Thailand

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Caretaker Energy Minister said that the government plans to buy crude oil from West Africa and the US as an alternative source to offset the impact from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, with deliveries expected by end-Apr. He added that liquefied natural gas (LNG) purchases would also be diversified, looking at the US and Malaysia for supplies

Long queues were seen at gas stations across Phuket following the PM’s announcement that Thailand’s oil reserves would last about 60 days if no new supplies were secured

Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park generated 148,343,985 THB in revenue in Jan-Feb, +3.13% YoY. Visitor numbers reached 427,472 in Jan-Feb, +5.08% YoY. The park recorded a total revenue of 330,477,099 THB from 952,315 visitors from the start of the tourism season on 1 Oct 2025 to 28 Feb

The US Trade Representative’s Office said it will work to strike new trade deals with partners and finalise framework deals with a number of countries, including Thailand

The government warned businesses against taking advantage of the Middle East conflict by hiking prices, stating that violators would face up to seven years in prison and fines of up to 140,000 THB

The Phang Nga Hotel Association and Phang Nga Tourism Business Association are coordinating with local hotels to support travellers amid the Middle East conflict, with measures including special fair-rate extensions for guests affected by flight delays or disruptions, as well as options to postpone bookings or retain vouchers for future travel

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has secured hosting rights for three international pharmaceutical conferences in 2026-2027, expected to attract over 3,200 delegates and generate a revenue of over 151 million THB. The events include: • The 71st International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF) World Congress 2026 from 29 Jul-11 Aug at Chulalongkorn University, expected to attract around 600 participants, including 500 international delegates from over 100 countries, generating around 33 million THB in revenue • The 31st Congress of the Federation of Asian Pharmaceutical Associations (FAPA) from 3-7 Nov at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre, Muang Thong Thani, expected to attract 2,000 attendees, including 1,500 international delegates, generating around 99 million THB in revenue • The biennial Asian Association of Schools of Pharmacy (AASP) Conference 2027 from 1-2 Jul 2027 at the Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Centre

The Global Wellness Institute (GWI)’s latest Global Wellness Economy: Country Ranking Report showed that Thailand ranked 7th among the world’s top 25 wellness markets for growth between 2023-2024, +10.1% YoY. Thailand is ranked as the 24th largest wellness economy globally, and 9th in the Asia-Pacific region. Wellness tourism spending in Thailand reached 14 billion THB in 2024, ranked 15th globally, increasing by 36.4% YoY, with the annual growth rate reaching around 3X the global average. Expanding sectors withing the Thailand wellness market include wellness real estate, (22.9% YoY growth), and the spa sector (18%). Spending at destination spas and hotel or resort spas rose by over 20% between 2023-2024

The Tourism Ministry is seeking collaboration from the private sector to offer special travel packages for international tourists affected by flight cancellations due to the Middle East conflict. TAT has coordinated with airports, airlines and relevant agencies to set up assistance centres, while airlines arranged alternative accommodation for most passengers. The Department of Tourism is also looking to support travellers who need to stay longer in Thailand through special tourism packages in partnership with the private sector, including some hotel associations, to offer discounts for affected tourists, as well as with travel agencies so tourists can continue travelling in Thailand at an affordable price

The Tourism Ministry is preparing to offer financial aid of 2,000 THB per day for foreign tourists stranded in Thailand due to flight cancellations connected to the Middle East conflict. The ministry has held discussions with key stakeholders, including the TAT, the Tourism Council of Thailand, the Thai Hotels Association, and other service-sector groups. Authorities have been directed to prioritise support in key destinations like Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok, where many tourists are reported to be stranded

The Phuket Governor said that local government officials are working with the Phuket Tourism Association and the Thai Hotels Association to provide support for tourists whose travel plans have been disrupted due to the Middle East conflict, including measures such as waiving rescheduling and booking cancellation fees where necessary, offering special rates for extended stays, and providing updated travel information and guidance

TAT has launched the Tourism Crisis Monitoring Centre (TCMC) to monitor the Middle East conflict. The centre will be an operations hub for integrated information management to track tourism-related developments in Thailand and overseas, assess potential impacts, and coordinate with relevant agencies to provide urgent assistance to travellers affected by flight disruptions

The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) reported that thick oil slicks and tar balls have washed ashore at several locations – including Patok Bay, Tue, La, and Siam Bays – following the sinking of the Sealloyd Arc cargo vessel on 7 Feb

The Energy Ministry reported that Thailand has a two-month oil reserve and that they will look for alternative sources to ensure energy security amid the Middle East conflict. The Deputy Permanent Secretary said that Thailand had an in-country reserve of 4.92 billion litres of crude and refined oil as of 23 Feb, which could meet demand for 38 days. Another 1.75 billion litres were already enroute to Thailand from and outside the Strait of Hormuz, as well as 1.12 billion litres from other sources, which could meet demand for an extra 23 days. The Labour Minister added that a total of 77,495 Thai workers are currently under the supervision of Thai labour offices in Tel Aviv, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh

The Phuket Governor said that the island should not welcome more than 14 million tourists annually, noting that growth must be balanced with environmental responsibility and sustainability. He highlighted waste management as the most urgent issue for the island and outlined a three-point strategy: reduce waste generation; improve waste separation and recycling; and require local disposal of organic waste

TAT reported that the total number of Chinese arrivals in Jan-Feb reached 1.08 million, +4.5% YoY, driven by 100,000 additional airline seats, as well as promotional campaigns through OTAs and chartered flights. TAT is waiting the Labour Day holiday in May to monitor whether demand has stabilised. Arrivals from China rose 4% vs 2024 and 10% vs 2025 during the Chinese New Year period. China accounted for 60.3% or 16.7 billion THB of the total 27.7 billion THB Thailand earned in the tourism sector from seven Asian markets during the Chinese New Year holiday

Trat province plans to host a “World Mantis Shrimp Day”, with hopes of making it an annual festival, complete with a river travel route, in order to boost local economy and tourism. The event would coincide with the Bangkok Airways Trat Half Marathon 2026 on 23-24 May. President of the Trat Chamber of Commerce surveyed a potential boat tourism route along the Trat River

Tickets for Tomorrowland Thailand including hotel packages will begin sales from 28 Feb, after seeing strong pre-registration interest from over 110 countries. TAT targets at least 60% of the ticket buyers are foreigners. The organiser plans to launch packages combining the three-day festival tickets with hotel stays in Chon Buri, Rayong, Pattaya and Bangkok, with transfers to the festival venue. Prices start at 20,000 THB, and sales will switch to event only tickets from 7 Mar

TAT took part in the South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) 2026 at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in New Delhi from 25-27 Feb. It is TAT’s 17th participation in the event. The Thai pavilion was designed under the “Palette of Wellness, Your Ultimate Healuxe” concept, highlighting TAT’s global “Healing is the New Luxury” campaign. It features 50 Thai tourism operators, including hotels and resorts, tour companies, and recreational attractions, with over 5,000 pre-scheduled appointments expected across the three-day event. Three airlines – Thai AirAsia, Thai Vietjet Air, and Thai Lion Air – are also participating, as well as the Phuket Tourist Association, the Samui Tourism Promotion Association, and the Association of Thai Travel Agents

Visama Explorer Nan Tented Camp in Northern Thailand has officially opened on 23 Feb, following a grand opening for travel trade guests from 20-22 Feb. The new ecolodge is VHG Hospitality Asia’s latest project, inspired by the company’s commitment to the 4Cs of regenerative travel – conservation, community, culture, and responsible commerce. The property features eight air-conditioned tented suites

Thailand and Laos have launched a joint firebreak project along the shared border in Chiang Rai province to address transboundary haze and increasing PM2.5 levels

Accommodation searches on Booking.com for Ao Nang Beach in Krabi by Chinese travellers rose 407.59% YoY for the Chinese New Year holiday period (15-23 Feb). It is followed by Koh Samet, Rayong (+319.41% YoY); Koh Lipe, Satun (+274.42%); Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan (+262.23%); Chiang Mai (+234.73%); Kata Beach, Phuket (+232.66%); Karon Beach, Phuket (+188.03%); Patong Beach, Phuket (+110.53%); Bangkok (+75.19%); Phuket Town (+71.23%)

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is escalating measures against extreme heat amid concerns of increasing heatstroke cases. The department is monitoring weather conditions and temperature changes that could affect public health, while issuing warnings to at-risk and vulnerable groups. Authorities have set medical and public health guidelines to reduce impact of extreme heat, prepared emergency medical operation centres and launched public campaigns on how to stay healthy during the summer

C9 Hotelworks and Watson Farley & Williams published a new joint report titled The Thailand Hotel Investment Guide 2026. The report highlights continued interest in Thailand’s hotel market from global private equity, institutional investors, family offices, developers, and hotel operators. C9 Hotelworks said “Thailand has evolved into a highly institutionalised hospitality investment market” with rising focus from investors on “income-generating assets, platform strategies, and opportunities to enhance value through repositioning, rebranding, and operational optimisation rather than purely greenfield development”. There is also a shift from trophy acquisitions toward yield-driven hotels, lifestyle resorts, and mixed-use hospitality projects

Singapore Tourism Board and Ant International have renewed their multi-year strategic partnership to support tourism growth through digital payments and data-driven insights. Both parties first signed an agreement in 2018. Alipay+ data shows Singapore ranked among the top 5 global travel destinations in 2025, with 36% YoY increase in transactions. Spending via SGQR increased by 3X YoY. The top inbound markets were China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and South Korea. Transactions by the Chinese travellers increased by 26% YoY. Through Alipay+, merchants in Singapore can accept 25 international e-wallets and banking apps, allowing travellers from 17 countries to pay using their preferred platforms. Alipay+ Voyager, the in-app AI travel assistant, will offer personalised recommendations and services

Airbnb named The Mirror Foundation and Rask Thai Foundation among the 130 nonprofit organisations supported across 25 countries in 2026 under the Airbnb Community Fund

Deputy Government Spokeswoman reported that Thailand’s overall border and transit trade reached a total value of 161.1 billion THB in Jan, +10.9% YoY, with China remaining as a top transit market. Border trade with four neighbouring countries – Malaysia, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia – recorded a total value of 68.6 billion THB, -18.2% YoY. Malaysia was Thailand’s largest border trading partner with a trade value of 30.043 billion THB, followed by Laos (24.1 billion THB) and Myanmar (14.4 billion THB), while Cambodia recorded zero value

The oil spill from cargo ship Sealloyd Arc, which capsized on 7 Feb, has reached Koh Hey. Phuket MP called for emergency management after black stains were found in the seawater and on the beach at the island

The Bank of Thailand upgraded its GDP growth forecast to 1.9% in 2026, from initial projections of 1.5%, following stronger-than-expected growth in Q4 2025

Thailand recorded 167 active hotel construction projects comprising 43,067 rooms, one of the most competitive in Asia. Bangkok has 68 projects with 16,641 rooms in the pipeline, followed by Phuket with 41 projects and 9,583 rooms. Pattaya’s hotel rooms is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 2.2%, with over 5,700 new rooms expected by end 2027/2028. Major developments in the pipeline include Asset World Corp’s (AWC) 100-billion-THB Aquatique Pattaya project, a mixed-use destination on Central Pattaya’s Beach Road

The Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports hosted the Thailand Good Travel Sustainable Tourism Certification Ceremony under the Thailand Green Plan 2030, with the concept “Champions of Change: Showcasing Models of Transformation Toward Sustainability”. A total of 41 destinations and tourism operators have successfully passed sustainability assessments, including 12 certified under the Small Good Stay standard, 15 under the Thailand Good Travel – Community-Based Tourism (CBT) standard, 5 tour companies, and 7 destinations evaluated across 15 key sustainability criteria out of 84 indicators. Doi Phu Kha National Park in Nan Province and Takua Pa Old Town in Phang Nga Province are currently under consideration for the Thailand Good Travel certification, covering all 84 sustainability criteria benchmarked against the international Green Destinations standard. The selection committee has also named 30 destinations and tourism operators to represent Thailand in global storytelling competitions, such as the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories and the Good Travel Stories Competition

Deputy Director of the TAT Phuket Office said more Chinese tourists have chosen to stay longer in Phuket for the Lunar New Year holiday, following disruptions in Japan travel plans due to China-Japan tensions leading to fewer flights. She added that this year’s holiday was longer than usual, running from 15-23 Feb. Lunar New Year in Phuket is estimated at around 600 million THB, mostly from domestic tourists