M31 NEWS

Thailand tourism industry

Tourism demand, hotels, aviation and policy through a business lens.

Thailand’s TPSO outlines business strategies for the experience economy

The Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) of the Ministry of Commerce reports that the global trend is shifting towards a "New-Age Experience Economy," where consumers prioritize value, feelings, and unique experiences over practical benefits. According to data from McKinsey &…

TAT Unveils Five Tourism Priorities for 2027 at Bangkok Event

Bangkok, 28 October 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced five strategic tourism product priorities for 2027 during the 'Thailand Nextperience: Tourism Product Highlight 2027' event held on 20 October at Pullman Bangkok King Power. Under the 'Transform…

GRAND Faces Liquidity Crisis; Unable to Pay Bond Interest

Grand Asset Hotels & Property Public Company Limited (GRAND) reported on October 27 that it cannot pay interest on its secured bond series 1/2567 (set for redemption in 2571). The outstanding principal is 635.265 million baht, with interest due on October 27, 2569 amounting to…

ROH Sues GROREIT Trust and Wana AMC to Assert Right to Buy Back Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel

Royal Orchid Hotels (ROH) has filed a lawsuit against the Grand Royal Orchid Hospitality Trust (GROREIT) and Wana Asset Management Company Limited (Wana AMC) at the Bangkok South Civil Court, asserting its right to repurchase the disputed Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers…

Proud Group Launches 'Hua Hin Well-Played' Campaign with TTA to Transform Hua Hin into Global Wellness Destination

Proud Group, in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TTA) and private sector allies, has launched the 'Hua Hin Well-Played' campaign with an investment exceeding 90 million baht. The four-month initiative, running from November 2026 to February 2027, aims to…

Thai 7-Eleven Employee with Seven Languages Becomes Social Media Sensation

Theerawat Wanichkham, known as Tony, a 48-year-old assistant store manager at a 7-Eleven in Thailand, has gained online fame after demonstrating his ability to speak seven languages. Originally from Ayutthaya, he holds degrees in communications, law, languages, and tourism, with…

Thailand Hosts Stakeholder Meeting to Develop Framework for Assessing Problematic Plastics

On October 19, 2026, the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC) under the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) convened a meeting titled 'Listening Session and Discussion on Guidelines for Assessing Problematic Plastic Products to Support…

Kuwait Airways Launches Non-Stop Phuket Route with Twice-Weekly Service

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) welcomed Kuwait Airways' inaugural flight KU407 at Phuket International Airport on October 27, 2026. The new non-stop service operates twice weekly using a 278-seat Airbus A330-900neo, increasing the airline's total weekly inbound capacity…

TAT Frankfurt Office Completes Familiarisation Trip to Southern Thailand Destinations

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Frankfurt Office concluded an eight-day familiarisation trip under The Link Plus initiative from 9–16 October 2026. The programme brought 10 tour operator representatives from Germany, Switzerland, and Austria to explore destinations in…

Thai Deputy PM Signals Talks with Chinese Ambassador Over Travel Warnings

On October 27, 2026, Mr. Sighasak Phuangketkavee, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated that he intends to meet with the Chinese Ambassador in Thailand regarding a recent announcement warning Chinese tourists about travel to Thailand. Mr. Sighasak…

Thailand's Ministry of Commerce Launches 'KHAOPRANEAT Fair 2026' to Elevate Premium Rice Market

Dr. Kirida Paopichit, Deputy Minister of Commerce, opened the KHAOPRANEAT Fair 2026 at One Bangkok on October 22–25, 2026, aiming to enhance the value and competitiveness of Thai rice through quality development, branding, and direct market linkage. The event features activities…

Thailand Strengthens Ties with Italian Market at TTG Travel Experience 2026

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) participated in the TTG Travel Experience 2026 in Rimini, Italy, to promote its 'Healing is the New Luxury' concept and secure partnerships for 2026–2027. The event featured a Thai pavilion, meetings with major tour operators like…

Thailand Faces Southern Flood Risks, Drug Seizures at Suvarnabhumi, and Hotel Ketamine Raid

Heavy rain threatens southern provinces including Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi, Hat Yai, and Surat Thani from October 26 to 29 due to a strengthening monsoon trough. The Office of the National Water Resources warns of flash floods and river overflows; Ratchaprapha Reservoir in Surat…

Bangkok Convenience Store Manager Uses Seven Languages to Assist International Customers

Teerawat Wanichkam, a 48-year-old assistant store manager at a 7-Eleven branch in BITEC Bang Na, has gained widespread attention for his ability to communicate fluently in seven languages. Originally from Ayutthaya, he holds bachelor's degrees in communications and law, as well…

GROREIT Trustee Sues Royal Orchid Sheraton for Breach of Contract Ahead of Shareholder Meeting

MFC Asset Management and BLJ Wann have filed a lawsuit against Royal Orchid Hotels (ROH) in the Bangkok South Civil Court regarding the breach of a lease and repurchase agreement for the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel and Towers. The dispute centers on ROH's failure to repurchase…

Thailand to Host WTCE 2026 International Expo on Tourism, Culture and Technology

The World Travel & Culture Expo (WTCE) 2026 will be held from October 29–31, 2026 at the IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Center in Muang Thong Thani, Hall 9–10. Organized by Guangdong Grandeur International Exhibition Group of China in partnership with Thailand's Ministry of…

Belavia Launches First Scheduled Flights to Bangkok and Phuket

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) welcomed Belavia Belarusian Airlines' inaugural non-stop scheduled service from Minsk to Suvarnabhumi Airport on October 26, 2026. The weekly flight departs every Sunday using an Airbus A330-200 with 281 seats. Starting October 29, the…

Thailand's TAT Elevates Nakhon Phanom Fire Boat Festival with Drone Show and Electric Light Boats

The Thailand Tourism Authority (TAT) has upgraded the annual Fire Boat Festival in Nakhon Phanom province into a Signature Festival for 2026, featuring a drone light show of 800 units and electric-lit boats named 'Sattana Kra' on the Mekong River. The event runs from October 16…

ASPS Analysts Warn of High Volatility in Thai Stock Market Amid Technical Weakness

Asia Plus Securities (ASPS) issued an analysis on October 22, 2026, noting that the Thai stock market remains highly volatile. The SET Index dropped to a low of 1,532 points on October 21, 2026, before recovering to close at 1,556 points. Over the past three months, the index…

Malaysian Man Found Dead in Nnan Hotel Room; Wife Reports He Slept Normally Before Morning Discovery

Police in Nan Province, Thailand, investigated the death of Mr. THAM, a 62-year-old Malaysian national, who was found deceased in his hotel room in Moo 5, Duai Tai Subdistrict, Mueang Nan District. His girlfriend, Ms. Jiraporn, stated they had lived together for over nine years…