Foreign Tourist Arrivals Drop 3% to 18.5 Million

Thailand's foreign tourist arrivals dropped 3% to 18.51 million through early August 2025, with southern unrest and reduced India flights weighing on growth despite strong long-haul markets.

3 Aug Khaosod

Tourism and Sports Minister Suraskul Pantjaerngvalkul announced that Thailand received 18.51 million foreign tourists between January 1 and August 1, 2025, down 3.19% year-on-year, generating 896.2 billion baht in spending. The top five source markets are China (3.08 million), Malaysia (2.37 million), India (1.38 million), Russia (1.1 million), and South Korea (679,000).

In the latest week of July 26–August 1, near-market tourism slowed due to unrest reports in southern border provinces and reduced airline capacity on India routes, with India–Thailand flights down 28.6% and India–Malaysia flights down 20.7% year-on-year. Long-haul markets, particularly Europe, continued growing, buoyed by new routes to Dubai and Amsterdam and South Korean summer school holidays bringing families. South Korean arrivals surged 19.85% week-on-week to rank fourth overall, up from fifth the previous week.

Thailand recorded 567,312 foreign tourists this week, down 2.92% from the previous week (averaging 81,045 per day). Short-haul markets brought 362,773 visitors, down 4.34%, while long-haul markets attracted 204,539, down 0.31%.

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National

Online Insurance Broker heygoody Wins 25 Awards

Thai insurance platform heygoody has won 25 international and national awards since launching in 2023, recognizing its customer-focused "Zero Telesales" approach and digital innovation in simplifying online insurance purchases.

3 Aug Khaosod

Recognition from national and international award bodies covers customer experience, digital innovation, and brand communication, reflecting the platform's approach to making insurance selection simple and offering support throughout the customer journey.

heygoody, an online insurance broker operated by Ngoen Tid Lor Public Company Limited under Tidlor Holdings (TIDLOR), has won 25 awards from national and international platforms between 2024 and 2026, spanning customer experience, digital innovation, data use, technology, and brand communication. This success underscores the company's business approach rooted in genuine customer understanding.

Since its official launch in September 2023, heygoody has focused on developing an online insurance broker platform that empowers customers to search, compare, and make independent insurance purchases without unsolicited sales calls, under the "Zero Telesales" concept, while designing experiences from pre-purchase through claims. The platform currently connects with leading insurance companies via API, allowing customers to compare and purchase insurance online in approximately 2–5 minutes, with installment payment options at 0% interest for up to 10–12 months. Coverage includes auto insurance (combustion and electric), travel, health, and life insurance.

Twenty-five awards reflecting development across all dimensions of the online insurance broker:

Understanding customers and designing experiences from real problems — The Zero Telesales concept and "Do Not Call" policy earned recognition from customer experience platforms including The Asian Banker, Digital CX Awards, and CX Asia.

Using technology and data to simplify insurance — Awards from IDC Future Enterprise Awards and InsureTech Connect Asia reflect the application of data and technology to continuously improve online insurance services.

Communicating insurance clearly and reaching more consumers — The #heyintrovert and #TheStressFreeSymphony campaigns won multiple domestic and international awards, demonstrating the ability to communicate insurance in understandable terms and connect with consumers.

Palakmon Tulyapisitkul, Assistant Managing Director for Digital Transformation, stated: "All 25 awards confirm that starting from customer understanding can transform the insurance purchase and usage experience. heygoody will continue developing technology, products, and services with customer experience at the foundation, making insurance simple to understand, accessible, and reliable for Thai people."

Awards and recognition between 2024 and 2026 can be found at https://hgd.insure/awards

2026

IIC ASIA Awards 2026 — 2 awards: Data & Analytics Visionary Award, Women in Insurance Leadership Award

2025

IDC Future Enterprise Awards 2025 — Winner: Digital Native Business The Asian Banker — Winner: Best Customer Experience Initiative ("Do Not Call" Policy) Digital CX Awards 2025 — Winner: Outstanding Digital CX Transformation CX Asia 2025 — Silver: Best Use of CX Technology ITC Asia Awards — Winner: C-Suite of the Year Thailand Influencer Awards 2025 by Tellscore (#TheStressFreeSymphony) — Silver The Asian Banker (#TheStressFreeSymphony) — Winner: Best Digital Brand Campaign

2024

InsureTech Connect Asia 2024 — 2 awards: Winner (Breakthrough Awards), Runner-up (Data Analytics Master Awards) Global Retail Banking Innovation Awards 2024

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Tourism

heygoody Announces Kazakhstan Trip Winners From Travel Insurance Campaign

Digital insurance broker heygoody wrapped up its Kazakhstan trip campaign with over 60,000 entries and 155 winners sharing 1.67 million baht in prizes, including free trips and travel gear. The promotion aimed to encourage Thai travelers to

3 Aug Khaosod

The "Sky-High Luck: Kazakhstan Quest" campaign wrapped up with over 60,000 entries and 155 total prize winners receiving rewards worth 1.67 million baht. Flight delays, lost luggage, illness, and accidents are unexpected events that can occur on any trip and lead to unplanned expenses. Travel protection should be part of your trip planning from the start, just like booking flights or accommodation.

heygoody, a digital insurance broker platform operated by Ngen Tidlor Co., Ltd. under Tidlor Holdings, partnered with "Asap Pa Pai Long," a travel content creator, to launch the "heygoody X Asap Pa Pai Long: Sky-High Luck: Kazakhstan Quest" campaign to encourage Thais to prepare travel protection before departure.

The campaign ran from April 1 to June 30, 2026, with travel insurance customers earning entry chances to win a free Kazakhstan trip with Asap Pa Pai Long and other prizes totaling 1,674,000 baht. Throughout the campaign period, entries exceeded 60,000, and 155 winners received prizes including Kazakhstan trips, heybag luggage, Klook discount coupons, and heygoody Universal Adapters.

Pakamon Tulyapisitkunchai, Assistant to the President – Digital Transformation, stated: "We want travel insurance to be part of trip planning, just like booking flights or accommodation, because unexpected events can happen on any journey. heygoody's role is to help customers easily compare and select coverage suited to their destination, duration, and travel style."

The partnership with Asap Pa Pai Long connected insurance protection to real travel experiences and made travel insurance more relatable and understandable to travelers, with the Kazakhstan trip serving as the campaign's main prize and inspiration. The draw took place on July 13, 2026, with five winners receiving six-day, four-night Kazakhstan trips for two people each:

JATUPAT JARUPOKAWAT PAPATSORN PUANGNIAM PRUDSAJEE PENGNIL THANATPORN SUENSILPONG THAS JANEKOKIARTIKUL

Alternate: TINNAKORN UPITAK

Participants can verify all winners and prize details at https://hgd.insure/winnerLuckydraw69. heygoody continues to enhance the travel insurance purchasing experience to be convenient, easy to understand, and tailored to different travel styles, helping travelers select appropriate coverage and better prepare for unexpected events.

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Police

Police Rescue University Student Held Captive in Hotel Room by Scammers

Police rescued a university student held in a hotel room by scammers who impersonated law enforcement and threatened her with money-laundering charges. The victim sold her mother's jewelry worth 140,000 baht after being deceived by an elabo

3 Aug Khaosod

Udon Thani police rescued a college student victimized by a sophisticated call center scam operation on August 3. Senior officials led by Region 4 Police Commander Lt. Gen. Santirat Chainiramy, Udon Thani Provincial Police Commander Col. Thawatchai Tungpao, and Muang Udon Thani Police Station Commander Pol. Col. Pattanawong Chanpol announced the rescue and the investigation into the fraud and extortion ring. The victim, identified as Ms. A, received an initial call on July 31 from a scammer impersonating a mobile company employee claiming her phone number had been used in a fraud scheme. The caller instructed her to contact Nang Rong Police Station in Buriram and provided a real police captain's name but with a fraudulent phone number. When the victim verified the officer's name online and confirmed it was legitimate, she trusted the call and dialed the fake number. She was then directed to add a LINE account named "Nang Rong Police Station" and start a video call with the criminals, who had staged an elaborate police office setting complete with uniformed officers moving about and police radio sounds to establish credibility. The scammers then sent forged documents including arrest warrants, court summons, and asset seizure orders, falsely accusing her of involvement in international money laundering and threatening prosecution and asset seizure if she did not cooperate. Terrified, the victim complied with every instruction, cutting off contact with her family, keeping her phone and video call active at all times, and even selling her mother's gold necklaces, rings, and jewelry weighing approximately 2.5 to 3 baht with a total value exceeding 140,000 baht, then transferring all the money to the scammers. After receiving the payment, the criminals ordered the victim to use a ride-hailing app to book a hotel room in the Mak Khaeng subdistrict of Muang Udon Thani district, strictly forbidding her to leave the room or contact anyone, claiming she was under police investigation. Simultaneously, the scammers called her mother claiming her daughter had been arrested and owed money, demanding a ransom of 140,000 baht. The terrified mother, unable to reach her daughter, immediately filed a report at Muang Udon Thani Police Station. Police Sergeant Major Banthoen Thapyotha revealed that after receiving the report, officers advised the mother to negotiate with the criminals and attempt to speak with her daughter to confirm she was actually detained. However, the scammers could not put the victim on the phone, leading police to conclude this was not a physical kidnapping but rather "online detention" using phones and online systems to control the victim. Investigators then reviewed CCTV footage along the route and discovered the white pickup truck the victim used was merely a ride-hailing vehicle, not belonging to the criminals. The technical investigation team traced digital and social media data and successfully pinpointed the hotel room coordinates where the victim was holding herself captive. When officers arrived at the hotel, they found the victim alone inside the room with a tablet running a video call while the caller on the other end continued issuing orders and forbidding her from speaking with others. Officers took control of the situation, disconnected the video call with the criminals, and safely rescued the victim before her mother could lose additional ransom money. Police Sergeant Major Banthoen noted that call center gangs continuously evolve their tactics using real government agency information and data.

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Regional

Thailand Launches Operation to Reclaim Phuket Forests

Thailand's Forestry Department launched Operation Reclaim Phuket Forests to combat illegal land seizure and encroachment across eight key areas, investigating whether land ownership documents were issued legally and targeting suspected shel

3 Aug Khaosod

The Forestry Department has launched 'Operation Reclaim Phuket Forests,' coordinating with partner agencies to scan eight target areas and investigate nominee-shell companies, emphasizing fairness to all parties.

On August 3 at the Natural Resources and Environment Office in Phuket, Forestry Department Director-General Nikon Sirirojananan tasked Deputy Director-General Pattapong Smittipatana with chairing a meeting and opening the 'Operation Reclaim Phuket Forests' action plan. The Forestry Resource Management Office 12 in Krabi coordinated with multiple stakeholder agencies across Phuket province.

Following Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin's directive to prevent and combat forest encroachment and illegal seizure of public land by capital groups or individuals seeking unlawful profit from forestland and hills, authorities will focus on scanning eight key target areas: Khao Tata Gliang, Khao Muang, Khuan Tham Ta-in, Khao Daeng, Khao Mai Son, Khuan Na Tata Lae, Paradise Beach, and Koh Lim Beach.

After the meeting, the deputy director-general deployed personnel divided into six teams across the operational areas from August 3–5, 2025, to investigate land clearing on hillsides and verify whether land ownership documents were issued legally, with emphasis on fairness to all parties.

Authorities will also inspect food establishments near Paradise Beach, as there is suspicion of nominee-shell company operations. If clear violations are found, officials will immediately file a complaint with the local police station for legal prosecution, prioritizing fairness to all parties.

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Police

Fallen Tree Limbs Crush Golfer's Car in Ratchaburi

A 77-year-old golfer was trapped in his car after fallen tree branches crushed the vehicle as he left Burasat Camp Golf Course in Ratchaburi; rescuers freed him after 30 minutes and he was taken to hospital with back and neck injuries.

3 Aug Khaosod

At 3:00 PM on August 3, 2026, Ratchaburi City emergency personnel received a report of a tree branch crushing a vehicle with an occupant trapped inside. The incident occurred on the road leading to Burasat Camp Golf Course within Khao Ngu Stone Park, Muang District, Ratchaburi Province. Emergency services from Khao Ngu Subdistrict and the Royal Thai Army Engineering Corps, stationed nearby, responded to assess the situation.

Rescuers found two large branches had snapped and fallen onto a white Suzuki sedan. Inside was a single injured male passenger, trapping him in the vehicle. Teams from the Bhumibol Adulyadej Memorial Foundation brought cutting equipment to assist in the rescue. After more than 30 minutes of work, they successfully extracted the victim, a 77-year-old golfer who had been playing at Burasat Camp. The vehicle also contained golf clubs and equipment. Officials cleared the road afterward to restore passage.

Preliminary investigation revealed heavy rainfall and strong wind gusts preceded the incident. The golf course entrance is lined with large trees on both sides. Investigators believe weak, already-decayed branches were blown down by the strong wind, striking lower branches and causing them to break and fall onto the passing vehicle as the victim left the golf course. The injured man sustained injuries to his back and neck with limited mobility and was transported to Ratchaburi Hospital. Police are processing the claim as a natural disaster for insurance purposes.

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National

SC Unveils Real-Life Home Design Series for Every Life Stage

SC Asset Corporation launched eight new home series with 27 designs tailored to different life stages, featuring adaptive layouts that address real family living needs rather than just aesthetics or location.

3 Aug Khaosod

SC Asset Corporation has introduced the "Live and Learn Home" concept, unveiling eight new home series with 27 designs that accommodate life's changing stages. The initiative emphasizes design solutions that solve real-world living challenges, and incorporates music marketing featuring Boy Gosiyapong and a new version of his song "Live and Learn."

Nattakitti Sirithorn, deputy managing director of marketing and innovation at SC Asset, explained that home buyers today prioritize spaces that adapt to long-term life changes, not just location or aesthetics. Drawing on experience serving over 38,000 families, SC developed the Live and Learn Home concept to create quality homes that understand modern family living and grow with residents through every life stage.

"Every time residents live, we learn," Nattakitti stated. "We study their real experiences and develop solutions that solve actual living pain points—like adding a pantry on the second floor or positioning bedrooms close together. We build Live and Learn Homes from real life, not assumptions. This vision transforms eight home series with 27 new designs ready to serve modern families across all dimensions."

Chomchada Kuldilok, deputy managing director of corporate branding at SC Asset, noted that SC chose music marketing to communicate the Live and Learn Home concept beyond product messaging. The company partnered with Boy Gosiyapong, co-founder of Bakery Music and composer of "Live and Learn," to rearrange and re-record the song to reflect homes that grow with residents' lives.

"Live and Learn is more than a familiar song—it's a timeless piece that grows with people. Each time we hear it at different life stages, we discover new meaning reflecting who we are then," Chomchada said. "SC chose this song because great homes, like great songs, should have timeless value. They must endure in design and address family growth and life changes at every age."

Boy Gosiyapong, composer and co-founder of Bakery Music, noted that homes are spaces where we live, learn, grow, and experience change with loved ones—aligning with "Live and Learn"'s message about learning at every life moment. SC's special request was to reinterpret the song to reflect homes that expand, adapt, and transform as families grow and evolve, giving the track a fresh, uplifting arrangement.

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National

Hudson Confident Thailand Squad Can Cover Every Position

Thailand coach Anthony Hudson expressed confidence in his squad's versatility ahead of their August 4 match against the Philippines, praising players' ability to cover every position and their development throughout the tournament.

3 Aug Khaosod

Thailand national football team head coach Anthony Hudson praised his players' ability to cover every position on the field, saying he has been impressed by their development since the tournament began. Speaking at a press conference on August 3 in Capas, Philippines, ahead of the third Group B match against the Philippines on August 4, Hudson said the Philippines are a dangerous side with an experienced coach, and that past results between the teams are not relevant to tomorrow's game.

"I have studied the Philippine players individually and their tactical approach is quite complex," Hudson said. "They can create problems for us, but we are in good shape and determined to show strong form again. I am very satisfied that our players can substitute for each other in every position from day one until now. This has impressed me greatly. Both senior athletes and young talents have shown excellent development. I am confident in the squad and will continue to develop it further. What is important now is to take it one game at a time."

Thailand goalkeeper Kampol Pathomsualul said the team is well prepared despite the different weather conditions in the Philippines. "The weather here is different from Thailand, but that is not an excuse for us. We have trained well and everyone is taking care of their physical condition. Those who get the chance to play will try to build on what we have done in our previous matches," Pathomsualul said. He thanked his teammates and the coaching staff for helping Thailand keep clean sheets and win both previous matches through disciplined defending and possession football. "We respect all opponents including the Philippines. The tournament is still long, and we will do our best in each match," he added.

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National

Bangkok Hospital Becomes Asia-Pacific Medical Robot Hub

Bangkok Hospital partners with D-Wise Technologies to establish Asia-Pacific's first Medical Robot Hub, leveraging over 1,000 robotic-assisted surgeries to advance surgical standards and surgeon training across the region.

3 Aug Khaosod

Bangkok Hospital's main headquarters is advancing toward establishing a Medical Robot Hub, a center for medical robotics innovation at the Asia-Pacific level, by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with D-Wise Technologies (Thailand) Limited. This partnership aims to build on existing knowledge and develop standards for robotic-assisted surgery (Robotic Surgery) following the hospital's experience treating patients with da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgery technology in over 1,000 cases. The collaboration seeks to enhance the capabilities of Thai surgeons through education, training, and experience sharing to elevate Thailand's surgical standards to international levels and achieve better treatment outcomes for patients.

Dr. Akkhakitti Surakan, Deputy Director of Bangkok Hospital, stated that the hospital prioritizes medical technology alongside staff development. The experience from over 1,000 robotic-assisted surgery cases has generated valuable knowledge and specialized skill development for the surgical team, helping to raise the standards of surgical care. This collaboration represents an important step in building a robotic surgery learning system to provide patients with more effective and safer treatment.

Under the one-year MOU, both parties will collaborate on several key projects including establishing an In-house Robotic Training Center for Robotic Surgery within the hospital, developing surgeons and experts through training with International and In-house Proctorship Programs, establishing patient care standards, developing infrastructure and surgical simulation systems, and organizing the BDMS Robotic Surgery Annual Meeting 2026 on August 10, 2026, under the theme "1,000 Cases Celebration & Scientific Session" to provide a forum for knowledge exchange among domestic and international experts.

Dr. Chanin Pandi, Director of the Surgery Center at Bangkok Hospital and an experienced laparoscopic and robotic surgeon, revealed that the hospital currently uses da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgery for treating complex patients in over 1,000 cases, covering abdominal, lung, thoracic, gynecological, and urological procedures. Over the past three years, Bangkok Hospital's main headquarters has performed 547 abdominal surgeries, 237 lung surgeries, 131 gynecological surgeries, and 92 urological procedures (kidney and prostate) as of June 2026. This technology enables precise surgical targeting, reduces bleeding, minimizes tissue damage, lowers infection risk, and allows patients to recover faster with shorter hospital stays and quicker return to daily activities. The hospital emphasizes multidisciplinary care that combines medical expertise with robotic medical technology to provide personalized care from diagnosis through surgery, rehabilitation, and continuous follow-up.

No. 09 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Garmin Acquires TrainingPeaks and TrainHeroic

Garmin has acquired training platforms TrainingPeaks and TrainHeroic to expand its fitness ecosystem, capitalizing on 25% fitness revenue growth in Q2 2024 driven by strong demand for wearables and training technology.

3 Aug Khaosod

Garmin has announced the acquisition of leading training platforms TrainingPeaks and TrainHeroic to strengthen its fitness ecosystem and enhance personalized training experiences for athletes and coaches across endurance sports, strength training, and performance development.

The acquisition coincides with continued momentum in Garmin's fitness business segment. In Q2 2024, the company achieved record total revenue of approximately $2.02 billion, up 11% year-over-year, while fitness business revenue grew 25% to $757 million, with growth across all product categories. Strong demand for wearables including Forerunner, Vívoactive, and Venu devices drove the expansion.

Missy Yang, Garmin Thailand Country Manager, stated: "Garmin's global fitness business growth of 25% in Q2 reflects sustained demand for health and training technology. This trend is clearly evident in Thailand as well, with Garmin achieving 30% operational growth in Q2 and 36% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period last year, primarily driven by fitness products, especially running and wellness categories. Integrating TrainingPeaks and TrainHeroic into Garmin's ecosystem represents another significant step in advancing fitness capabilities by combining training tools, performance data, insights, and coaching services to deliver a more comprehensive experience for users at all levels, from beginners to serious athletes."

For Thailand specifically, continued growth in health and fitness interest is evident, with consumers prioritizing technology that enhances personal health understanding and enables data-driven training improvements. The integration of both organizations' strengths will expand options and elevate the user experience to better address diverse consumer needs.

Andy Stephens, Chief Executive Officer of Peaksware Holdings (parent company of TrainingPeaks and TrainHeroic), said: "We are delighted to partner with Garmin to advance our mission of supporting athletes and coaches through science-based training approaches. Over more than a decade, TrainingPeaks and TrainHeroic have developed solutions making coaching and performance insights widely accessible, supporting millions of athletes worldwide in developing their potential and achieving their goals through structured, data-driven training. Together, we will further advance the future of athletic training and development."

Garmin develops products with the philosophy "Engineered on the inside for life on the outside," designing technology for full living in the real world. Garmin products have transformed aviation, automotive, fitness, marine, and outdoor markets, enabling people to fully enjoy their passions while committed to daily innovation and pushing boundaries.

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National

Thai TV Show Challenges Chefs to Cook With Less Seasoning

A new Thai TV show challenges renowned chefs to cook with minimal seasoning while competing for prize money, promoting healthier eating habits and demonstrating that natural flavors can shine without excess salt and spices.

3 Aug Khaosod

Known as the "King of Food Content," Kitikorn Penroajn, CEO of Helicopnia H Group, has launched "Taste for Money," a new project partnering the Thai Health Promotion Foundation and Channel 7HD. The show sets an extreme challenge for chefs to minimize seasoning use while drawing out authentic flavors from raw ingredients, incorporating practical healthy cooking techniques. Kitikorn believes this is Thailand's first such program—and possibly the world's first—where chefs cook with the absolute minimum seasoning in exchange for prize money while promoting viewer health.

The concept emerged from discussions with health authorities who wanted a program that educates viewers about nutrition, since most modern health problems stem from diet. Excessive seasoning can harm the body, so the show demonstrates that reducing seasoning actually allows food's natural flavors to shine and marks the beginning of better health. The challenge excites chefs who normally rely heavily on seasonings; now they must find alternative techniques, such as using naturally sweet vegetables instead of sugar, or seaweed to enhance umami instead of fish sauce.

When chefs learned the rules, some initially worried, but the 50,000-baht prize motivated them. However, Kitikorn noted he sells additional seasoning in the show at premium prices—up to 15,000 baht per item—yet competitors work hard to avoid buying it, extracting maximum flavor from ingredients alone. He confirmed that bland or lightly seasoned food can taste excellent when chefs master flavor balance. Each 20-episode season features different health-focused themes, such as dishes for those at risk of diabetes, obesity, or high blood pressure. Judging focuses solely on taste, since seasoning quantities are pre-set; any additional seasoning must be purchased. The competitors are well-known chefs from MasterChef, Top Chef, and other popular Thai cooking shows.

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