A message from Panorama Destination Thailand
Hello from Bangkok!
September is an important month for us here at Panorama Destination Thailand, as we prepare for the approaching high season while continuing to welcome travellers from around the world. Groups and FIT guests from Europe are currently exploring Thailand with us, while arrivals from the US market will begin to pick up from September. Behind the scenes, we are also investing in our people, with our annual guides and tour leaders training taking place in the first week of the month, alongside First Aid training for our guides and staff.
There are also several important industry developments to share. From 15 September, Thailand will reduce visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days for eligible visitors from 60 countries, so we recommend that partners take note of the new arrangements when planning longer itineraries. Regional connectivity is also improving, with TransNusa launching its new twice-daily Jakarta–Bangkok service, adding more than 130,000 seats annually and strengthening travel links between Indonesia and Thailand. Bangkok’s hospitality scene is expanding too, with the arrival of Thailand’s first Fairmont hotel at Sukhumvit 18.
September also brings plenty of reasons to travel. The Bangkok International Festival of Performing Arts and Music runs from 5 September to 17 October, bringing opera, ballet, dance and music from leading international companies to the Thailand Cultural Centre. Later in the month, Sakon Nakhon hosts the Bun Duean Sip, Traditional Long Boat Race, Lai Ruea Fai and Phra Kaeo Worship Festival from 20–26 September, combining traditional celebrations with racing, illuminated boats, local food and live entertainment. Our destination spotlight this month is Kanchanaburi, where fascinating Second World War history meets the River Kwai and the beautiful waterfalls and forests of Erawan National Park. We will also be introducing you to the lesser-known charms of Samut Songkhram, from salt farms and palm sugar villages to floating markets and the famous railway market.
September and October remain excellent months to experience Thailand. The green season brings lush landscapes, fewer visitors and attractive prices. Although some rain can be expected, particularly along the Andaman coast, showers are often short-lived and the season provides an opportunity to discover Thailand at a more relaxed pace. Meanwhile, our team will be at IFTM Top Resa in Paris from 15–17 September, and we look forward to catching up with many of our partners there. As we prepare our people and products for another busy high season, our focus remains the same: ensuring every journey is carefully prepared, smoothly delivered and memorable.
See you in Paris!
Pat Pattaranan Sappattarabune
General Manager, Panorama Destination Thailand
