A selection of bitesize stories and positive developments making the news in the Land of Smiles recently:
Thailand changes visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days
Probably the most important practical update this month: from 15 September 2026, Thailand ended its 60-day visa-exemption scheme and introduced revised arrangements. Travellers from 60 countries and territories, including the UK, US, Australia and most major European markets, are now eligible for 30-day visa-free stays for tourism. Separate 15-day exemptions and Visa on Arrival arrangements apply to a smaller number of nationalities. The change is highly relevant to inbound operators, particularly those handling long-stay and multi-destination itineraries.
(source: TAT Newsroom)
Thailand’s inbound market shows signs of recovery ahead of high season
Thailand recorded 22.18 million international arrivals between 1 January and 19 September, generating approximately THB1.08 trillion in tourism revenue. Although cumulative arrivals remained 3.67% below 2025, the latest weekly figures were more encouraging: arrivals rose 5.72% week-on-week, led by Malaysia (+29.12%) and Japan (+55.36%). China remained Thailand’s largest source market with 3.73 million visitors, followed by Malaysia, India, Russia and South Korea. The figures suggest improving short-haul momentum as Thailand approaches its crucial October–December high season.
(source: nationthailand)
New Riyadh–Bangkok route strengthens Middle East connectivity
Riyadh Air launched its first direct Riyadh–Bangkok service on 3 September, initially operating three times weekly before increasing to daily flights in October. The service adds around 3,840 inbound seats per month at its initial frequency and supports Thailand’s efforts to develop the high-value Saudi and wider Middle Eastern markets. TAT says Saudi travellers typically stay around 10–12 days and spend approximately THB110,000 per trip, with demand increasingly extending beyond Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya to destinations including Krabi, Phang-nga, Ko Samui and Chiang Mai.
(source: TAT Newsroom)
Thailand makes renewed push for Chinese visitors ahead of Golden Week
TAT launched an expanded Nihao Month 2026 campaign on 15 September, targeting China’s Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day Golden Week. Thailand expects around 250,000 Chinese arrivals between 25 September and 7 October, potentially generating THB11.5 billion in tourism revenue. ForwardKeys data cited by TAT show October bookings to Thailand up 16%, while flight searches from China have risen 24%. Importantly for the travel trade, six new direct China–Thailand routes are launching across September and October, providing additional capacity heading into high season.
(source: TAT Newsroom)
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