Thailand Wins Best Travel Destination at Weibo Gala
Thailand won Best Travel Destination Country at Weibo Gala 2026 in Bangkok, an award recognizing the nation's growing cultural ties with China and its appeal to Chinese travelers. The Tourism Authority of Thailand accepted the honor alongsi
Bangkok, 9 August 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) highlighted the enduring ties and expanding cultural exchange between Thailand and China at Weibo Gala 2026: Weibo Cultural Communication Night. Held on 8 August at Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon, the gala brought together Thai and Chinese artists, creators, media, brands and audiences across culture, entertainment, fashion, lifestyle and tourism, reinforcing Chinese travellers’ confidence in Thailand and the country’s role as a regional hub for culture, entertainment and soft power.
Organised by Weibo and Hydroindus, with Be On Cloud serving as the official Thailand host, the programme featured sponsor activations, a red-carpet ceremony with participating artists and celebrities, an awards presentation across nine segments, and an after-party. The gala recognised individuals and organisations whose work in entertainment, culture and communications strengthens connections between Thailand and China, with appearances by Chinese actors He Changxi and He Yanzhao, Thai actor Apo Nattawin and Butterbear.
Among the gala’s headline honours, Thailand received the Weibo Thailand Best Travel Destination Country award, accepted by Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor. The recognition reinforces Chinese travellers’ trust in Thailand and reflects the tourism sector’s collective commitment to raising standards and welcoming visitors from around the world to experience Amazing Thailand.
Ms. Thapanee said, “This award affirms the confidence Chinese travellers continue to place in Thailand and represents a shared achievement for our tourism sector and communities nationwide. TAT will build on this trust by connecting Chinese audiences with the diversity of Amazing Thailand, from culture and cuisine to nature, wellness, sport and festivals. We thank Weibo for extending Thailand’s reach through digital platforms and inspiring more travellers to experience the country.”
The collaboration extends beyond the gala through reciprocal Vlog filming in Thailand and China. He Changxi and He Yanzhao will experience Ko Samet in Rayong and the Song Wat–Talat Noi neighbourhoods in Bangkok, while Apo Nattawin and Butterbear will travel to China for filming. The content will present the culture, cuisine, ways of life and destinations of both countries through Weibo and the social reach of participating artists, strengthening people-to-people connections and stimulating travel among Chinese visitors, artist fan communities, influencers and Weibo users.
Across the gala and related digital programme, TAT is combining entertainment, artist-led storytelling and digital media to broaden Thailand’s visibility in China and convert audience interest into travel demand. Distribution through Weibo, official event channels, participating artists, influencers, media and partners is projected to generate at least 20 million impressions across event-related topics and content.
The initiative complements marketing by TAT’s five offices in China under Amazing Thailand, The Journey Your Heart Leads, and the “Zhong Tai Yi Jia Qin” – China and Thailand are one family framework, supporting confidence, long-term affinity and travel demand among quality Chinese travellers.
