Thailand

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 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

TAT showcased Thailand’s tourism – with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and digital transformation – at ITB Berlin 2025. TAT, in collaboration with the Thailand Science, Research, and Innovation Promotion Fund (TSRI)’s National Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (NCEF), is integrating Thailand’s Soft Power into its sustainable tourism strategy to meet the rising demand for eco-conscious travel. TAT and TSRI will expand their Nation to Nation strategy by collaborating with Thai embassies worldwide, integrating tourism research and innovations into the MICE sector

The Permanent Secretary of the Tourism Ministry addressed concerns raised by a former Phuket MP regarding foreign and nominee businesses. She said that the ministry is undergoing investigations surrounding these operations. The Tourism Department has established a joint operations centre, SOPA, to tackle the issue, which includes representatives from six agencies: the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Department of Special Investigation, the Department of Business Development, the Immigration Bureau, the Tourist Police Bureau, and the Department of Tourism. The Tourism Department and Tourist Police has been inspecting key tourist sites in Phuket like Wat Chalong, the Old Town, and Promthep Cape

Tripseed Chief Growth Officer and Co-Founder, during his presentation at ITB Berlin, urged European tour operators to check their Thailand travel suppliers to ensure they are not partnering with foreign nominee businesses

The Stock Exchange of Thailand President reported that 74.8% of the companies listed on the exchange reported net profits in 2024 across tourism-related tourism-related, consumption, and service industries, including food and beverage, consumer products, retail, aviation, hospitality, healthcare, telecommunications, and commercial property rental

The Tourism Minister said the government has agreed in principle to reduce the period of visa-free stays from 60 days to 30 days, in a move to curb the risk of illegal businesses exploiting the visa exemption scheme. The minister said additional details would be discussed before the regulation amendment is announced officially

The Tourism Minister recently held talks with Miss Universe 2024 and the CEO of JKN Global, the official license holder of the pageant, to explore the possibility of Thailand hosting future editions of the Miss Universe pageant

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) reported 91 wildfire hotspots in Chiang Mai alone as of 15 Mar, and a total of 680 wildfire hotspots across 17 northern provinces. The Department of Pollution Control reported that PM 2.5 pollution levels in Chiang Mai have exceeded safe standards. IQAir.com ranked Chiang Mai as the second-most-polluted city in the world as of 2 PM on 16 Mar

CEO of marketing at Central Pattana Pcl (CPN) said the firm is investing 600 million THB to boost consumer spending during the summer, with an expected 10%-15% rise in traffic. The campaign will feature over 1,000 events from now until 5 May. Chief Executive of The Mall Group said the company is investing 300 million THB into their summer campaign, running from Mar-Apr, up from the 220 million THB investment in 2024. Robinson Department Store, part of Central Retail, is also launching its summer campaign, expected to boost customer traffic by over 12% YoY

Loei residents, along with the Loei Provincial Merchant Association, are calling on the government to move forward with the long-proposed cable car project for Phu Kradueng National Park. Deputy Director of Dasta (Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration) said progress is being made, adding that the Tourism Minister has instructed Dasta’s board to expedite efforts and that an environmental impact assessment is ongoing. A budget of 28 million THB, approved under the Srettha administration, is under review by the Budget Bureau. Once approved, it will be followed by the feasibility study and detailed design phase

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) has launched the Green Hotel Plus Phuket Sandbox project, aiming to certify 600 hotels with the internationally-recognised Green Hotel Plus certification by Feb 2026

The Tourism Ministry reported that Thailand welcomed 7,021,344 international arrivals in Jan-Mar, +5.91% YoY. Phuket is one of the top destinations, with 1,121,808 visitors in Jan alone, +21.07% YoY

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

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

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

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

President of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta) believes that Thailand is likely to welcome at most 37 million international arrivals in 2025, below the government’s target of 39 million. He noted that there are several “negative factors” holding Thailand back, including competition from Japan, China, and Vietnam. He expects arrivals from China to reach 7 million in 2025, below the 11.13 million recorded in 2019. He warned that Thailand may never see 10 million Chinese arrivals annually again due to growing safety concerns. Thailand welcomed only 371,542 Chinese arrivals in Feb, the lowest in 15 months and -44.9% YoY

TAT expects the 2025 Songkran festival to generate 26.5 billion THB from 476,000 international tourists and 4.4 million domestic trips. Revenue from international market is expected to reach 7.3 billion THB from 12-16 Apr, +7% YoY, while revenue from the domestic market is expected to reach 19.2 billion THB, +9% YoY. Overall income is expected to rise 8% YoY, mainly driven by the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 025. The TAT Governor expects arrival from China and Hong Kong to fall by 34% and 28% YoY, respectively, due to declining confidence in safety. The number of European tourists is expected to rise by 23%, as the festival is around the same time as Easter. Forward air ticket bookings are up by 17% so far, mainly from the UK, Germany, and Israel. The Southeast Asian market is expected to bring in 160,800 tourists during the holiday period, +7% YoY, with Malaysia expected to be the top source with 81,000 visitors, generating 637 million THB. Chinese arrivals are expected to reach 65,000 visitors, generating 1.2 billion THB

The People’s Party called on the government to expedite approval of flood relief and rehabilitation funds for Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai, which suffered from flooding last year. The party leader said that the 134 million THB which has been set aside for flood victims was still awaiting cabinet approval. He also suggested the government to carry out tourism promotion ahead of the Songkran festival to boost local economy. A People’s Party MP for Chiang Mai revealed that several tourism activities had been organised by the private sector, but there has been a lack of support from the government

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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