Thailand Tourism News — Koh Lanta & Andaman Travel Updates
Thai Tourism Event Links Middle East Travel Trade
TAT’s Amazing Journeys Through Thailand brought 40 travel trade representatives from the UAE and Saudi Arabia together with 80 Thai tourism businesses in Bangkok. Following FAM trips across Pattaya, Hua Hin and Bangkok, participants explored wellness, halal gastronomy, family travel and Green Season products while supporting business partnerships and sales.
Thai AirAsia Resumes Direct Bangkok-Phuket Flights
PHUKET: Thai AirAsia resumed direct flights between Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and Phuket yesterday (Oct 1), giving passengers another option for flying between the capital and the island during the busy year-end travel period.
Crews Clear Tons of Trash from Bang Saen Beach
Several tons of trash washed up on Bang Saen Beach after floodwaters were drained into the sea from nearby areas. Municipal crews have been using tractors and trucks to clear the debris since early morning, while officials assure tourists that the seawater remains clean and safe for swimming.
Kape Panwa Phuket Unveils Luxurious Panwa Lodge Renovation
Kape Panwa Phuket has renovated its Panwa Lodge into a Tropical Colonial style beachfront residence with a private pool, aiming to attract premium luxury travelers. The upgrade, part of a chain‑wide refurbishment started in late 2025, also includes new rooms and restaurants such as the Mediterranean‑style Top of the Reef. The project emphasizes privacy, exclusivity, and locally sourced design elements.
Thailand Sees 423 Foreign Film Projects, 7.5 Billion Baht Revenue
Thailand’s Department of Tourism announced that foreign film productions in the first nine months of 2026 exceeded 423 projects, generating over 7.51 billion baht in revenue and setting a new record. The United States, United Kingdom, and India led in both project count and earnings, with incentives like a 30% cash rebate drawing global interest. Officials forecast that continued activity could push yearly earnings past 8 billion baht, reinforcing Thailand’s status as a premier filming destination.
Maya Bay Reopens After Two‑Month Conservation Closure
Maya Bay in Krabi reopened to visitors today, October 1, after its annual two-month closure to allow the beach and surrounding marine ecosystem to recover during the monsoon season. The famous beach on Koh Phi Phi Leh, part of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, closes every year from August 1 to September … The story Maya Bay reopens after two-month conservation closure as seen on Thaiger News.
Thailand Promotes Buriram Tourism with October 2026 Events
The Tourism Authority of Thailand is promoting Buriram as a travel destination for October 2026, highlighting a packed schedule of sporting events, cultural festivals, and natural phenomena. Visitors can enjoy MotoGP-style racing, football matches, a unique sunset alignment at Phanom Rung, and traditional ceremonies. The campaign encourages travelers to plan their trips now to make lasting memories in the province.
Thai AirAsia Resumes Suvarnabhumi Flights to Chiang Mai, Krabi, Phuket
Thai AirAsia has resumed flights from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to Chiang Mai, Krabi, and Phuket starting October 1, with high passenger loads exceeding 82 percent on the inaugural services. The airline will operate multiple daily frequencies on each route and emphasized the added convenience of using either Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang for Bangkok access. It also noted recent accolades as the world’s best low‑cost airline and new passenger‑focused services.
Thailand Aims to Become Global Event Hub with Signature Festivals
The Thailand Tourism Authority is promoting festivals and international events to turn Thailand into a global event hub, focusing on value‑driven tourism through its Signature Thailand initiatives. Highlighted projects include boosting three local festivals and securing Tomorrowland Thailand 2026, which together are projected to generate billions in economic impact and thousands of jobs. The authority also plans to host an International Horticultural Expo to further showcase Thailand’s strengths and attract year‑round visitors.
Chinese Tourist Ride-Hailing Demand Surges 75% in Thailand
Grab reported a 75% increase in ride-hailing demand from Chinese tourists during the first nine months of the year, driven by popular spots like the Song Wat-Khlong Bang Luang area and Chiang Rai. Street food on Thong Lor saw a threefold rise in ride-hailing trips, while mango sticky rice remained the top dessert ordered via GrabFood, up over 50%. The data highlights growing Chinese interest in photogenic locales, cultural sites, and wellness trends across Thailand.
Royal Thai Navy and Icon Siam Launch Royal Barge Exhibition
The Royal Thai Navy and Icon Siam opened the 'Si San Sattalit' exhibition at Icon Siam on September 29, 2026, displaying all 52 royal barges and explaining the significance of the four leading vessels. The exhibition runs until November 8 and prepares visitors for the Royal Barge Procession on November 6, when King Maha Vajiralongkorn will lead the Kathina robe offering ceremony at Wat Arun to celebrate Queen Suthida’s fourth cycle birthday. Admiral Naraset Wongtratkul presided over the opening, accompanied by navy officials, Icon Siam executives, and dignitaries.
POKPOK Announces Oktoberfest 2026 Along Bangkok's Chao Phraya River
POKPOK will host PokPok Oktoberfest 2026 along Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River from October 24 to November 1, offering Bavarian‑style food, drinks and entertainment over nine days. The event marks the company’s shift from food delivery to experiential gatherings, with plans to make it an annual festival.