A selection of bitesize stories and positive developments making the news in the Land of Smiles recently:
Thailand Targets 36.7 Million Foreign Tourists in 2026
TAT has prepared several tourism promotion campaigns aiming to attract 36.7 million foreign visitors and 210 million domestic trips in 2026, targeting 3 trillion baht in revenue.
Thailand ended 2025 with 32.97 million foreign visitors, a decline of 7.23% year-on-year, as travel patterns shifted following global economic and geopolitical pressures. Despite the drop in arrivals overall, the tourism industry generated an impressive 2.7 trillion baht in revenue.
(source: Nation Thailand)
Uzbekistan Airways Boost Tourism Links With Thailand
In a move aimed at strengthening tourism ties between Uzbekistan and Thailand, Uzbekistan Airways has stepped up its efforts to promote Uzbekistan as a top travel destination for Thai travellers. Known for its rich history, cultural treasures, and diverse landscapes, Uzbekistan is increasingly capturing the attention of tourists from Southeast Asia, and particularly from Thailand. Uzbekistan Airways has been actively working to highlight the country’s unique offerings and encourage Thai tourists to explore this fascinating Central Asian nation.
(source: TTL)
Thailand Boat Festival 2026 Showcases Marine Tourism
From 15-18 January, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) supported the Thailand Boat Festival 2026 held at Phuket Boat Lagoon, as part of efforts to strengthen regional marine tourism cooperation and cross-border connectivity under the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) framework. The festival brought together public and private sector stakeholders from Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, including tourism authorities, marina operators, yacht and cruise service providers, and related businesses. The event served as a platform to discuss marine tourism development, workforce readiness and service standards across the subregion.
(source: TTG Asia)
New Phuket and Pattaya Flights Increase Long-haul Connectivity
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently welcomed Belavia Belarusian Airlines’ inaugural direct flight from Minsk to Pattaya (U-Tapao Rayong–Pattaya International Airport) on 9 January at 12.00 Hrs. It is part of a two-route expansion from Belarus to Pattaya and Phuket (landing 12 January at 12.25 Hrs) that increases long-haul connectivity to Thailand under the TAT’s airline focus strategy that extends the country’s reach into a new high-value European markets.
(source: Tourism Authority Thailand)
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