PTBA), Limelight Phuket Shopping Mall and other businesses. Director of TAT Phuket Office said that advance hotel bookings in Phuket for 12-16 Apr have risen by 80.9%, with over 289,000 tourists expected to visit during the period, generating 8.29 billion THB

Assistant Governor for the Bank of Thailand’s monetary policy group expects the Myanmar earthquake to further slow the economic recovery of the property sector, as well as affect international arrivals. He expects the quake to affect tourist confidence in travelling to Thailand, but expects the rate of cancellations and delays to be minimal

The Tourism Ministry plans to revise tourism strategy for H2 2025, in light of slow Chinese market recovery and weak confidence after the recent earthquake. The ministry will discuss with a strategy consulting team to form a plan for the TAT. The Tourism Minister said a Tourism Risk and Crisis Management Team would be set up to support the industry. The ministry also plans to collaborate with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to issue certificates for hotels that have passed a safety examination following the earthquake. The minister also plans to discuss ways to restore confidence with the Chinese ambassador, as well as invite Chinese influencers to showcase Thailand’s safety. President of the Thai Hotels Association expects average hotel occupancy rate during Apr and Songkran period to remain around 60%, lower than 65% in 2024. The Airlines Association of Thailand reported that airline bookings dropped by 40%-60%, reaching 60% from the Chinese market, during the two days after the earthquake

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is partnering with Airbnb to offer free accommodation for those affected by earthquake. Airbnb will provide up to 2,000 nights of free temporary accommodation for individuals whose homes have suffered severe damage or who need to evacuate, as well as rescue personnel and volunteers

Chief Economist at the SCB Economic Intelligence Centre (EIC) estimated that the recent earthquake may result in an economic loss of around 30 billion THB over the next 3-4 months. He also expects international tourist arrivals to fall by about 400,000 in Apr, with a recovery to normal levels taking around three months. Kasikorn Research Centre estimated the economic loss to reach 20 billion THB, equivalent to a 0.06 pp decline in GDP

President and Founder of Bangkok Pride announced that the 2025 Bangkok Pride Festival, to be held from 30 May-1 Jun, will mark the start of a four-year campaign leading up to Thailand’s bid to host WorldPride 2030. Bangkok Pride 2025 is expected to attract 300,000 participants, up from 250,000 in 2024

Over 150 wildfire hotspots were detected across 15 districts in Chiang Mai, causing PM2.5 levels to rise far above the safety threshold

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Thailand’s infrastructure and key facilities remain intact following the Myanmar earthquake. He noted that transportation networks, including roads, rail, and metro train services, are running smoothly. Major shopping malls, restaurants, attractions, hotels, and airports has also resumed normal operations. The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) confirmed that key venues in Bangkok has resumed normal operations and that business events are not impacted. Thailand Exhibition Association’s Thailand MICE X-Change 2025 is set to run as scheduled from 2-3 Apr at Bangkok’s Paragon Hall. The 6th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit will also take place as scheduled from 2-4 Apr at Shangri-La Bangkok

President of the Trang Tourism and Hotel Association criticised the spread of false tsunami warnings following the Myanmar earthquake, noting that 30% of tourists had called to cancel their hotel bookings in Trang, while around 50%-60% of guests had indefinitely postponed their trips

Private sector organisations are calling on the government to issue certifications for hotels that has passed structural integrity inspections and revoke Bangkok’s disaster area declaration following the Myanmar earthquake, in order to restore tourism confidence

The Matalay Integrated Resort Town has been launched, aiming to transform Khao Lak in Phang Nga Province into a premier tourism destination

A senator argued that public input went mostly unnoticed in the government’s proposal for the casino-entertainment complex. Former election commissioner also pointed out irregularities in a recent survey conducted by the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) on the mater, noting almost identical levels of support for every aspect of the casino-entertainment complex scheme that implied 57,500 out of 71,303 respondents gave the same answers. A People’s Party MP also urged the public to closely monitor the government’s plan to fast-track the bill before the current parliamentary session ends on 10 Apr

Two more bodies were recovered at the collapse site of the new State Audit Office compound in Chatuchak district, Bangkok, after the earthquake in Myanmar. This brings the death toll at the site to 13

PM Paetongtarn opened the new Thailand Investment and Expat Services Centre (TIESC) in the One Bangkok building. The centre provides investment, visa and work permit services and is a collaboration between the Board of Investment, Immigration Bureau and Department of Employment

The Chief Government Whip said that the parliament is likely to discuss the casino-entertainment complex bill by 9 Apr. He noted that coalition MPs are likely to approve the bill, while talks with opposition have not been held. President of the Phuket Tourist Association (PTA) believes that an entertainment complex without an on-site casino would attract more family-oriented travellers and help attract quality tourists to Phuket. He noted that gambling tourists may not contribute much to the local economy, as they tend to spend only within casino premises

The Thai Hotels Association forecasts that international tourist arrivals to Thailand could drop by 10-15% or more over the next 2 weeks, after the earthquake. It noted that 10% of international tourists checked out early

100 civil society organisations have said that they will take legal action against the entertainment complex-casino bill approved in principle by the cabinet, with key objections including a lack of guidelines on the number of complexes to be built, their locations, sizes and target audience

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration reported that 77 people are still missing at the collapse site of the new State Audit Office compound in Chatuchak district, Bangkok, as a result of the earthquake in Myanmar. The Bangkok-Nonthaburi Pink Line Monorail also remained suspended as its power rail was dislocated

The Taste of Samui culinary event will be held from 29-30 Mar at Chaweng Square, Central Samui. The event will feature live cooking demonstrations from top Michelin Guide chefs, exclusive Chef’s Table experiences, and a chance to taste dishes from Michelin-recommended restaurants, luxury hotels, and authentic local eateries

The death toll in Bangkok is 17, with 32 people injured and 83 unaccounted for, the majority from the collapse of a high-rise under construction

State interprovincial bus operator Transport Co is offering a 10% discount on all routes for those who leave early (now-3 Apr) and return after (21-30 Apr) the Songkran festival, in a bid to alleviate traffic congestion

The Thai baht opened at 34.01 to the USD on 27 Mar, slightly weaker than the closing rate of 33.95 on 26 Mar. The depreciation is attributed to the strengthening of the USD, which gained support amid concerns over the US trade policy

The newly-appointed President of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta) welcomed the Cabinet’s approval of the draft casino-entertainment complex bill, but stressed the need for strict regulations and meaningful job opportunities for Thais. He also expressed concerns over the -47% YoY decrease in Chinese arrivals, with Atta members only welcoming 214,213 Chinese tourists in Jan-Mar. Atta is planning to hold a roadshow in China’s second-tier cities in May, connecting over 100 Thai operators with 400-500 Chinese operators

The Oil Fund Management Board (OFMB) announced a two-phase fuel price reduction ahead of the Songkran Festival. The price of gasoline and diesel will drop by 50 satang per litre on 28 Mar, followed by another 50 satang per litre on 4 Apr. The subsidy will cover around 100 million THB per day

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit central Myanmar, with the effects also felt in Thailand. The earthquake damaged buildings in Bangkok and caused the suspension of some metro and light rail services

Authorities reported that 43 workers remain trapped in the rubble of a building near Chatuchak Park in Bangkok, which collapsed due to the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that hit central Myanmar. Seven workers managed to escape. The National Emergency Response and Rescue (NERR) Centre and local agencies are undergoing rescue operations

Bangkok City Hall has declared Bangkok as a disaster area following the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that hit Myanmar. The Bangkok Governor is in charge of coordinating the disaster response. He noted that the quake has damaged many high-rise buildings in the city. The Transport Ministry ordered the suspension of public transport services, including all eight electric train lines which are being inspected for damage and expected to reopen on 29 Mar. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) said all flights in and out of Bangkok were operating normally. Tourist assistance centres were set up at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports for stranded passengers due to the suspension of the Airport Rail Link

The Tourism Minister announced the relaunch of the We Travel Together programme. The initiative may see some key adjustments, including expanding eligible destinations, encouraging weekday travel to help alleviate weekend congestion, and allowing government employees to work remotely without taking official leave to promote domestic tourism

The Tourism Ministry recommended to limit the visa-free policy for Chinese nationals to 30 days, down from the current 60 days. He noted that the limitation would reflect actual tourists’ plans, which usually stay for 15 days or fewer

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) reported that 19 provinces in the Northern and Northeastern regions were affected by red (hazardous to health) levels of PM2.5, with Mae Hong Son recording the highest level. Another 36 provinces recorded orange (starting to affect health) levels, whilst Bangkok and 16 other provinces recorded moderate air quality. Only 5 provinces – Narathiwat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Trang and Yala – reported good air quality

The Labour Minister vowed to increase the daily minimum wage to 400 THB nationwide by 1 May, as well as offer support measures for SMEs

PM Paetongtarn will deliver a keynote speech at the Thailand Sustainable Tourism Conference (TSTC) 2025 on 28 Mar at Phuket Rajabhat University’s Conference Centre

Phuket Mayor announced that the city will launch two new 18-seat open-top electric buses, aiming to boost tourism while tackling pollution and PM2.5 issues. Phuket is also investing in security enhancements, including installing more cameras in public parks, intersections, and communities. Phuket will host two international sports event in 2025 – the Toyota Phuket International Series 2025, an annual badminton competition, at Gymnasium 2 from 1-6 Apr and the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship 2025 at Gymnasium 1 from 22-27 Aug

The Thai Cabinet approved a draft law for casino-entertainment complexes. The draft still includes the requirement of a 5,000 THB entry fee and proof of at least 50 million baht in bank deposits for Thai nationals to go to casinos. PM Paetongtarn said the details of the law were not final as parliament would have the final say. The bill will be forwarded to the House of Representative, and if approved, will need to gain approval from the Senate and His Majesty the King. The Deputy Finance Minister said 80% of the 71,300 respondents to an online public hearing expressed support for the bill

The Head of Mu Ko Similan National Park has been transferred pending an investigation into the alleged illegal sales of entry tickets to the park under his supervision. A random inspection by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) found the park issuing some e-tickets meant for foreigners to Thai nationals. Tickets for Thai adults cost 100 THB, lower than the 500 THB for foreigners

Chief Commercial Officer of Minor Hotels said the group will create two new hotel brands, one in the luxury segment and another in the upscale segment. He added that these soft brands would offer easier conversion from independent hotel operators, compared with hard brands such as Anantara and Tivoli

The opposition People’s Party brought up that legalising casinos was never in the Pheu Thai Party’s campaign pledges, adding that the policy would risk the Thai tourism sector if China discourages its citizens from visiting Thailand as a result of legalised gambling

The Transport Minister projects 16.32 million personal vehicles to pass through Bangkok during the Songkran festival period, with 7.01 million using highways and motorways and 9.31 million using expressways. Around 15.84 million people are expected to travel using public transportation, such as buses, trains, boats, and airplanes

IQAir ranked Chiang Mai the 7th most polluted city in the world at 10 AM on 26 Mar

SiteMinder data showed that Koh Samui has seen a 65% YoY rise in bookings by foreign tourists for the 10-17 Apr stay period, attributed to the influence of The White Lotus TV series. A government spokesperson said that average stay on the island has increased to 3.8 nights, from 3.74 nights. He added that bookings for hotels by foreign tourists have increased 41% in Chiang Mai and 20% in Bangkok for the Songkran period

The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) signed an MoU with Formula One (F1), aiming to host a Grand Prix event in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district by 2028. The MoU will involve data analysis, design, and timeline planning

Chiang Mai Governor designated five sub-districts in Chiang Dao and Omkoi districts as disaster areas as wildfires that have been burning for the past two weeks are yet to be contained. The wildfires in Chiang Dao district began on 12 Mar and have impacted 17 villages, whilst the fires in Omkoi district started on 14 Mar and have impacted 5 villages. The Environment and Pollution Control Office said the haze from the wildfires was affecting Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun and Mae Hong Son, and causing high levels of PM2.5 pollution

President of the Southern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association expects average occupancy in Phuket to decline to 75% in Mar, from 92% in Jan-Feb, whilst average room rate is expected to fall to 4,483 THB from 5,557 THB. He added that tourists in Phuket are now dominated by Russians. Phuket welcomed 72,379 Russian tourists arriving via direct flights from 1-15 Mar, way above the number of Chinese tourists arriving via direct flights (14,113). Chinese arrivals entering Phuket directly reached 114,729 in Jan, +136% YoY, but fell by 46% YoY to 52,054 in Feb due to declining safety confidence. Average occupancy in Apr is expected at 59%, but average room rate is expected to increase to 5,001 THB due to the Songkran holiday

TAT to hold the 43rd Thailand Tourism Festival 2025 from 26-30 Mar at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. TAT expects to see around 130,000 attendees, with a projected reach of 45 million impressions

SAii Laguna Phuket and SAii Lagoon Maldives have received Sustainable Event Standards certification from the Event Industry Council (EIC), the first event venues in Thailand and the Maldives to gain Gold Certification. SAii is a resort brand of S Hotels and Resorts PCL under Singha Estate PCL

The Transport Minister said the government is still pursuing the 1 trillion THB Land Bridge megaproject that will connect the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. The minister recently held an overseas roadshow to promote the project to potential investors, with interest from several companies in the Middle East and China. The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) has posted a Southern Special Economic Development Zone (SEC) Bill for 30 days ahead of a public hearing and official seminar. The bill will be submitted to the Transport Ministry for review after all feedback is summarised, and expected to be forwarded to the Cabinet for approval in Mar before moving onwards to Parliament

Vice President of the Trat Tourism Business Association said that the number of foreign visitors has surged by over 40% YoY, and that they are booking longer stays of 1-2 weeks. Hotel bookings fro the Songkran period in Koh Chang has reached over 80%. TAT Trat Office projects the province to welcome 19,980 visitors during the Songkran period, including 19,200 overnight guests and 780 day visitors. Average occupancy is expected to reach 82.09%, with an average stay of 1.98 nights. Tourists are expected to generate a revenue of 142-200 million THB, with an average expenditure of 7,107 THB per trip

TAT launched the Amazing Thailand Health and Beauty initiative, starting with a Consumer Fair in Cambodia from 21-23 Mar. TAT partnered with VISA to offer benefits to Cambodian VISA cardholders for Thailand’s health and beauty services. ASEAN VISA cardholders can also access exclusive health and wellness travel deals through www.visa.co.th from 1 Apr-15 Jun. TAT expects the initiative to attract at least 600 direct buyers, engage over 600,000 consumers, and attract participation from at least 15 ASEAN industry partners

SiteMinder reported that international guests account for 86% of scheduled hotel check-ins during the Songkran festival period from 10-17 Apr, +15% YoY. Hotels in Koh Samui recorded the longest average booking lead time at 109 days, +33% YoY from 82 days. The booking window increased from 76 to 100 days in Phuket, +33% YoY, and from 69 to 81 days in Bangkok, +17% YoY. Average length of stay during Songkran rose from 2.41 nights to 2.59 nights, +7.3% YoY. In Koh Samui, average stay rose by +1.5% YoY, from 3.74 to 3.80 nights. Average hotel room rates nationwide fell -2.3% YoY, from $199 USD to $194 USD. Average room rates in Koh Samui rose 38.0% to $327 USD, while in Phuket, it rose 8.1% to $174 USD

The Tour of Thailand 2025 will be held from 24 Mar-2 Apr in Sa Kaeo

A Thai tour guide has been fined by the Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi province for alleged safety regulation violation by allowing tourists to get off the vehicle to take close-up photos of a black panther

Macau’s Galaxy Entertainment Group expressed interest in investing billions of dollars into the proposed casino-entertainment complex in Bangkok

The Pattaya Mayor discussed the integration of the TAGTHAi Pattaya Pass application into tourism and sports events with the team from Thai Digital Platform Social Enterprise Company Limited. The pass allows tourists to purchase unlimited access to participating attractions, restaurants, and shops for a set number of days

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said that there has been no decision yet on reducing the visa-free stay from 60 days to 30 days. Suggestions will be submitted to a visa policy committee before being proposed to the cabinet

The Night Restaurant Business Trade Association, the Khao San Road Business Association, the Restaurant Association, the Craft Beer Trade Association, a Pattaya-based entertainment industry and tourism association, and the Thailand Bartenders Association, submitted a petition to the government to consider temporarily suspending the 5% excise tax, which applies to venues that operate past midnight. The tax is on top of the 5% excise tax already subjected on alcoholic beverages and other goods

PM Paetongtarn told the Formula One Chief that the Thai government would commission a feasibility study into hosting an F1 Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028

Dusit Thani is developing a new 2 billion THB branded residence in Hua Hin under a 60-year leasehold agreement. The Dusit Ajara Hua Hin will be the first Thai-branded residence in Hua Hin and will house 96 units. Thai buyers are expected to account for 60% of sales, with foreign buyers occupying the remaining 40%

TAGTHAi collaborated with Kasikorn Bank to launch the TAGTHAi EASY PAY digital payment solution. The system is linked to Kasikorn Bank’s Prepaid PAY&TOUR card, allowing tourists to make payments using the Thai QR Payment at thousands of locations nationwide

Thai Beverage (ThaiBev), in collaboration with partners including the Tourism Ministry and the Culture Ministry, is set to organise the Water Festival 2025 from 12-15 Apr, aiming to boost tourism and generate over 10 million THB in spending. The event, themed “Maha Songkran, Maha Sanook” (The Grand Songkran, The Grand Fun), will feature various activities in cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Phuket, Udon Thani, and Khon Kaen

The Thai House of Representatives passed second and third readings of an amended alcohol control bill, which would revoke a government order that bans alcohol sales anytime before 11 am and between 2-5 pm. The legislation still needs approval from the Senate

Investment management firm Colliers Thailand expects Koh Samui to see a surge in demand for luxury condominiums and villas in 2025, driven by the latest season of The White Lotus, which was filmed at the island’s luxurious resorts. Director of Research and Communication at Colliers said The White Lotus has played a key role in strengthening Koh Samui’s position as a destination for high-end travellers, especially from Europe, Australia, and the Middle East. Colliers expects Koh Samui to see over 600 new condominium units and over 80 seaside villas for sale in 2025. Foreign buyers, mainly form Europe, Russia, Israel, and China, currently accounts for over 85% of the demand for real estate on Koh Samui

Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) held talks with the Governor of the Lao National Railway Enterprise and the General Manager of the Lao-China Railway Company (LCR) to discuss plans to improve the efficiency of Thailand’s freight transport with Laos and China

An Advisor to the Thai Hotels Association Eastern Chapter said that hotel operators aim for an occupancy rate of 85%-90% for the 2025 Songkran period, up from 80%-90% in 2024

The Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre Region 3 (Thai MECC 3) held a Table Top Exercise (TTX) at the Bhukitta Boutique Hotel in Phuket Town. The marine rescue exercise simulated a cruise ship explosion at sea, to enhance preparedness for maritime disasters. The drill involved government agencies, emergency responders, and private sector representatives

Grab Thailand aims to expand its revenue growth among Gen Alpha and Baby Boomers, in addition to its strong Gen Y market. Grab also plans to introduce advanced booking for airport pickups this year, which is currently a pilot scheme in Phuket

The Deputy Finance Minister believes the proposed casino-entertainment complex will positively impact Thai tourism and economy. He noted that two committees would be established to manage the complexes – one for policy and the other for operation. The committee for policy will be chaired by the PM to ensure maximum accountability and transparency

PM Paetongtarn said there is “no confirmation yet” regarding the news of her inclusion on a list of Thai officials barred from obtaining US visas following the deportation of 40 Uyghur detainees to China

Road 11 has opened between Vientiane-Chiang Mai, cutting 200km off the route and saving around 3 hours of travel time. It is thought to boost trade and tourism between the two countries

TAT is celebrating its 65th anniversary in 2025

President of the Southern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association (THA) said the government’s proposal to reduce visa-free stay limit to no more than 30 days “would impact condo rentals more than hotels”. He also noted that cutting the stay period may not address illegal activities conducted by foreigners. President of the Phuket Tourist Association said its members welcomed the move, and that tourism operators are not concerned as there are still other visa options for those who want to stay longer. He added that the government should improve the upcoming digital TM6 arrival form – which will be compulsory for all foreign arrivals entering Thailand from 1 May – to “detect suspicious behaviour of foreigners”

Deputy Director-general of the Health Department reported that Thailand’s heat index for 5-14 Mar showed a “dangerous to health” level of 42-51.9°C in some areas. The weather is expected to get “hot to very hot” again from 23-28 Mar

PM Paetongtarn will deliver a keynote presentation at the first Thailand Sustainable Tourism Conference 2025 (TSTC 2025), which will be held on 28-29 Mar at the Phuket Rajabhat University Conference Centre. The PM’s topic will be “Soft Power: Mechanisms for Creating Sustainability for Thai Tourism”. TSTC 2025 will feature three main components: conference sessions, exhibition and business matching, and workshops