The press conference was led by Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, Deputy Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police, in his capacity as Director of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Center, with senior representatives from the Tourist Police Bureau and Immigration Bureau. TAT was represented by Mr. Nithee Seeprae, Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, and Mrs. Sirikesanong Trirattanasongpol, Executive Director of the East Asia Region.

According to the Royal Thai Police, the four Chinese nationals entered Thailand legally and voluntarily via Suvarnabhumi Airport on 3 May 2026 after being invited by a Chinese associate on the pretext of business activity in Thailand. They were later taken to accommodation in Lat Krabang, Bangkok, before travelling to Mae Sot District, Tak, and crossing into Myanmar, where they were forced to work in a call-centre operation.

Following notification from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Thailand, Thai authorities coordinated with Chinese and Myanmar counterparts to secure their release on 22 May 2026. The four are now undergoing screening and protection under the National Referral Mechanism, with their safety, legal protection, human dignity, and best interests as priorities.

The Royal Thai Police is continuing its investigation into the wider network, including recruiters, transporters, coordinators, supporters, and organisers, while strengthening measures against human trafficking, human smuggling, and transnational crime.

The case demonstrates Thailand’s coordinated safety, law enforcement, victim protection, and international cooperation mechanisms in action. It also helps clarify the facts for the Chinese market, reduce misunderstanding, and maintain confidence in Thailand as a safe and trusted destination.

Tourists who require assistance while in Thailand can contact the TAT Call Centre on 1672 or the Tourist Police Hotline on 1155, which is available 24 hours a day.

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The update makes the 14.00–17.00 Hrs. sales period part of the regular permitted timeframe. This period had previously been restricted before a six-month trial arrangement was introduced in late 2025.

For visitors, this means alcoholic beverages may generally be purchased from licensed retailers, restaurants, and authorised venues between 11.00 and 24.00 Hrs. Sales outside these hours remain restricted, except where separate legal conditions apply.

Some locations may follow different operating conditions. These include international airport areas serving international passengers, hotels, licensed entertainment venues, approved event spaces, and designated areas where alcohol service is allowed under relevant laws. Travellers should follow staff guidance, as service hours may vary by venue type, licence, and location.

Existing alcohol-control rules remain in place. The legal drinking age in Thailand is 20, and alcohol sales or consumption remain restricted in certain public places, including temples, government offices, petrol stations, public parks, and public transport areas, unless specifically allowed by law.

Visitors are advised to buy and consume alcohol only through licensed venues, carry identification where required, avoid drinking in prohibited public areas, and arrange safe transport after consuming alcohol. Alcohol sales may also be restricted during elections, major religious days, or other official periods announced by the relevant authorities.

Thailand continues to welcome visitors to enjoy its dining, leisure, and nightlife experiences responsibly, while respecting local laws, public safety, and community well-being.

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During the visit, H.E. General To Lam and H.E. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of Thailand, today delivered keynote remarks at the Thailand–Vietnam Business Forum in Bangkok.

The MOU was signed by Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, and Mr. Le Hong Ha, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vietnam Airlines. Vietnam Airlines also signed separate MOUs with Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), represented by Ms. Paweena Jariyathitipong, AOT President, and the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), represented by Mr. Phumiphiphat Meesamran, TTAA Vice President.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said, “This MOU gives practical expression to the Thailand–Viet Nam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership through tourism. For TAT, stronger air links are not only about flights, but about connecting market demand with routes, trade partners, and targeted promotion. By working with Vietnam Airlines, we aim to make travel between the two countries more seamless, build trade confidence, and reinforce Thailand as a preferred destination for Vietnamese travellers and a regional gateway within ASEAN.”

Under the MOU, TAT and Vietnam Airlines will coordinate route development and additional flight frequencies. Priority routes include Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok, Da Nang to Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City to Phuket, and Hanoi to Chiang Mai, creating more convenient access between the two countries and wider travel links across ASEAN.

As an early outcome, Vietnam Airlines announced its new Ho Chi Minh City–Phuket service, scheduled to begin on 2 July 2026 with four weekly flights. The route gives immediate form to the MOU’s air access agenda by directly linking southern Viet Nam with one of Thailand’s leading resort destinations.

The partnership also sets a working framework for joint marketing, international tourism fairs, buyer engagement, promotional content, tourism workshops, familiarisation trips, Mega FAM Trips, official visits, media and influencer activities, and market information exchange. A Joint Working Group will guide implementation and maintain coordination between both parties.

TAT continues to build Thailand’s presence in Viet Nam through partnerships with travel platforms, tour operators, financial partners, and tourism organisations. Current activities focus on Thailand travel packages, water-based tourism experiences, ASEAN-linked routes, sport tourism, and digital communication under the “5 Must Do in Thailand” concept.

TAT is also using key sales platforms, including Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Festival 2026 and Vietnam Travel Mart 2026, to drive package sales, deepen trade engagement, and present Thailand as a diverse, accessible, and value-led destination for Vietnamese travellers.

Viet Nam is one of Thailand’s important short-haul markets, with 219,986 Vietnamese arrivals recorded from 1 January to 25 May 2026. Demand is supported by proximity, air access, and interest in flexible, value-for-money travel, while Thailand’s events, shopping, lifestyle experiences, and summer family appeal continue to encourage repeat visits.

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Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said, “The Chiang Mai Prototype reflects TAT’s direction to make sustainability a practical foundation for destination management, not only a policy goal. By working with local stakeholders to strengthen standards, products, skills, innovation, and responsible visitor experiences, TAT aims to build a destination model that creates long-term value for communities, entrepreneurs, visitors, and Thailand’s tourism industry.”

Chiang Mai was selected as a 2026 prototype destination for its strong tourism foundation and distinctive northern identity. The province offers a rich blend of Lanna heritage, craft traditions, creative communities, local cuisine, wellness assets, nature-based attractions, and connectivity. Its status as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, together with its progress through international Smart City collaboration initiatives, further supports TAT’s aim to position Chiang Mai as a destination where culture, creativity, innovation, and sustainability intersect.

Following early groundwork, current efforts focus on preparing selected best-practice areas and attractions for international sustainability certification, supporting Chiang Mai’s development towards Global Green Destination standards. TAT is also encouraging tourism-related innovation and start-up solutions to enhance visitor convenience, improve travel experiences, and strengthen marketing efficiency for local operators.

Upcoming activities include the rollout with green events across Chiang Mai, applying sustainable event-management practices designed to reduce environmental impact, optimise resource use, and encourage community participation. They also serve as practical demonstrations of how sustainability can be integrated into tourism operations, partnerships, and visitor experiences.

This progress builds on earlier stakeholder engagement with public agencies, private-sector operators, community networks, and local partners. Together they have identified tourism products and services with potential to meet TAT’s sustainability standards, including STGs Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating (STAR), the Thailand Tourism Awards, and CF-Hotels.

TAT has also delivered targeted upskilling programs for Chiang Mai tourism operators, focusing on sustainable practices, market readiness, and responsible product development. In parallel, stakeholders have co-developed Sustainable Tourism Journeys that reflect Chiang Mai’s Lanna culture, community life, local cuisine, handicrafts, nature, and wellness offerings.

The project builds on the success of the Krabi Prototype, TAT’s pioneering Blue Zones-based model, which advanced environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and community wellbeing, while establishing certified sustainable tourism routes. With Chiang Mai emerging as the northern prototype and additional destinations such as Ko Lanta in development, TAT continues to scale a practical model to support sustainable, high-value tourism across Thailand.

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Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said, “The United Kingdom remains one of Thailand’s most important long-haul markets, with arrivals reaching one million in 2025 as demand continued to grow. Through our Airline Focus strategy, TAT has worked closely with airline partners to support new and expanded services to Thailand. The Amazing Thailand Roadshow to UK 2026 builds on this momentum by strengthening trade partnerships, stimulating sales, and laying a stronger long-term foundation for quality growth from high-spending UK travellers.”

The roadshow brought together 19 Thai tourism sellers, comprising 16 hotels and three destination management companies from Bangkok, Krabi, Phuket, and Surat Thani. On the UK side, participation totalled 218 travel trade representatives: 47 travel agents in Glasgow, 83 in Manchester, and 78 travel agents plus 10 top-tier product managers in London.

In London, H.E. Mr. Nadhavathna Krishnamra, Ambassador of Thailand to the United Kingdom, welcomed participants and reinforced official support for Thailand’s tourism engagement with the UK market. In Manchester, TAT also organised a UK Tour Operators’ Panel Talk to update Thai operators on UK travel demand, Thailand’s competitiveness, and practical trade marketing recommendations.

Air connectivity continues to underpin UK market growth in 2026. Five airlines currently operate direct services between the UK and Thailand: Thai Airways International, EVA Air, British Airways, Norse Atlantic Airways, and TUI UK, with 35 weekly flights and more than 11,100 seats per week. British Airways’ year-round London Gatwick–Bangkok service from 31 March 2026 is expected to add nearly 60,000 seats this year, while Virgin Atlantic Airways has announced three weekly London Heathrow–Phuket flights for the winter 2026/2027 season, expanding access to key Thai destinations.

TAT will build on this access through ongoing cooperation with UK travel trade partners, media, influencers, and more than 10 leading industry partners, including Trailfinders, Travelbag, Kuoni, Healing Holidays, Destinology, Dial A Flight, Muay Thai Holidays, Southall Travel, and Best At Travel. These activities support TAT’s “Healing is the New Luxury” communication direction, focusing on nature, wellness, responsible travel, and emerging destinations across Thailand.

The United Kingdom is among Thailand’s top 10 visitor source markets. In 2025, Thailand welcomed more than one million UK visitors, generating over 74.515 billion Baht in tourism revenue. UK travellers recorded an average stay of 14.18 nights and average trip expenditure of 60,000–70,000 Baht per person, with Bangkok, Krabi, Phuket, Surat Thani, and Chiang Mai among their preferred destinations. Most travel independently, or with friends and partners, for holidays and leisure.

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Ms. Natthriya Thaweevong, Chairperson of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Board of Directors, TAT Governor Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, and senior TAT executives were present to receive Her Royal Highness and attend the opening ceremony, in connection with TAT’s support for the production of the La Mode en Majesté publication displayed as part of the exhibition.

La Mode en Majesté: Royal Thai Dress from Tradition to Modernity is organised by Musée des Arts Décoratifs in collaboration with the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles and the Sustainable Arts and Crafts Institute of Thailand, under the patronage of Her Royal Highness. It commemorates the 340th anniversary of the first diplomatic mission between Siam and France and the 170th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between Thailand and France.

The exhibition unfolds across seven galleries, tracing the evolution of Thai dress from the 1960s to the present through royal attire, textiles, craftsmanship, and contemporary design. It includes the eight styles of Chud Thai Phra Ratchaniyom, royal attire associated with Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, works linked to Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana and Her Royal Highness, and more than 200 contemporary works by Thai designers, including works by SIRIVANNAVARI, the brand creatively led by Her Royal Highness. The exhibition is on view until 1 November 2026.

Within this wider context, SIRIVANNAVARI presents three contemporary creations selected by Her Royal Highness in collaboration with the curatorial team, together with embroidery craftsmanship by Sirivannavari Atelier and Academy. The works extend the design direction seen in SIRIVANNAVARI’s Milan Fashion Week presentations, where Thai textiles and traditional silhouettes are interpreted through an international fashion lens.

The three creations include an evening gown inspired by traditional Thai dress with a double-ended sabai; a sculptural mudmee silk gown with dimensional floral bead embroidery; and a modern two-piece ensemble reimagining the Raj Pattern costume. Together, they present Thai textiles and royal dress heritage as a living expression of contemporary Thai design.

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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) advises travellers that Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has updated Ebola virus disease prevention measures for arrivals from designated risk areas. The updated measures apply to travellers arriving from or transiting through the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, which have been designated as dangerous communicable disease areas.

From 27 May 2026 at 18.00 Hrs. onwards, travellers arriving from or transiting through these two countries are permitted to enter Thailand through Suvarnabhumi Airport only. On arrival, communicable disease control officers will conduct screening and issue instructions in accordance with Thailand’s Communicable Diseases Act.

Travellers from or through the designated areas who do not have symptoms will be required to undergo quarantine at a place designated by the authorities for at least 21 days. Travellers who have symptoms compatible with Ebola virus disease will be referred for isolation at a designated public health facility for at least 21 days.

Before travelling, foreign nationals from affected areas must register through the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). Thai nationals must register through Thai Health Pass at airline check-in. Travellers are also advised to provide accurate travel history and health information for airline and arrival screening.

Airlines are required to screen passengers before departure and submit passenger information to communicable disease control officers in advance. Travellers should allow additional time for checks and follow instructions from airline staff and Thai health officials.

Thai nationals in Thailand are advised to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. Those who need to travel should register with the Royal Thai Embassy in the destination country, follow local health guidance, and prepare for screening and quarantine measures on return.

The update follows the World Health Organization’s determination that the Ebola virus disease outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, but not a pandemic emergency.

The measures will remain in place until the situation improves or further notice is issued by the World Health Organization and Thai health authorities. Travellers are advised to monitor official announcements, and TAT will provide updates once additional information is confirmed by the Ministry of Public Health or relevant Thai authorities. For public health information, travellers may contact the Department of Disease Control hotline at 1422.

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Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said, “Tasteful Thailand reflects the strength of Thai gastronomy as a living expression of culture, community, and destination identity. This recognition affirms TAT’s direction to present Thai food not only as a world-renowned cuisine but also as a meaningful travel experience rooted in local ingredients, heritage, and people. The project also aligns with our strategy to position Thailand as a leading gastronomy tourism destination for quality travellers.”

Created for Tencent Video and WeTV, Tasteful Thailand engages new-generation Chinese travellers, who combine travel with food discovery. The series supports TAT’s content-led approach to strengthening destination perception and inspiring travel through gastronomy, culture, soft power, and place-based storytelling.

Across 10 episodes, each running 10–15 minutes, the documentary traces the origins of Thai flavour through distinctive ingredients, local food cultures, and leading Thai chefs, connecting culinary creativity with community knowledge, local sourcing, and nearby travel experiences. Featured routes include sticky rice in Chiang Mai, lemongrass in Khon Kaen, mackerel in Samut Songkhram, palm sugar in Phetchaburi, chilli in Phuket, pla ra (fermented fish) in Khon Kaen and Udon Thani, coconut milk on Ko Samui in Surat Thani, basil in Kanchanaburi, Yen Ta Fo (pink noodle soup) in Bangkok, and scented sweets in Bangkok.

The series began airing on Tencent Video and WeTV on 20 December 2025, supported by teaser content, interviews with the Chinese director about his filming experience in Thailand, social media promotion across WeChat, Douyin, Weibo, and Xiaohongshu, and behind-the-scenes content from the Sanook Social Team.

The Telly Awards honour excellence in video and television across all screens. Founded in 1979, the awards receive more than 13,000 entries annually from six continents, with winners representing leading agencies, broadcasters, production companies, publishers, and digital creators worldwide. The recognition reinforces the global appeal of Thai gastronomy and Thailand’s strength in culture-led tourism storytelling.

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Ms. Suladda Sarutilavan, Executive Director of the TAT Europe Region, said, “Poland is one of Thailand’s rising European markets, and the new Warsaw–Bangkok service creates a direct gateway from Central Europe to Thailand. Through this Tabletop Sale, TAT is connecting Thai suppliers with Polish travel partners to translate strong interest into tangible travel demand and reinforce Thailand’s position as a preferred long-haul destination for Polish travellers.”

LOT Polish Airlines will launch the Warsaw–Bangkok service on 7 October 2026 with three weekly flights, increasing to five weekly frequencies from 26 October 2026 throughout the winter 2026/2027 season. The approximately 10-hour 20-minute route will be operated by Boeing 787 Dreamliners aircraft with 252 seats. The airline has reported strong interest among Polish travellers, with substantial reservations already recorded on its website for the inaugural flight.

The new route strengthens direct access between Thailand and Poland, giving travellers an alternative to itineraries that previously required connections through major European or Middle Eastern gateways. It also supports Thailand’s wider efforts to expand long-haul access from Central Europe.

To support the route launch, TAT placed the Tabletop Sale at the centre of the four-day Bangkok programme, creating a dedicated platform for Thai tourism operators and Polish travel trade representatives to exchange market insights, present travel products, and develop opportunities for the upcoming winter season.

The familiarisation trip brought 10 delegates to Bangkok, comprising two LOT Polish Airlines executives and representatives from leading Polish travel companies, including Almatur, Best Reisen, eSKY, eTravel, Flugo, Hurra, Profitravel, and Weco-travel.

Ahead of the Tabletop Sale, the programme introduced Bangkok’s cultural heritage, Thai wellness traditions, local lifestyles, cuisine, hotel products, riverside experiences, and contemporary attractions. Highlights included the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho, Pak Khlong Talat, a Thai flower garland workshop, a canal tour to Khlong Bang Luang community, a Thai spa experience, a tuk tuk night tour, Yaowarat, ICONSIAM, Mahanakhon SkyWalk, and inspections at leading Bangkok hotels.

Poland continues to show strong growth potential for Thailand. In 2025, Thailand welcomed 237,570 Polish visitors, up 31.46% from 2024. From 1 January to 18 May 2026, Polish arrivals reached 137,772, an increase of 17.08% over the same period in 2025. The new direct Warsaw–Bangkok route is expected to generate approximately 47,000 visitors and 3.196 billion Baht in tourism revenue during the winter 2026/2027. Furthermore, TAT forecasts a continued growth to around 49,000 visitors and approximately 3.3 billion Baht in revenue during the winter season of 2027–2028.

Polish travellers are among Thailand’s promising European markets, with strong interest in Bangkok, Krabi, Ko Samui, and Chiang Mai. Their average length of stay is around 14 days, and they spend about 68,800 Baht/person/trip. This is supporting Thailand’s strategy to grow quality tourism through longer stays, higher-value travel experiences, and stronger regional distribution.

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The direction follows a national security policy workshop chaired by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H.E. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul at Government House on 21 May 2026. The meeting set a clearer framework for cross-agency cooperation, with safety, transparency, and quality placed at the centre of Thailand’s tourism and economic development.

Under this approach, the Ministry of Interior, the Royal Thai Police, the Ministry of Justice, and national security agencies are working with local administrative bodies, provincial governors, and regional police commanders to improve prevention, intelligence sharing, and operational response. Technology and data systems are being used to support risk monitoring and safety management in tourism cities, high-risk areas, and key economic districts.

For the tourism sector, enforcement is being directed at practices that undermine visitors’ confidence and fair competition. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Tourist Police Bureau, the Department of Business Development, and security agencies are conducting inspections and taking legal action against unlawful operators in major destinations nationwide, particularly nominee businesses, illegal tour operators, and unlicensed guides.

Alongside enforcement, TAT is strengthening preventive confidence through Trusted Thailand, a recognised benchmark for safety and service quality across four categories of tourism establishments: hotels, accommodation, and homestays; restaurants and dining venues; shopping centres and retail complexes; and recreational facilities and tourist attractions.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said, “Thailand’s long-term competitiveness depends on the confidence that travellers, operators, and international partners place in the destination. Through Trusted Thailand, TAT is helping translate this national direction into practical standards across the visitor journey, while supporting a tourism environment built on safety, fairness, credibility, and sustainable value.”

Together, these measures are shaping a Tourism Safety Ecosystem that connects traveller protection, lawful business practice, quality standards, and proactive destination communication. The framework supports Thailand’s shift from volume-led growth towards high-value and sustainable tourism, where safety and service quality are integral to the visitor experience.

TAT will continue to work with government agencies and tourism partners to expand recognised standards, strengthen confidence-building efforts, and communicate Thailand’s readiness to international markets. This direction reinforces Thailand’s position as a trusted destination for travellers and investors, with safety, quality, and sustainability guiding the long-term development of the tourism industry.

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