Thailand on the move

Healing is the New Luxury — Thailand's Most Extraordinary World-Class Train is Coming!

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0700

Thailand is redefining luxury travel. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has officially teamed up with Belmond, the legendary luxury train operator, to launch the world-class Eastern & Oriental Express by 2027, crafted exclusively for the world's most discerning travelers, under the inspiring concept “Healing is the New Luxury”. This journey goes beyond opulence—focusing on meaningful relaxation, cultural connection, and soulful rejuvenation.

📍 The Ultimate Scenic Route
An exclusive journey through picturesque landscapes: Bangkok – Kanchanaburi – Hua Hin – Padang Besar. This route will immerse travelers in Thai heritage while distributing income to local communities and secondary cities with hidden gems.

📍 Immersive "Saneh Thai" (Thai Charm) via 5 Must-Do Experiences
Inspired by the spirit of Saneh Thai (Thai Charm), every moment is curated to leave a lasting impression:
● Must Taste: World-class dining under the "Taste of Tomorrow" concept by celebrity chefs.
● Must Try: Experience the new definition of luxury travel, "Healing is the New Luxury".
● Must Buy: Support the local community and artisanal products.
● Must See: Enjoy traditional Thai performing arts and local shows.
● Must Seek: Connect with local ways of life and unique stories in Thailand’s secondary cities.

📍 A Global Stage for Thailand
TAT and Thailand Privilege Card are joining forces to drive global marketing, elevating Thailand's image as a premier luxury tourism destination. Belmond is launching a 360-degree global marketing campaign through its international network to position Thailand as a premier global luxury hub.

This isn't just travel, it’s a masterpiece of art, gastronomy, and culture on tracks. Stay tuned!

8 Thai Agencies Join Forces Under Thailand FastPass to Cut Investment Bottlenecks

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0700

Eight government agencies have united under the newly launched Thailand FastPass initiative, forming a coordinated framework to reduce regulatory bottlenecks and accelerate the pace of investment projects in the country.

Through a formal cooperation agreement, the participating agencies will work in closer coordination on approvals, permits, and essential services — helping investors navigate government procedures more efficiently. Processing times are expected to shorten by 20 to 50 percent, allowing approved projects to move from greenlight to ground-breaking with far less delay.

The initiative brings together the Board of Investment (BOI), the Department of Industrial Works, the Customs Department, environmental authorities, industrial estate agencies, and electricity providers under a shared commitment to streamline investment-related procedures. Key areas of focus include factory establishment permits, environmental impact assessments, customs clearances, and utility connections.

Thailand FastPass directly addresses one of the most persistent challenges faced by investors: the gap between investment approval and actual project implementation. By fostering closer inter-agency coordination and faster decision-making, the mechanism is designed to help projects move from approval to operation with greater speed and certainty. At its launch on June 23, 2026, Thailand FastPass was granted to 25 strategic projects from 23 companies, representing a combined investment value of more than 223 billion baht.

Beyond administrative efficiency, the initiative is expected to deliver broader economic dividends — accelerating capital inflows, creating high-quality jobs, strengthening local supply chains, and encouraging technology and knowledge transfer. Combined with projects already expedited through similar mechanisms, Thailand FastPass is projected to help channel more than 700 billion baht (20.97 billion USD) into Thailand's economy, supporting long-term industrial growth and competitiveness.

Bangkok's Global Stage: From World-Class Events to the 2026 IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 13:12:00 +0700

Bangkok, affectionately known as "Krungthep," is more than Thailand's capital. It's a city that has carved out a global identity all its own. From striking landscapes and vibrant street life to effortless convenience and livability, Bangkok's charm draws tens of millions of visitors from around the world every year.

It's no surprise, then, that Bangkok has earned its place on the world stage—trusted time and again to host some of the most prestigious international events.
Curious what those events have been? Swipe through this post to see Bangkok's journey as a global host city, from the past to the present!

And the story continues. This year, Bangkok is once again stepping into the spotlight!

Get ready as Thailand prepares to host the "2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings," one of the world's most important gatherings in global economics and finance. The countdown starts now—let's celebrate this moment together!
📌 Learn more: http://www.am2026thailand.go.th

Thai Foreign Minister and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Hold Talks on Reaffirming Alliance and Strategic Partnership

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 10:38:00 +0700

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, received a telephone call from the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau. The discussion focused on reafirming the longstanding alliance and commitment to enhance strategic partnership between Thailand and the U.S.

The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State reiterated the U.S.'s commitment to strengthening the longstanding alliance between the two countries, that has spanned over many decades. The alliance is the anchor of the U.S. relations with Southeast Asia.

The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State also said that he looks forward to welcoming Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs for the upcoming visit to the U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM) to coordinate security cooperation plans between the two countries.

For Thai side, Mr. Sihasak reaffirmed the Thailand - U.S. alliance. Thailand stands ready to work closely with the U.S. to expand cooperation in all areas, especially in defense, security, and high-level engagement.

Threads of Amazing Thailand: Masterpieces of Thai Craftsmanship

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 10:37:00 +0700

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has organized the “THREADS OF AMAZING THAILAND” exhibition, showcasing Thai artistry and exquisite craftsmanship. The exhibition is open for the public from today until 5 July 2026 at NEX Hall, 5th Floor, Siam Paragon, Bangkok.

Beyond the runway, the exhibition showcases over 50 curated outfits, offering an up-close look at the intricate artistry of Thai textiles. A highlight of the exhibition is its celebration of handwoven fabrics from all four regions of Thailand—each reflecting the unique identity, techniques, and cultural stories of the North, Northeast, Central, and South—along with textiles created by Thailand's diverse ethnic communities in 75 modern, luxurious designs, highlighting the timeless elegance of Thai heritage on the global stage.

The TAT is proceeding with efforts to communicate the value of Thailand’s textile heritage and handicrafts internationally, as “Thai Traditional Fabrics” and “Chud Thai” are being prepared for consideration by UNESCO for inscription as intangible cultural heritage. The consideration will take place at UNESCO’s 21st session from 30 November to 5 December 2026 in China.

For fashion enthusiasts and lovers of Thai textiles, this is an event you cannot miss. Come and witness the beauty that bridges traditional roots and modern elegance!

Thailand Strengthens Aviation Security Measures to Uphold International Standards

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:00:00 +0700

Thailand is taking decisive action to reinforce aviation safety and protect its reputation as a trusted travel destination. This follows an incident in which a Thai airline crew member was arrested by Australian authorities on June 25, 2026, after drugs were discovered in their luggage on a flight to Melbourne. The case is currently under Australia's judicial process.

In response, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has instructed the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to work with Airports of Thailand, airlines, Customs, and anti-narcotics agencies to strengthen preventive measures, including:

• Stricter checks on items carried or stored by the flight crew

• Enhanced information-sharing between agencies

• Closer intelligence coordination to detect risks early

Importantly, all crew members already undergo the same rigorous security screening as passengers, including both personal and baggage checks, in line with international aviation standards.

According to Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Persvivatana, the government will continue to strengthen aviation security through close cooperation among all relevant agencies to prevent illegal activity, build confidence in Thailand's aviation system, and uphold internationally recognized safety standards, while ensuring smooth and convenient travel for passengers.

Thailand remains committed to providing a safe, secure, and welcoming travel experience for all visitors.

Awakening Song Wat 2026 Illuminates Bangkok's Historic Riverside District with the Theme "SON(G)EVITY: Continuity of Legacy"

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 09:48:00 +0700

Bangkok Lights Up with Awakening Song Wat 2026, Experience Bangkok's Historic Charm After Dark, 3-12 July 2026

Bangkok is set to welcome the return of Awakening Song Wat 2026, an immersive light art and digital art festival that transforms the city's historic Song Wat District into a vibrant open-air gallery.

This year's edition embraces the theme "SON(G)EVITY: Continuity of Legacy," celebrating the enduring spirit of Song Wat by blending its rich cultural heritage with contemporary creativity. Through captivating light installations, projection mapping, and interactive digital artworks, the festival invites visitors to experience the neighborhood's stories from a fresh perspective.

Art installations will be showcased throughout Song Wat's historic streets, heritage buildings, hidden alleys, and community spaces, turning the century-old trading district into a dynamic nighttime destination. The festival highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage while embracing innovation.

Awakening Song Wat 2026 will take place from 3 to 12 July 2026, 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Admission is free.

Follow for more details on Facebook and Instagram: Awakening Festivals

Thailand Named Asia'a Best Place to Retire in 2026, 9th Globally

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:26:00 +0700

Thailand has been ranked Asia’s best place to retire in 2026 and ninth globally in the Global Retirement Index by International Living, a leading U.S.-based media platform.

The index evaluated seven key categories, including housing, cost of living, visa/benefit, affinity rating, climate, development, and healthcare. Thailand earned an average score of 80, with particularly strong results in the cost of living (96), development (84), and visa/benefit and healthcare (79 each).

The top ten retirement destinations in the 2026 Global Retirement Index comprises, from number one, Greece, Panama, Costa Rica, Portugal, Mexico, Italy, France, Spain, Thailand, and Malaysia.

Thailand's July 2026 Event Calendar is Here!

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:24:00 +0700

Get ready for a month packed with culture, creativity, and celebration! From sacred Buddhist traditions and vibrant folk performances to beachside music festivals and high-speed motorsport, Thailand's July lineup captures the spirit and diversity of every region. Here's what's happening:

• Northeastern Thailand (Isan)

* Mor Lam “Roi Kaen Sara Sin” – Kalasin (30 June–2 July 2026)
Traditional Mor Lam performances, workshops, and cultural activities celebrating Isan folk heritage.
* Phaya Sri Satta Nakarat Worship Festival 2026 – Nakhon Phanom (7–13 July 2026)
Sacred ceremonies, cultural performances, local markets, and riverside festivities honouring Phaya Sri Satta Nakarat.
* Isan Creative Festival 2026 – Khon Kaen (11–19 July 2026)
Exhibitions, creative markets, performances, and workshops showcasing Isan’s creative industries.
* Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival 2026 – Ubon Ratchathani (28–30 July 2026)
Magnificent candle processions, intricate wax carvings, and traditional performances celebrating Buddhist Lent.

• Eastern Thailand

* Bangsaen Grand Prix 2026 – Chon Buri (1–5 July 2026)
Thailand’s premier beachfront street racing event featuring world-class motorsport and seaside activities.

• Southern Thailand

* Nakhon Spirit Craft 2026 – Nakhon Si Thammarat (2–5 July 2026)
A contemporary craft festival celebrating local heritage through design, food, music, and sustainable tourism.
* Samui Story Fun Fest – Surat Thani (4–5 July 2026)
Local cuisine, community products, performances, and family-friendly activities on Ko Samui.
* Hroi Raeng FEST – Nakhon Si Thammarat (25–26 July 2026)
Southern food, live music, craft markets, beach activities, and cultural performances by the sea.

• Northern Thailand

* Sawankhalok Chinese Opera Festival 2026 – Sukhothai (3–12 July 2026)
Traditional Chinese opera, lion dances, parades, and local festivities celebrating Thai-Chinese heritage.
* Mae La Noi Craft Camp 2026 – Mae Hong Son (11 July 2026)
A music and camping festival highlighting local culture and the natural beauty of Mae La Noi.
* Pa Kad Chiang Rai 2026 – Chiang Rai (24 July–2 August 2026)
Community arts, cultural activities, music, fashion, and creative exhibitions in Chiang Rai.

• Central Thailand

* Rinma Summer Beach 2026 – Phetchaburi (4 July 2026)
A beachfront music festival featuring live performances in the Cha-am–Hua Hin area.
* Tak Bat Dok Mai Khao Phansa 2026 – Saraburi (27–30 July 2026)
A unique Buddhist tradition featuring seasonal flower offerings and the Royal Candle Offering Ceremony.

• Bangkok

* Thailand Diecast Expo 2026 (10–12 July 2026)
An exhibition bringing together diecast brands, collectors, and hobby enthusiasts.
* Thailand Magic Arts Festival (18–19 July 2026)
International and Thai magicians showcase performances, competitions, and interactive magic experiences.

Explore the full July 2026 Event Calendar: https://www.tatnews.org/.../06/july-2026-event-and-calendar/

Thailand Encourages Year-Round Travel Through "Thailand 365 Days"

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 09:33:00 +0700

More reasons to visit Thailand are on the way. The Thai Government is advancing the "Thailand 365 Days" campaign to sustain tourism growth and position the country as a premier year-round destination offering exceptional travel experiences.

According to the digital travel platform Agoda, Thailand remained one of the most popular destinations among Asian travelers in the first half of 2026. Agoda's data shows that Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, and Cha-am continue to rank among Thailand’s top destinations. Nature-based destinations such as Khao Yai, Nakhon Nayok, and Kanchanaburi are also attracting growing interest from travelers.

The Government is leveraging this popularity by linking tourism with geographical indication (GI) products, local products, cuisine, culture, traditions, and unique local identities. The initiative aims to generate greater economic value, increase income for local communities, promote festivals and events throughout the year, and attract high-quality visitors.

The Government is also enhancing tourism standards through the Thailand Green Tourism Plan 2030. In line with this effort, Doi Phu Kha National Park in Nan Province received the 2026 Green Destinations Award, further strengthening Thailand’s reputation as a world-class sustainable tourism destination.