Thailand’s newly elected Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has outlined ambitious plans to legalize casinos and build a nuclear power plant, aiming to combat illegal gambling and reduce high electricity costs. These proposals, sparked by public dissatisfaction and a parliamentary study, aim to generate significant revenue and attract high-spending tourists, but face public opposition, particularly concerning nuclear power.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin defended his frequent overseas trips, citing official commitments and the need to attract foreign investment. He has made 15 overseas visits in his first 10 months as leader and will pause his travels for two months starting in March.
Thailand’s Tourism Authority (TAT) has launched a unique campaign featuring Pop Mart’s beloved Labubu toy, aiming to strengthen cultural ties and attract more Chinese travelers. This co-branding effort, costing US$27,242, aligns with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Thailand-China Relations in 2025. Labubu will explore Thailand’s culture and tourist attractions, captured in promotional videos and travel packages.
Thailand’s strategic initiatives and visa-free travel policies have propelled it to the top of Southeast Asia’s tourism sector. In 2023, Thailand welcomed over 40 million international visitors, surpassing Indonesia and Malaysia, both of whom experienced significant growth in their respective tourism sectors. Thailand’s dominance is attributed to its focus on long-haul stays, beach destinations, and Bangkok’s vibrant nightlife. This success is evident in its bustling aviation sector, with Suvarnabhumi Airport handling over 40 million international travelers in 2023.
Thailand has launched a new digital nomad visa program, the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), allowing remote workers to stay for up to five years. Unlike other programs, it emphasizes long-term cultural immersion and does not require a minimum income, making it a more accessible option. This program is expected to further boost Thailand’s popularity as a destination for digital nomads and expats.
Thailand is significantly increasing its airline capacity with India, adding 7,000 seats per week. This move aims to solidify Thailand’s position as a regional aviation hub and boost tourism traffic, enhancing connectivity and creating new opportunities for the aviation industry.
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been granted bail, avoiding pre-trial detention for alleged royal insult charges. This event comes amidst a series of legal battles involving key political figures, potentially plunging Thailand into political uncertainty. The cases raise concerns about the power of courts and their influence on the nation’s political landscape.
Thailand has become the first Southeast Asian nation to legalize same-sex marriage after its lawmakers approved a bill on Tuesday. The legislation, which will come into force after receiving royal assent, will allow same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples, including adoption and inheritance. This historic decision marks a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ rights in the region.
Thailand introduces visa-free entry for 93 countries, including India, UK and UAE, to revitalize tourism and stimulate the economy. The move, part of a broader strategy to revive the global tourism sector, allows visitors from these countries to stay for up to 60 days. This new policy aims to increase tourist numbers to between 25 and 30 million annually. Thailand, known for its affordability and allure, welcomed around 24.5 million international visitors in 2023 and aims to attract more travelers with these new policies.
A fire has swept through the pet section of Chatuchak Weekend Market, killing hundreds of animals. The fire, which started in the early morning, destroyed over 100 shops and took an hour to bring under control. There were no reports of human casualties, but Thai media reports suggested that the fire killed several hundred animals, including fish, snakes, birds, and rabbits. The cause of the fire is being investigated, but officials said they are still working on estimating the cost of damage and that affected shop owners could register for compensation.
