M31 NEWS

Thailand tourism industry

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

Skywalk Opens at Khao Khuean Luan in Nakhon Ratchasima with 120 Million Baht Investment

Education Minister Prasert Chantaruangthong officially opened the Skywalk at Khao Khuean Luan in Sikhiw District, Nakhon Ratchasima, on October 24, 2026. The project, funded with a total budget of 120 million baht from the Department of Tourism for fiscal year 2568, features a…

Dr. Ek Accuses Thai Foundation for Smoking-Free Society of Hosting Lavish Meeting on Koh Samui

On October 24, 2026, Dr. Ekophat Peenphesuan, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, criticized the Thailand Endowment Foundation (Sass) for allegedly organizing a smoking-free society meeting at a luxury hotel in Koh Samui. The event was scheduled for October 26, 2026,…

Thailand's Department of Commerce Selects 466 Rice Producers to Boost Value Beyond Fragrant Rice

The Thai Ministry of Commerce has selected 466 rice producer groups nationwide to develop 'Praneat' (refined) rice varieties, focusing on unique strains, aroma, and taste to connect farmers with high-end markets such as hotels, restaurants, and chefs. Dr. Kiridha Phapichit,…

Thailand Targets 1.12 Million Singapore Arrivals by End of 2026 at ITB Asia

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is leading 14 operators to ITB Asia 2026 in Singapore, focusing on wellness and sustainable tourism to attract high-value travelers. The event runs until October 23 at Marina Bay Sands and is expected to generate at least 266 business…

Thai Cabinet Tour in Udon Thani Approves 42 Projects Worth 39.8 Billion Baht to Boost Trade, Tourism, and Infrastructure

The second mobile cabinet meeting (Cabinet Tour) of the Opanut government held in Udon Thani on November 2-3, 2026, focused on four key policy areas: high-value agriculture, cross-border trade, tourism, and drug control. The National Economic and Social Development Office…

Center One Invests 480 Million Baht in New ONN ANU Project to Revitalize Monument Circle Area

After 32 years of operating through economic crises and a major fire, Center One is investing approximately 480 million baht to launch ONN ANU, a new lifestyle hub near the existing mall. The project aims to adapt to changing consumer habits by offering grab-and-go options and…

Thai Designer Kai Ukas Celebrates Over 40 Years of Fashion Innovation and Local Identity

Pee Umakorn Warasetthathaporn, known professionally as Kai Ukas, is a Thai fashion designer with more than four decades of experience who has worked internationally in France before returning to focus on contemporary fashion, local textile identity, and uniform design for…

Santisiri Unveils Luxury Beachfront Residences in Hua Hin with Hotel-Style Amenities

Santisiri has launched The Standard Residences, Hua Hin, a luxury project valued at 4.5 billion baht that brings the international hotel brand The Standard to residential development for the first time globally. Located on approximately 9 rai in Nong Kae Subdistrict, Hua Hin…

Bangkok's 28th International Festival of Dance & Music Concludes with Record Economic Impact

The 28th International Festival of Dance & Music in Bangkok has ended its six-week run following a series of performances from nine countries. Organizers estimate the event generated over 250 million baht in economic activity, supported by international visitors and local…

Lisa Releases 'Tarantino' Music Video Featuring Action Heroine Narrative

Lisa has released a new single titled 'Tarantino,' accompanied by a music video in which she portrays a blonde, leather-clad action heroine. The video features a narrative where Lisa's character defends herself against intruders entering her hotel room, drawing inspiration from…

Thailand Pauses Proposed 1,000-Baht Departure Tax Amid Tourism Concerns

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas confirmed on October 22 that Thailand will not proceed with a proposed 1,000-baht departure tax for now. The Finance Ministry cited concerns that the charge could discourage international travel and affect the…

Indonesia Mandates Sector-Specific Approvals for Foreign Investors

Foreign investors operating in Indonesia must secure sector-specific approvals, licenses, and certifications determined by activity type, product classification, and risk level. Requirements vary according to the Indonesian Standard Industrial Classification (KBLI) 2025 and…

Thailand Delays Proposed Departure Tax Amid Economic Concerns

The Thai government has temporarily postponed the implementation of a proposed departure tax for all travelers leaving the country. Originally set with a maximum cap of 5,000 baht in draft legislation aimed at increasing fiscal resources and reducing current account deficits,…

AAG Developments Launches Ultra-Luxury Pool Villa Project 'Naturale Kamala' in Phuket's Millionaire's Mile

AAG Developments has introduced 'Naturale Kamala', an ultra-luxury pool villa project located on the last available hillside plot above Kamala Beach in Phuket's prestigious Millionaire's Mile. The development integrates wellness and longevity trends into its design, featuring…

Bangkok to Host Interferry 2026 Conference on Water Transport Innovation

Chao Phraya Boat Company will host the 50th Annual Interferry Conference in Bangkok from October 31 to November 4, 2026. The event, themed 'Stronger Than Ever… Together', will feature global leaders discussing electrification, synthetic fuels, and safety initiatives like…

China's National Cultural Heritage Administration Issues Measures for Managing State-Owned Cultural Heritage Data

On July 6, 2026, China's National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) issued the 'Measures for Managing Information on State-Owned Cultural Heritage Resources.' The measures define state-owned cultural heritage data as a fundamental and strategic resource, establishing…

Thailand's METI and NSTDA Launch Working Group to Drive Industrial Waste End-of-Waste Transition

On October 20, 2026, the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (METI) under the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) convened the first meeting of its working group on driving industrial waste management toward 'End-of-Waste' status. The event took…

Thailand Targets High-Value Travelers with Wellness Strategy at ITB Asia 2026

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) unveiled its 'Value over Volume' strategy for 2027, focusing on wellness and repeat visitors, at ITB Asia 2026 in Singapore. The event highlighted the 'Healing is the New Luxury' theme with a pavilion showcasing Thai craftsmanship and an…

Siam Park Accelerates Repairs After Flood Damage, Targets Partial Reopening by December 2026

Siam Park, a 46-year-old amusement park in Thailand, is undergoing repairs following severe flooding in late September that submerged 100% of the area. Initial damage estimates range from 300 to 500 million baht. While rumors suggested the sale of its 250-rai land for 10 billion…

Rajadamnern World Series Attendance Doubles in First Half of 2026 Amid Global Expansion

The Rajadamnern World Series (RWS) reported over 350,000 visitors in the first half of 2026, doubling the figure from the same period last year. Following a total of 500,000 visitors in 2025, the venue is investing an additional 100 million baht to upgrade immersive technology…