{"version":"https:\/\/jsonfeed.org\/version\/1","title":"Thailand on the move","home_page_url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th","feed_url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/index\/id\/2078","items":[{"id":"4f645e3cf278575920412536830617a2","title":"Thai-British Team Discovers Thailand\u2019s Largest Dinosaur Species \u201cNagatitan chaiyaphumensis\u201d","content_text":"

Thai and British paleontologists have announced the discovery of a new long-necked dinosaur species, Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis, now recognized as the largest titanosauriform ever discovered in Thailand and Southeast Asia.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The fossil was unearthed in Ban Phanang Suea, Chaiyaphum Province, through a collaborative study involving Thailand’s Department of Mineral Resources, Mahasarakham University, and University College London. The findings were formally published in the scientific journal Scientific Reports on 14 May 2026.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The name “Nagatitan” combines the Thai word “Naga,” a mythical serpent in Thai culture, with “Titan,” derived from the Greek word for giant. The dinosaur is estimated to be approximately 27 meters in length and weighed around 26 tons, making it the largest terrestrial animal ever known to have inhabited what is now Thailand. It is the 14th new dinosaur species identified in Thailand to be entirely new to science.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The discovery began in 2016 when a local villager found unusual fossil-like rocks near a public pond during the dry season and informed authorities. Excavations later revealed fossil remains buried in rock layers dating back 115–100 million years to the Early Cretaceous period. Researchers recovered key bones, including vertebrae, ribs, and leg bones more than two meters long, confirming that the fossils belonged to a previously unknown giant sauropod dinosaur.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The discovery marks a major milestone for Thai paleontology, reinforcing Thailand’s growing prominence in global fossil research. Beyond its scientific significance, the finding underscores the value of collaboration between local communities, government institutions, and international researchers, while helping stimulate broader public interest in geology, paleontology, and Thailand’s prehistoric heritage.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/2078\/iid\/505638","date_published":"2026-05-24T09:00:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/202605220e73bc991dd8b2c2a081e5fc0873ac82134639.png"},{"id":"b02e83af51d5bd841b80658c0fa1fe52","title":"Thailand Welcomes 8.24 Million Short-Haul Tourists, Shifts Focus to High-Value Travel Growth","content_text":"

Thailand has welcomed over 8.24 million short-haul visitors between January and mid-May 2026, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). And the momentum keeps building.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

East Asia remained the biggest driver of Thailand’s tourism recovery, with China leading the region's strongest growth. More than 2.15 million Chinese tourists visited Thailand during the period, up 18.79%, or about 340,000 visitors, from last year. TAT said the increase was supported by expanded flight capacity, long holidays such as Lunar New Year, and travelers shifting their destinations from countries like Japan to Thailand.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Malaysia ranked as Thailand’s second-largest short-haul market with 1.46 million visitors, followed by India (941,331; up 8.8%), South Korea (510,000), and Taiwan (410,785; up 3.68% via independent travelers). Myanmar recorded a massive 24.47% growth driven by medical, education, and business travel, while the Philippines maintained steady momentum as Thailand remains a top choice for Filipino tourists.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

TAT said tourism demand has also been boosted by concerts, fan meetings, and events featuring K-pop and T-pop artists, attracting high-spending fans from ASEAN countries, China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

To maintain momentum, Thailand is shifting toward "Value-Driven Growth," targeting high-spending niche travelers in wellness, golf, incentives, and couples over sheer visitor volume. Despite regional competition and rising airfares, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects 21.87 million short-haul tourists by the end of 2026, viewing the May–July summer holiday season as a critical window to attract these high-value visitors.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/2078\/iid\/505635","date_published":"2026-05-23T09:00:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/2026052255cab78eecae2a302fe5824d2cfa31b2134505.png"},{"id":"bf0338be4a4e9ba973bb97bc14625cbd","title":"Thailand's Fruit Exports Surge Back After 8-Month Slump, Durian Leads with 109.5% Jump","content_text":"

Thailand's proactive fruit management strategy is paying off. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun announced that after 8 consecutive months of decline, agricultural exports bounced back in April 2026 — jumping over 17.9%!
\r\nLeading the charge:
\r\n• Durian — up 109.5%
\r\n• Rambutan — up 92.8%
\r\n• Lychee — up 70%
\r\n
\r\nFrom pre-season order negotiations in China to trade missions across the region and durian sales on global online platforms, Thailand's Commerce Ministry has left no stone unturned in its drive to expand markets for Thai farmers.
\r\n
\r\nAnd it's not just about exports. Domestically, fruit festivals, buffets, and nationwide distribution programs are helping get Thai fruits to more tables across the country.
\r\n
\r\nThe goal is to make Thailand truly known as "The Land of Tropical Fruits".<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/2078\/iid\/505730","date_published":"2026-05-22T15:57:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/202605222bcdee0cf20ed7dd24bdfbd8cafbbddf155755.jpg"},{"id":"23fafb751449bd206ff3a646d6a26a7b","title":"Vietnamese President to Pay Official Visit to Thailand 27-29 May 2026","content_text":"

H.E. Mr. To Lam, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, and his spouse, will pay an official visit to Thailand at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, during 27–29 May 2026.
\r\n
\r\nThis is H.E. Mr. To Lam’s first official visit to Thailand since assuming the position of President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam in April 2026. During the visit, Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand will receive in audience the General Secretary and President of Vietnam and his spouse.
\r\n
\r\nThe General Secretary and President will hold bilateral discussion with the Thai Prime Minister at Government House. The discussion will focus on advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) between Thailand and Viet Nam, which includes cooperation in security, economy and trade, particularly the synergising of the two economies through the “Three Connects” strategy, as well as cooperation in science, technology and innovation, and the promotion of people-to-people relations.
\r\n
\r\nThe General Secretary and President of Viet Nam is also scheduled to meet with the President of the National Assembly and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and to preside over the opening ceremony of the Thailand–Viet Nam Business Forum held as part of the official visit.
\r\n
\r\nThis year coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Viet Nam.
\r\n
\r\nSource: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
\r\nhttps:\/\/www.mfa.go.th\/en\/content\/thaiviet-eng...<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/2078\/iid\/505515","date_published":"2026-05-22T10:15:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260522e076c8612955d248c09e9e71bcc76458132451.jpg"},{"id":"8953e8e2e9207a10650bb6fc38101c16","title":"Thailand's Tourism Future: Smarter, Safer, and More Sustainable","content_text":"

Thailand's Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul has a clear message: Thailand isn't just chasing numbers anymore — we're going for quality and sustainability.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Speaking at a major tourism event, the Minister acknowledged the tough global landscape, economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and rising costs. But Thailand is holding strong. China and India markets continued to grow in the first four months of 2026, even as overall arrivals dipped slightly.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

So, what's the plan? 
\r\n• A new Tourism Situation Monitoring Center to respond to challenges in real time
\r\n• Smarter visa policies to attract the right visitors
\r\n• A tourist fee to fund safety, insurance, and better destination management
\r\n• More support for community-based and domestic tourism
\r\n• Year-round travel promoted across all regions — not just the usual hotspots
\r\n• Higher safety standards powered by technology and stronger law enforcement<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The private sector is also being called in to keep costs manageable, back local products, and raise service standards across the board.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

The goal is simple: fewer problems, better experiences, longer-lasting growth.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Ready to experience Thailand at its best? The best is yet to come.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/2078\/iid\/505274","date_published":"2026-05-21T15:19:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260521ab0e3b22cddc1637c0aac207654b57fa151926.png"},{"id":"34ff159bfd2ecf720faf2a171ff22400","title":"Thai PM to Visit France 21-27 May 2026","content_text":"

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is heading to France from 21 to 27 May 2026 for a landmark visit that marks 170 years of Thai-French diplomatic relations. And the agenda couldn't be more exciting.
\r\n
\r\nHere's what's on the table:
\r\n• A working dinner with President Emmanuel Macron to deepen bilateral ties and lay the groundwork for a full Strategic Partnership — covering trade, energy, transport, defense, and aerospace.
\r\n
\r\n• Talks with the International Energy Agency (IEA) to strengthen Thailand's energy security and accelerate our clean energy transition.
\r\n
\r\n• A meeting with the UNESCO Director-General to champion Thai culture on the world stage — including the push to register traditional Thai dress (\u0e0a\u0e38\u0e14\u0e44\u0e17\u0e22) as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the end of the year.
\r\n
\r\n• Engagement with French business leaders under the Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF International), inviting investment into Thailand's biggest opportunities in aviation, clean energy, and defense industries.
\r\n
\r\n• Meetings with Thai ambassadors across Europe, Thai businesses in France, and the Thai community — proud ambassadors of our culture and identity abroad.
\r\n
\r\nThailand is stepping forward — not just as a destination, but as a partner, a cultural powerhouse, and a nation ready to shape its future on the world stage. <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/2078\/iid\/505219","date_published":"2026-05-21T14:08:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260521e87a965af0d55ff5316a3c6ada3b4571140911.jpg"},{"id":"0d13d13778d872398205d83548cd4915","title":"Thailand and France Strengthen Ties with New Strategic Partnership Plan 2026\u20132028","content_text":"

Thailand and France are set to sign a Joint Action Plan to elevate their bilateral relationship to a full "Strategic Partnership" on 25 May 2026, in Paris, marking a significant milestone in the two countries' long-standing cooperation.
\r\n
\r\nThe Cabinet has approved the new framework, which will guide collaboration across four key pillars over the next three years:
\r\n• Political, security, and global affairs dialogue
\r\n• Defense cooperation
\r\n• Strengthening long-term economic ties
\r\n• Research collaboration and people-to-people exchanges
\r\n
\r\nAmong the highlights of the new plan are joint efforts in the clean and decarbonized energy transition, as well as the promotion of Thai Soft Power in fashion, film, and cuisine on the global stage.
\r\n
\r\nThis partnership reflects both nations' shared commitment to sustainable growth, technological advancement, and a future-oriented relationship that creates lasting opportunities for Thai and French citizens.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/2078\/iid\/504871","date_published":"2026-05-20T14:20:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260520327a958c9348a123287d4492dc1691cd142009.jpg"},{"id":"826af5bd936784eda5d22ec15ef57c86","title":"Thailand on Track for OECD Membership by 2028","content_text":"

Thailand's Cabinet has approved the formation of a National Steering Committee to oversee and accelerate the country's accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), with a target membership date of 2028.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Chaired by the Prime Minister, the committee will coordinate all relevant government agencies to ensure Thailand meets OECD standards across legislation, data systems, and public sector governance.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Currently in the technical evaluation phase with OECD working groups, Thailand is committed to:
\r\n• Reforming laws and regulations to align with international standards
\r\n• Enhancing data transparency and institutional quality
\r\n• Building long-term credibility with global investors and partners<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Joining the OECD would place Thailand among the world's most advanced and well-governed economies, a testament to its sustained commitment to reform and international cooperation.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Thailand is not just opening its doors to the world, it is building a stronger foundation for every generation to come.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/2078\/iid\/504796","date_published":"2026-05-20T12:00:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260520d33b16d4b0b5bb2e2bf3c21905026b9a112831.png"},{"id":"a24269ff5ef3bdcc0ce580cc635dca65","title":"Thailand Tightens Entry Rules, 60-Day Visa Exemption Coming to An End","content_text":"

Thailand's Cabinet has voted to scrap the 60-day visa-free entry policy that previously applied to nationals of more than 90 countries.
\r\n
\r\nHere's what you need to know:
\r\n\u25cf Visa conditions will revert to the original bilateral agreements negotiated with each country individually — meaning the rules will vary depending on your passport.
\r\n
\r\n\u25cf The Visa Policy Committee will review the specifics for each country before announcing the new terms.
\r\n
\r\n\u25cf The key reasons behind this change are to strengthen security screening at the border and to reduce cases of visa misuse and overstaying.
\r\n
\r\nTourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul confirmed that both security and economic factors will be weighed when setting the new criteria.
\r\n
\r\nIf you're planning a trip to Thailand, check the latest visa requirements for your nationality before booking. More details are expected once the committee finalises the country-by-country breakdown.
\r\n
\r\n#Thailand<\/a> #TravelThailand<\/a> #ThaiVisa<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/2078\/iid\/504795","date_published":"2026-05-20T11:26:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/202605203d9d2abe4f3c6ea575e3ad7a3d37579e112749.jpg"},{"id":"e23554f9f0f9be81f187f2ead506e16b","title":"Thailand & Myanmar Join Forces to Clear the Air","content_text":"

Under the directive of Thailand's Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin, a landmark bilateral meeting took place in Chiang Mai — bringing together senior environmental officials from both Thailand and Myanmar to tackle one of the region's most persistent problems: transboundary haze.
\r\n
\r\nDirector-General of Thailand's Pollution Control Department Dr. Surin Worakitthamrong co-chaired the meeting alongside Director-General of Myanmar's Environmental Conservation Department Dr. San Oo, under the framework of the "Clear Sky Strategy (2024–2030).
\r\n
\r\nHere's what came out of the meeting:
\r\n
\r\nMyanmar reported a 12% reduction in hotspots in 2025 compared to the previous year, a promising sign. But both sides agreed that more needs to be done, particularly around air quality monitoring infrastructure and data systems.
\r\n
\r\nThailand offered concrete technical support to Myanmar, including:
\r\n• Developing a digital platform for transboundary haze and air quality reporting
\r\n• Sharing expertise on Air Quality Index (AQI) standards and national action plans
\r\n• Transferring knowledge on Fire Risk Mapping using hotspot-tracking technology
\r\n
\r\nThailand emphasized that sharing Big Data on air pollution between the two countries is the key to tackling haze more accurately and sustainably, ultimately returning clean air to people across the Mekong region.
\r\n
\r\nFor millions across the Mekong region, cleaner skies are no longer just a dream — they're a shared mission<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/2078\/iid\/504530","date_published":"2026-05-19T15:55:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/202605196dd7bccc86d59807898094845654c622155534.png"}]}