Thailand has emerged as a leading destination for medical tourism, offering advanced and affordable healthcare solutions to patients from around the world. The country’s commitment to excellence in healthcare, coupled with its cultural richness and scenic beauty, has made it an attractive destination for medical tourists seeking quality care and an enriching travel experience.
OZO Hotels, a subsidiary of ONYX Hospitality Group, is celebrating Pride Month with discounts and promotions at its locations in Thailand. Guests can enjoy up to 40% off stays and 20% off dining at OZO Pattaya and OZO North Pattaya, while OZO Chaweng Samui is offering a 25% discount on bookings. OZO Phuket is also participating in the celebration with its 6.6 Pride Month campaign, offering a 25% discount on the best available rates.
In a bid to revitalize its tourism industry, Thailand has extended visa waivers or granted visa-on-arrival privileges to citizens of 93 nations, enabling them to stay in the country for up to 60 days. This move aims to attract more tourists and generate revenue for the economy.
Bangkok has been hailed as the ‘Best City’ in the prestigious DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2024. This marks the Thai capital’s fourth triumph in this category, highlighting its unwavering popularity among international travelers. Other Thai destinations also shone, with Phuket and Ko Samui ranking third and fourth in the ‘Best Islands’ category. In the aviation sector, Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport was recognized as the second ‘Best Airport’. Thai Airways International (THAI) continued its winning streak, securing third place in the ‘Best Airlines’ category and excelling in various subcategories, including ‘Best Airlines: Premium Classes’, ‘Best Airlines: Economy Class’, and ‘Best In-flight Entertainment’. THAI’s frequent-flyer program, Royal Orchid Plus, was also recognized as the third ‘Best Frequent-Flyer Programme’.
Thailand has extended a temporary visa exemption for tourists from India and Taiwan until November 11, 2024, in an effort to boost tourism. The exemption allows Indian and Taiwanese visitors to enter Thailand without a visa for stays of up to 30 days for tourism purposes. The extension is expected to have a positive impact on the Thai economy, particularly in the tourism sector.
The 2025 edition of the Thailand International Boat Show will be held at Phuket Yacht Haven from January 9th to 12th, 2025. The event will showcase an impressive line-up of exhibitors and an onshore segment featuring various marine-related products and services.
Thailand’s introduction of a single visa program, involving six ASEAN countries, is expected to significantly boost Vietnam’s ability to attract long-haul and high-spending tourists. The initiative, likened to the Schengen visa, aims to facilitate seamless travel across Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Vietnam. The single visa is expected to simplify travel logistics and enhance the appeal of the region as a unified tourism destination.
A parasitic plant resembling an owl’s face has captured the top prize in a global nature photography contest. The plant, discovered in Thailand, glows an eerie emerald and is known as ‘Phisawong Ta Nok Hook,’ meaning ‘mysterious owl’s eye.’ It is a myco-heterotrophic species, meaning it obtains nutrients not through photosynthesis, but from fungi associated with tree roots. The plant’s peculiar shape and elusive nature have made it a captivating subject for photographers.
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has unveiled a new strategic direction for the Thai meetings industry, emphasizing sustainability, innovation, and collaboration. The initiative aligns with Thailand’s broader economic goals and seeks to position the country as a leading hub for meetings and events.
Alipay+, managed by Ant International, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) have partnered to enhance tourism in Thailand. The partnership will introduce new digital innovations designed to improve the travel experience for visitors, particularly Chinese tourists, who make up Thailand’s top market. The innovations include the Alipay+ D-hub, the Amazing Thailand e-Card, and the expansion of Alipay+ acceptance across the country.
