Thailand on the move

Trusted Thailand: A New Standard for Safer Travel

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:00:00 +0700

Trusted Thailand: A New Standard for Safer Travel

Thailand is raising the bar as a trusted global destination through the Trusted Thailand initiative, making travel safer, more transparent, and more reliable for visitors from around the world.

What is Trusted Thailand?
The initiative makes it easy for travelers to identify tourism businesses that meet strict safety and service quality standards, giving visitors greater confidence at every step of their journey, from booking to departure.

Here's what that looks like in practice:

✅ Verified venues — Hotels, restaurants, attractions, and shopping destinations that meet recognized safety standards.

✅ Trusted partnerships — Collaborations with leading travel platforms make certified businesses easy to spot when booking.

✅ Clear communication — Multilingual travel information and official safety updates for international visitors.

✅ Stronger oversight — Closer cooperation among government agencies to improve tourist safety, enforce regulations, and crack down on illegal operators.

Trusted Thailand reflects the country's broader vision: moving from volume-driven tourism to high-value, sustainable tourism — where safety, quality, and visitor confidence are at the heart of every journey.

Honoring a Royal Vision: Thai Textiles Through a Modern Lens

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 16:22:00 +0700

Discover how centuries of Thai craftsmanship are being reimagined for the modern world! The Government Public Relations Department of Thailand invites you to a special pop-up exhibition and seminar honoring Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, whose lifelong dedication laid the foundation for preserving Thailand's textile heritage, and continuing the vision of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya through the "Thai Textiles: Wearing and Enjoying" project.

∙ What to expect:
Under the theme "Legacy: Creative Continuity & Creativity," the exhibition traces the journey of Thai textiles from traditional roots to contemporary fashion, featuring work from 10 skilled weaving communities across Thailand, each bringing their own distinctive patterns and techniques to life through modern design.

∙ Special Fashion Show
Don't miss a stunning showcase of contemporary pieces inspired by these communities' craftsmanship, presented by well-known personalities including Miss World 2025 Suchata Chuangsri.

Plus, join expert talks with designers, entrepreneurs, and fashion specialists on preserving traditional knowledge while creating globally competitive Thai fashion.

📍 Thara Hall, M Floor, ICONSIAM
📅 1111–13 August 2026, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
**Free entry**

Come witness Thai textiles as living heritage, rooted in tradition, styled for today.

Deepest Condolences to All the Families and Communities Affected by the Devastating Eartquake in Colombia

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:09:00 +0700

On behalf of the Government Public Relations Department of Thailand (PRD), we extend our deepest condolences to the people of Colombia following the devastating earthquake that has impacted so many lives and communities.

Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones, those who are injured, and the thousands affected by this tragedy.

We also express our profound respect and gratitude to the emergency services, rescue teams, and volunteers working tirelessly on the ground.

Thailand Wins “Best Travel Destination” Award at Weibo Gala 2026

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:08:00 +0700

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has deepened its focus on the strategic Chinese market by supporting the "Weibo Gala 2026," held to celebrate 51 years of Thai-Chinese diplomatic ties. At the event, TAT won the prestigious "Weibo Thailand Best Travel Destination Country" award, reinforcing Chinese tourists' confidence in Thailand as a top destination.

To boost travel demand, TAT rolled out a content marketing strategy featuring popular Chinese artists He Changxi and He Yanzhao exploring Thailand, alongside Thai stars “Apo Nattawin" and "Butterbear" showcasing Thai culture in China, expanding brand awareness across both markets.

This initiative aligns with the "Amazing Thailand, The Journey Your Heart Leads" campaign, which aims to create lasting impressions, build long-term loyalty, and deepen emotional connections with Chinese travelers.

Through cultural ties and shared warmth, Thailand and China move forward together, turning every journey into a lasting bond of trust.

Thailand Calls for Fact-Based Verification og Cambodia Reports from Both Sides

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:07:00 +0700

Air Chief Marshal Prapas Sornchaidee, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force and Director of Thailand’s Joint Information Center (JIC) on the Thailand-Cambodia Situation, addressed reports by Cambodian media citing analysts who accused Thailand of disregarding the United Nations (UN) after the Thai government raised objections to a report by Tom Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur. Air Chief Marshal Prapas affirmed that Thailand has consistently recognized the importance of the UN.

He said that Thailand’s current actions are not aimed at opposing the UN, but at ensuring that the facts are properly verified through international processes. For example, there has been a criticism that, although Mr. Andrews sent a draft statement to the Thai side two days in advance, Thailand did not respond. However, the issues involved national security, territorial boundaries, military affairs, human rights, and international laws. The information, therefore, needed to be carefully verified and coordinated with multiple agencies.

Regarding the figure of up to 650,000 Cambodians who reportedly fled or were displaced, which Mr. Andrews said was based on a UN report, Thailand has questioned the clarity and reliability of the figure. Thailand has asked where the number came from, when data was collected, which areas it covered, what methodology was used to count the people, and whether the figures were cross-checked. If the figure is accurate, it should be possible for the UN to explain how it was obtained.

Regarding strong accusations by Cambodian analysts that Thailand was denying making allegations, was distorting information, and was attempting to conceal the truth from the international community, Air Chief Marshal Prapas stated that the views of individual analysts do not constitute the conclusions of the UN. Nor do they represent a UN resolution, a ruling by the UN Human Rights Council, or the voice of the international community.

He said that anyone is entitled to express an opinion but such opinions should not be presented in a way that creates the impression that “the world has already judged Thailand.”

Air Chief Marshal Prapas reaffirmed that Thailand is not afraid of fact-checking or scrutiny. However, he called for an impartial examination of the facts, with information and evidence from both the Thai and Cambodian sides assessed according to the same standards. What Thailand expects is for facts from both sides of the border to be considered fairly and equally.

Thailand Promotes 'Fruit Tourism' as International Diplomats Visit Surat Thani

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:06:00 +0700

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Supajee Suthumpun led a delegation of ambassadors and representatives from 13 countries, including Belgium, Guatemala, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Bangladesh, the Republic of Korea, Azerbaijan, the Maldives, Hungary, Cuba, Italy, Sri Lanka, and Venezuela, on a visit to production sites in Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani provinces under the "Thailand: The Land of Tropical Fruits" initiative.

The delegation experienced Thai fruits firsthand and explored "fruit tourism" at Lung Nong Orchard in Surat Thani, where tasting and rating Southern durian varieties helped the Ministry of Commerce tailor export strategies for each country.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the excellence of Thai durian lies not in size, but in the meticulous care taken from breeding to transport, a standard that ensures its competitive edge in the global market.

From meticulous care on the farm to its rich, distinctive flavor, Thai durian invites fruit lovers worldwide to taste and experience the true standard of tropical excellence.

Thailand Emerges as ASEAN's Ai Industry Hub: Exports Grow 17.6% in H1 2026

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:04:00 +0700

Global tech companies have been steadily choosing Thailand as their next investment destination. And the numbers explain why.

According to the latest figures from Thailand's Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB), Thai exports grew 17.6% in the first half of 2026, with technology products leading the surge at 45.9% growth, driven by rising global demand tied to the AI boom.

This momentum reflects deliberate policy groundwork: the government has established a National Semiconductor Policy Committee to advance "Chip Made in Thailand," while accelerating investment in data centers, cloud computing, and AI infrastructure.

Key highlights:
36 digital and data center projects approved, worth over 728 billion baht (~US$20 billion)
Projected demand for 230,000+ skilled professionals — engineers, AI developers, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts — as the semiconductor sector scales up
Board of Investment (BOI) applications hit 1.47 trillion baht (~US$44.5 billion)
in H1 2026, up 37% year-on-year, signaling strong investor confidence

This progression is clear: strong infrastructure attracts investment, investment drives exports, and exports create jobs and income for Thai workers. Through this chain, Thailand is steadily positioning itself as a rising AI and semiconductor hub in Southeast Asia.

Courtesy: FC Anutin Facebook page

Thailand Steps Up Anti-Bribery Efforts on Path to OECD Membership

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 15:51:00 +0700

Thailand took another step toward OECD membership, recently hosting an international seminar on strengthening anti-bribery standards and business transparency.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), in collaboration with the OECD and the Government of the United Kingdom, held the seminar, titled "Advancing Effective Laws and Transparent Business: Thailand's Path to the OECD Anti-Bribery Standards" in Bangkok. The event drew more than 180 participants from the public and private sectors, academia, civil society, and the OECD's Working Group on Bribery (WGB).

∙ A Milestone for Governance and Competitiveness
NACC Commissioner Professor Patarasak Vannasaeng said Thailand's accession to the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention marks a key step toward strengthening governance, transparency, and competitiveness — driving legal reforms including stronger corporate liability measures and internal compliance systems. The goal, he noted, is not just OECD membership, but a business ecosystem free from bribery.

∙ International Support
Julia Fromholz of the OECD's Anti-Corruption Division commended Thailand's reform efforts, noting that anti-bribery measures are essential for fair competition and investor confidence, and confirmed the WGB's readiness to support Thailand with expertise.

Echoing this support, Nabila Suria, UK Permanent Representative to UNESCAP, reaffirmed the UK's commitment to Thailand's transparency efforts, calling the fight against foreign bribery a shared global responsibility.

The seminar offered a platform to exchange experience on acceding to the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention, featuring lessons from Working Group members and discussions with Thailand's private sector on advancing business integrity.

Thailand-Myanmar Business Forum 2026 Reviving Border Economies & Elevating Public Wellbeing

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 11:41:00 +0700

Thailand–Myanmar Business Forum 2026: Reviving Border Economies & Elevating Public Wellbeing

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing co-chaired the Thailand–Myanmar Business Forum 2026 during the President's official visit to Thailand, held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center under the theme "New Chapter and Future of Enhancing the Thailand-Myanmar Business Partnership," reaffirming bilateral economic cooperation built on mutual trust and benefit.

In his keynote address, Prime Minister Anutin highlighted the private sector as a vital driver of bilateral trade, currently valued at US$7.4 billion. Thailand is preparing to host a Joint Trade Committee meeting between the two countries' commerce ministers this year, aiming to push trade value toward a US$12 billion target and revitalize cross-border trade along the Thailand-Myanmar frontier.

Amid ongoing shifts in global supply chains, the Thai government reaffirmed its readiness to support businesses and chambers of commerce from both countries in working more closely together — connecting people, trade, and investment to turn shared potential into concrete, results-driven economic growth.

With both governments and private sectors united behind this vision, this new chapter of cooperation is set to translate shared potential into lasting, mutual economic success.Thailand–Myanmar Business Forum 2026: Reviving Border Economies & Elevating Public Wellbeing

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing co-chaired the Thailand–Myanmar Business Forum 2026 during the President's official visit to Thailand, held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center under the theme "New Chapter and Future of Enhancing the Thailand-Myanmar Business Partnership," reaffirming bilateral economic cooperation built on mutual trust and benefit.

In his keynote address, Prime Minister Anutin highlighted the private sector as a vital driver of bilateral trade, currently valued at US$7.4 billion. Thailand is preparing to host a Joint Trade Committee meeting between the two countries' commerce ministers this year, aiming to push trade value toward a US$12 billion target and revitalize cross-border trade along the Thailand-Myanmar frontier.

Amid ongoing shifts in global supply chains, the Thai government reaffirmed its readiness to support businesses and chambers of commerce from both countries in working more closely together — connecting people, trade, and investment to turn shared potential into concrete, results-driven economic growth.

With both governments and private sectors united behind this vision, this new chapter of cooperation is set to translate shared potential into lasting, mutual economic success.

Watch Royal barge Procession Rehearsals Ahead of 2026 Royal Kathin Ceremony

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 10:28:00 +0700

Thailand invites the public, residents and visitors alike, to witness rehearsals for the Royal Barge Procession, one of the country's most magnificent and rarely seen royal traditions, ahead of the official 2026 Royal Kathin Ceremony on 6 November.

The Royal Kathin Ceremony is an annual Buddhist merit-making tradition held at the end of the Buddhist Lent, during which robes and offerings are presented to monks. When performed by the monarch, it becomes a Royal Kathin Ceremony, one of the most significant events in the Thai royal and religious calendar.

This year's ceremony celebrates the auspicious occasion of Her Majesty the Queen's Fourth Cycle Birthday Anniversary (3 June 2026), during which His Majesty the King will present Kathin robes to Buddhist monks in her honor.

∙ Where to Watch
Spectators can view the rehearsals and pay their respects along both banks of the Chao Phraya River, from Krung Thon Bridge to Wat Arun Ratchawararam.

∙ Rehearsal Schedule
◇ August 17, 20, 27
◇ September 3, 8, 17, 23
◇ October 2, 8, 15

∙ Full Dress Rehearsals
◇ October 21, 28

∙ About the Procession
The procession will feature 52 royal barges, manned by 2,200 Royal Thai Navy personnel, arranged in five columns and three lines — a formation stretching roughly 1,280 meters long and 90 meters wide.

The barges will depart from Wasukri Pier and travel along the Chao Phraya River, passing iconic landmarks including Phra Sumen Fort, Somdet Phra Pinklao Bridge, Siriraj Hospital, the Grand Palace, and the Royal Thai Navy Auditorium, before arriving at Wat Arun Ratchawararam — following the same traditional route used since the reign of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great.

As a centuries-old tradition, the Royal Barge Procession is reserved exclusively for the most important royal ceremonies, including Royal Kathin ceremonies and coronations.

∙ The Suphannahong Royal Barge
Among the fleet, the principal Suphannahong Royal Barge stands out as a masterpiece of Thai craftsmanship. Its current vessel was built during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and completed in 1911 under King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) — though the barge's origins trace back to the Ayutthaya period. Famed for its gilded, swan-shaped bow, it was honored with the World Ship Trust Maritime Heritage Award in 1992.

Don't miss this rare chance to witness a living piece of Thai royal heritage in motion.