THAILAND TOURISTS
Bangkok issues high tide alert: What tourists should know as river levels rise
Bangkok faces a high tide alert along the Chao Phraya River. Authorities warn of potential flooding in low-lying areas and key roads as water levels are set to peak Monday. Strong winds are pushing water towards river mouths, increasing overflow risks. Saltwater intrusion is also a concern. Residents are advised to stay vigilant as the alert continues until Tuesday.
Gujarati travellers cut back on travel plans amid geopolitical uncertainty, expected market volatility
Gujarati travelers are pausing travel plans. Uncertainty from the US-Israel-Iran conflict and stock market dips are causing caution. Advance bookings for summer trips are down significantly. Many are considering alternative destinations. This trend is impacting hotels and event planners. Experts believe this is a temporary phase for this buoyant travel community.
India medical tourism slips below pre-Covid peak amid geopolitics, visa delays and rising Asian competition
India's medical tourism is facing challenges. Arrivals have dropped significantly below pre-Covid levels. Geopolitical tensions and visa delays are impacting the sector. Competition from other Asian nations is also a factor. Industry leaders suggest focusing on high-tech, reliable healthcare delivery to attract international patients. Improvements in ties with Bangladesh could help reverse the trend.
West Asia conflict disrupts aviation, leads to 15–20% dip in inbound tourist traffic; Rs. 18,000 crore net loss for industry: PHDCCI report
India's vibrant tourism and hospitality sector is currently reeling from the impact of conflicts in West Asia. With inbound tourist arrivals plummeting and flight paths being heavily affected, the industry is facing unprecedented financial strain. In response, there is a call for innovative policy changes to enhance stability and broaden the range of tourism experiences.
A ₹18,000 crore blow seen for India's aviation story as West Asia conflict clips wings
India's aviation and tourism sectors are currently navigating turbulent skies due to the unrest in West Asia. Airlines are challenged with heightened expenses and prolonged flight durations, significantly impacting international travel. The inbound tourism sector is seeing a downturn as Indian travelers prefer more brief vacations abroad.
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Eye on aspirational India, medical tourism, Max Healthcare steps up bed capacity expansion
Max Healthcare Institute Ltd is expanding capacity to 10,000 beds over the next 3–4 years, investing ₹4,000–5,000 crore to meet rising domestic demand and boost medical tourism.
Thailand warns travellers against fake digital arrival card websites
Beware of fake websites charging for Thailand's Digital Arrival Card. This service is free and mandatory for all foreign visitors. Register only through official Thai immigration channels. Unofficial sites can lead to scams and identity theft. Complete registration at least three days before your trip to ensure smooth entry and avoid delays at immigration counters.
Thailand reviews visa-free entry system over compliance gaps
Thailand is reviewing its visa-free entry for tourists from over 90 countries due to compliance gaps and misuse of entry rules. The government aims to attract higher-quality tourists by potentially shortening the 60-day stay, aligning tourism with economic priorities and focusing on income generation over sheer volume.
Thailand freezes public transport fares, secures fuel supply ahead of Songkran travel rush
Thailand's government has frozen public transport fares and boosted fuel supplies for the Songkran holiday, ensuring stable costs and uninterrupted journeys for millions. This proactive measure aims to ease travel burdens for both domestic and international travellers during one of the country's busiest periods, guaranteeing a smooth and affordable experience.
Thailand in grip of heatwave: What tourists should know before travelling
Thailand is grappling with scorching heat, with temperatures soaring to 40°C, coupled with dangerous PM2.5 pollution. Tourists should brace for intense heat and hazy skies across the country, especially in the North, Northeast, and Central Plains. Authorities urge caution, advising hydration and mask-wearing in affected areas.
How Iran war is reshaping global aviation
The war in Iran has disrupted air travel, impacting Middle East airlines. Western carriers like Lufthansa and British Airways are seizing this chance to add new routes. US airlines are also expanding long-haul flights. The situation presents a temporary opportunity for European airlines to capture passengers. The long-term impact remains uncertain as fuel prices rise.
India eyes Southeast Asia flight deals as Gulf conflict narrows travel zones
India will begin talks with Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia to increase flight capacity. This move comes as the West Asia conflict limits expansion for Indian airlines. Southeast Asia is a popular destination for Indians. More flights will offer passengers more options and help manage airfares. This aims to boost travel to the region.
Thailand plans to introduce a tourist entry fee for air travellers
Thailand's new government will introduce a 300-baht entry fee for air travelers to boost tourism revenue, with plans for land and sea entry fees currently on hold. The government is also considering merging the Ministry of Tourism and Sports with the Ministry of Culture to create a unified Ministry of Tourism and Culture.
FIFA World Cup travel costs: How to plan and budget smartly for football’s most expensive carnival
FIFA World Cup 2026 turns a fan trip into a high-cost, multi-country journey.
West Asia conflict disrupts travel plans: How to claim flight and hotel refunds and avoid booking losses
As the West Asia crisis cuts into vacation plans and budgets, there’s still time to reschedule your trip and claim refunds.
Rashmika Mandanna, Vijay Deverakonda skip traditional honeymoon for ‘buddymoon’. Why did they choose their first trip as newly married with friends?
Newlyweds Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda are embracing the 'buddymoon' trend, opting for a trip to Thailand with close friends instead of a traditional honeymoon. The couple shared glimpses of their relaxed getaway, emphasising shared experiences and quality time with loved ones over conventional celebrations. Read on!
EaseMyTrip launches 'Sunny Getaway Sale' with special offers for international, domestic travellers
EaseMyTrip has launched its 'Sunny Getaway Sale' from March 24-31, offering discounts on flights, hotels, buses, cabs, and holiday packages. The campaign aims to capitalize on rising summer travel demand for both domestic and international destinations, with savings of up to ₹5,000 on flights and ₹10,000 on hotels.
Thailand hotels slash room rates as global travel disruptions hit arrivals
Thailand's luxury hotels are slashing prices by up to 70% to attract domestic tourists as foreign arrivals plummet due to Middle East conflict-related travel disruptions. This significant discount aims to offset declining international demand, which is impacting the crucial tourism sector and potentially jeopardizing recovery goals.
Thailand considers cutting visa-free stay to 30 days to address security risks
Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to propose reducing the visa-free stay for tourists from 60 to 30 days. This move aims to curb misuse of the system, including illegal business operations and online scams, while allowing for a 30-day extension if needed. The policy targets broader issues of visa misuse and security, not specific nationalities.
Thailand re-elects Anutin Charnvirakul as Prime Minister in parliamentary vote
Anutin Charnvirakul has been elected Thailand's prime minister by the new parliament. His party secured a significant victory in the recent elections. The government faces challenges including economic slowdown and border tensions with Cambodia. Anutin previously championed cannabis decriminalization. The new administration will navigate global economic turmoil and domestic issues.
Getting around Singapore to cost more for tourists as fuel prices rise
Singapore's largest taxi operator, ComfortDelGro, is implementing a limited-time fare increase from March 24 to May 31 due to rising fuel costs. Passengers will see an additional S$0.50 to S$0.80 per trip, with metered rides also experiencing a S$0.01 increase in the distance-time rate. This adjustment will impact daily travel expenses for visitors and locals alike.
Airline ticket prices soar on Asia-Europe routes after Gulf airport closures
Australia's Flight Centre Travel Group has experienced a 75% increase in calls to its stores and emergency assistance lines since the crisis began, with teams having to work around the clock to help customers. Global Managing Director Andrew Stark said Australians were rebooking flights through alternative hubs in China, Singapore and the United States.
Airline ticket prices soar on Asia-Europe routes after Gulf airport closures
Airfare prices between Asia and Europe have surged dramatically. Key Middle Eastern flight hubs remain closed, forcing airlines to reroute. This has led to limited seat availability and significantly higher ticket costs. Travelers are seeking alternative routes through Asia and North America. Airlines not using affected airspace may see short-term gains.
Fewer Bangladesh visitors, pricier stays push India’s tourism balance toward outbound boom
Foreign tourist arrivals in India dropped significantly in 2025. Diplomatic tensions with Bangladesh led to a sharp decline in visitors from the eastern neighbor. Meanwhile, outbound travel by Indians reached a record high. Rising domestic hotel costs are making overseas trips more attractive for Indian travelers. Airlines are expanding international routes to meet this demand.
Thailand to increase airport fee for international passengers starting this June
Thailand will raise its international passenger service charge by over 50 percent from June 20, 2026. The fee will rise to 1,120 baht from 730 baht at six major airports. This move aims to fund airport development and improve financial resilience. The increase is expected to generate significant additional revenue for Airports of Thailand. Domestic passenger fees will remain unchanged.
Thailand reviews 60-day visa-free stay scheme for foreign visitors
Thailand is re-evaluating its 60-day visa-free entry policy. Local communities and tourism businesses have raised concerns about potential misuse and security issues. The government is assessing if the current duration is appropriate. This review aims to balance tourism growth with public safety and address local community pressures. A decision on potential changes is expected soon.
Japan tourist arrivals in January mark first fall in four years
Japan's inbound tourism saw its first dip in four years during January, primarily due to a significant 61% drop in Chinese visitors amid bilateral tensions. While South Korea led with a record 1.18 million arrivals, other Asian nations and the US also contributed to visitor numbers, helping to offset the decline.
Thailand expects 35 million international tourist arrivals in 2026
Thailand's tourism sector anticipates 35 million foreign visitors this year, despite a slight dip in early 2026 arrivals. China and Malaysia lead as top source markets. This projection underscores confidence in a strong economic rebound, crucial for Southeast Asia's second-largest economy, though still aiming to surpass pre-pandemic numbers.
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