A selection of bitesize stories and positive developments making the news in the Land of Smiles recently:
30-day visa-free stays to take effect on 15 September
The new 30-day limit for visa-free stays in Thailand has been formally announced and will take effect on 15 Sept for visitors from 60 countries. The Royal Gazette published the announcement signed by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Monday (31/8). The change will take effect 15 days after publication. The cabinet earlier this year decided to reduce visa-free stays from 60 days to 30 days for visitors from many countries in response to growing concerns that the system was being abused.
(source: Bangkok Post)
TAT welcomes TransNusa Airlines inaugural Jakarta–Bangkok service
On 6 August, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) welcomed TransNusa Airlines flight 8B381 from Jakarta on its inaugural arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, marking the successful launch of a new twice-daily direct service between the Indonesian and Thai capitals. The flight arrived at full capacity with 174 Indonesian passengers, signalling strong demand for the route.
(source: TATnews)
Bangkok tops Time Out’s global nightlife list for 2026
Bangkok has climbed from 13th place last year to the top of Time Out’s Best Cities for Nightlife 2026 ranking, placing Thailand’s capital ahead of some of the world’s most established after-dark destinations. Time Out attributed Bangkok’s first-place finish to the breadth of experiences available after sunset, from skyline rooftop bars and large clubs to neighbourhood cocktail venues, street-side bars, late-night restaurants and a lively LGBTQ+ scene.
(source: Nation Thailand)
Thailand targets double tourism value by 2035
Thailand is advancing a broad visitor economy framework, reclassifying who counts as a visitor and measuring diverse spending streams to reach a 2035 target of six trillion baht (US$185 billion) per year – roughly double the country’s current annual tourism income – in economic value, alongside the creation of at least 1.2 million new jobs. The framework positions visitors as a driving force for the broader economy. Rather than focusing solely on increasing tourist numbers, the national strategy aims to drive economic value, investment, employment and quality of life across all regions.
(source: TTG Asia)
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