PHUKET: New Phuket Governor Chotinrin Kerdsum officially began his duties yesterday (June 29), arriving at Phuket Provincial Hall to take up the provinces top administrative post.
PHUKET: New Phuket Governor Chotinrin Kerdsum officially began his duties yesterday (June 29), arriving at Phuket Provincial Hall to take up the provinces top administrative post.
BANGKOK: Tourism operators expect the domestic market will be flat or contract from last year unless the government launches an effective stimulus scheme to increase low-season trips, as Thai household income generation weakened last year.
BANGKOK: Tourism operators expect the domestic market will be flat or contract from last year unless the government launches an effective stimulus scheme to increase low-season trips, as Thai household income generation weakened last year.
MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that the country was suffering from a certain shortage of fuel in an interview published by the Kremlin yesterday (June 28), after repeated Ukrainian strikes in their four-year war.
MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that the country was suffering from a certain shortage of fuel in an interview published by the Kremlin yesterday (June 28), after repeated Ukrainian strikes in their four-year war.
Phuket Provincial Palad Rungruang Thimabut was arrested by anti-corruption police for allegedly acting as a middleman in a bribery scheme involving local government recruitment exams, just hours after returning to his post.
PHUKET: Phuket Provincial Palad Rungruang Thimabut has been arrested by anti-corruption police over allegations that he acted as a middleman in a bribery scheme linked to local government recruitment examinations, just hours after returning to his post following a temporary transfer to Bangkok.
Thailand promoted its cuisine and culture at a three-day festival in Kuala Lumpur, aiming to inspire Malaysian travelers to visit the kingdom through food experiences and wellness offerings.
Bangkok, 29 June 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in collaboration with Central Group, organised Amazing Thailand Fest 2026 (The Wholesome Taste of Thai) from 26 to 28 June 2026 at Central i-City, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, spotlighting Thai gastronomy as a gateway to culture, wellness, local lifestyles, and travel experiences for Malaysian visitors.
Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana graciously presided over the opening ceremony on 26 June 2026, with Mr. Surasak Phancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, and Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, in attendance. Her Royal Highness also presented a Thai cooking demonstration featuring khao kriap pak mo, steamed rice-skin dumplings; saku sai kung, tapioca dumplings with shrimp filling; and khanom tua paep, mung bean and coconut rice dumplings. The dishes reflected Thai culinary craftsmanship, local ingredients, and herbs and aromatics associated with everyday Thai food culture.
Mr. Surasak Phancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said, “Thai cuisine is a national strength that connects culture, identity, and tourism. Amazing Thailand Fest 2026 in Kuala Lumpur supports Thailand’s tourism policy by using food as a bridge to inspire travel, generate economic value, and create wider benefits for destinations, communities, and businesses.”
At TAT’s marketing level, Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said, “The Wholesome Taste of Thai gives TAT a clear platform to translate Thailand’s culinary appeal into travel inspiration. In Kuala Lumpur, the event connects gastronomy with wellness, culture, creativity, and local ways of life, encouraging Malaysian travellers to rediscover Thailand through richer and more diverse experiences.”
The Kuala Lumpur edition brought Thai food, culture, and lifestyle experiences to visitors through a Thai Food Bazaar, cultural performances, cooking demonstrations, Thai massage, and a special appearance by Thai actor and singer Third Lapat, including a meet-and-greet and mini concert. The Sawasdee Lounge added a Thai-inspired floating market setting with desserts, snacks, refreshments, games, photo opportunities, and live performances, while family activities included workshops, arts-and-crafts sessions, fun challenges, dessert-making activities, and a Kids Muay Thai Workshop.
The event reinforced TAT’s promotion of gastronomy tourism, a growing interest among Malaysian travellers alongside wellness, nature, luxury resorts, café hopping, local culture, and soft adventure. It also reflected rising self-drive demand to southern destinations, including Hat Yai in Songkhla, Betong in Yala, Satun, Phatthalung, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Krabi, Phang-nga, and Phuket.
These travel patterns are supported by Thailand’s strong connectivity with Malaysia, including direct flights from several cities, low-cost carriers, nine border checkpoints, and special rail services between Kuala Lumpur and Hat Yai Junction. Thailand also offers Muslim-friendly travel readiness, with Muslim communities, mosques, suitable food options, safety standards, service quality, and visitor-friendly communication.
Malaysia remains one of Thailand’s leading regional source markets, ranking second for visitor arrivals after China. From 1 January to 22 June 2026, Thailand welcomed 2,000,211 Malaysian visitors, with independent travellers accounting for more than 90% of the market. Average spending exceeded 21,000 Baht per person per trip, reflecting Thailand’s strength as a preferred destination for weekends, school holidays, and longer breaks.
The Kuala Lumpur edition marked the final stop in the Central Group-linked international showcase, following earlier presentations at Selfridges London, KaDeWe Berlin, and de Bijenkorf Amsterdam. Within TAT’s broader Amazing Thailand Fest 2026 platform, The Wholesome Taste of Thai was also presented in Fukuoka, using gastronomy, culture, lifestyle, and creative experiences to reinforce Thailand’s appeal among quality travellers.
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Thailand's Tourism Authority organized a roadshow across three South African cities in late June, bringing 20 Thai tourism sellers together with local travel professionals to expand partnerships and promote long-haul travel to Thailand's be
Bangkok, 29 June 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) organised the Amazing Thailand Roadshow to South Africa 2026 from 22 to 26 June across Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, with Emirates as key airline partner. The activity supported TAT’s quality-led long-haul market strategy by connecting Thai tourism sellers with South African travel companies, expanding trade networks, presenting updated tourism products, and stimulating demand for meaningful travel to Thailand.
The roadshow brought together 20 Thai tourism sellers for tabletop sales sessions, market briefings, product presentations, business matching, and networking activities. It aimed to create at least 1,800 business appointments, support new partnerships, and strengthen Thailand’s visibility among South African travel professionals as the market continues to show positive recovery and strong interest in long-haul travel.
Mrs. Chiravadee Khunsub, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa, said, “South Africa is one of Thailand’s most valued long-haul markets in Africa, with travellers who show loyalty, curiosity, and strong interest in journeys combining beaches, city life, nature, culture, wellness, cuisine, and premium lifestyle experiences. Through this roadshow, TAT is deepening cooperation with South African travel partners, helping Thai sellers respond more closely to market demand, and working with Emirates to reinforce connectivity. These efforts align with TAT’s Value over Volume strategy and the newest global campaign, Unforgettable Experiences — Healing is the New Luxury, positioning Thailand as a destination for restorative, meaningful, and memorable travel.”
The Johannesburg session, held on 22 June at the NH Hotel Johannesburg, opened the programme with seller registration and a seller briefing, then welcomed buyers for Thailand product updates, an Emirates product presentation, and business matching. The session was attended by Mr. Kittipod Hongsombud, Minister, Royal Thai Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, reflecting broader support for Thailand’s tourism engagement in the market.
The programme continued in Durban on 24 June at The Capital Pearls Durban and concludes in Cape Town on 26 June at InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town by IHG. Across all three cities, South African travel professionals received updated destination information, product knowledge, and direct access to Thai sellers, while networking activities created further opportunities for business development and future sales cooperation.
The 20 participating Thai sellers represented a broad mix of destinations and products. Phuket accounted for half of the delegation, followed by Bangkok, while Krabi, Hua Hin, Khao Sok, Ko Samui, and Pattaya were also represented. By business category, hotels and resorts formed the largest group, supported by destination management companies and other tourism service providers.
Emirates’ participation strengthened the roadshow’s connectivity message, highlighting access between South Africa and Thailand via major global hubs. The partnership supported TAT’s efforts to bring Thai tourism products closer to South African travellers and encourage stronger travel conversion from one of Africa’s leading outbound markets.
South Africa remains Thailand’s largest source market in Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2025, Thailand welcomed 72,418 South African visitors, up 6.61% year-on-year, while arrivals from Africa reached 196,984, up 17.96%. Early 2026 figures also showed continued momentum, with 8,912 arrivals from South Africa from 1 January to 28 February, up 4.72% year-on-year.
South African travellers continue to show strong interest in Thailand’s beaches, city experiences, cuisine, cultural attractions, wellness, nature, shopping, and multi-destination itineraries. The Amazing Thailand Roadshow to South Africa 2026 responds to these travel patterns by equipping local trade partners with updated products and deeper market knowledge, while supporting TAT’s quality-led direction for long-haul growth.
The post Amazing Thailand Roadshow to South Africa 2026 deepens tourism trade ties appeared first on TAT Newsroom.
For many businesses, a point-of-sale (POS) system is seen simply as a payment tool at the cashier. In reality, it has become central to business operations.
For many businesses, a point-of-sale (POS) system is seen simply as a payment tool at the cashier. In reality, it has become central to business operations.
Deputy Minister of Transport Sanphet Bunyamanee inspected jet-ski operations, airport taxis, and Chalong Pier in Phuket, vowing to enhance safety standards and modernize transport services for the tourism sector.
PHUKET: Deputy Minister of Transport Sanphet Bunyamanee over the weekend inspected some jet-ski operations, some taxi services, and Chalong Pier, pledging to strengthen safety standards and modernise the islands transport network to support its tourism industry.
Five House committees visited Phuket to investigate hotel licensing, the pearl industry, and waste management issues to inform future legislative reforms.
PHUKET: While a huge delegation of MPs from no less than five House of Representatives committees visited Phuket over the weekend, three of the committees went visiting areas of the island to “examine issues ranging from hotel licensing and the pearl industry to the islands mounting waste crisis”, as the MPs gathered information they say will “help shape future legislative reforms”.
Parliamentary committees conducted beach inspections across Phuket over the weekend, investigating illegal land use, unlicensed businesses, and blocked public access as part of a nationwide enforcement initiative ordered by the Prime Minist
PHUKET: Five House of Representatives committees carried out a sweeping series of inspections across Phuket over the weekend, targeting land encroachment, illegal development, blocked beach access, unlicensed businesses and conservation issues as part of a nationwide crackdown ordered by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
House of Representatives Police Committee visited Phuket City Police Station to evaluate traffic management and crime prevention efforts, pledging support to resolve chronic congestion at Koh Kaew.
PHUKET: Members of the House of Representatives Police Committee visited Phuket City Police Station on Saturday (June 27) to assess traffic management, crime prevention and public safety operations, while pledging to help seek a solution to the long-running traffic bottleneck at Koh Kaew.