Greetings from Thailand! 

There’s plenty to report from the Land of Smiles this month, from awards and special events to wellness retreats, international news and natural treasures. Let’s get started. 

First and foremost, I would like to take a moment to reassure our partners and clients regarding recent news from the Thailand–Cambodia border. I can confirm the situation is confined to remote areas that are far from tourist destinations and therefore does not affect any of our itineraries in Thailand.  

For travellers visiting both Thailand and Cambodia, we recommend air travel between the two countries, which remains fully operational. Despite some seasonal rain in the north, the green season brings cooler weather and beautiful scenery, while our Gulf coast beaches enjoy bright sunshine and fewer crowds. 

This August is a time for celebrating and nurturing our natural treasures. As part of Thailand’s annual conservation programme, the world-famous Maya Bay will be closed from 1 August until 30 September, allowing the marine environment to recover after a busy season. While the bay itself will not be accessible, tours to Phi Phi Island will continue as usual, with photo opportunities available from a designated viewpoint. Similar seasonal closures are also in place at Koh Kradan in Trang and at Koh Rok and Koh Haa in Mu Koh Lanta National Park. These measures help to protect our coral reefs and marine life, ensuring that Thailand’s islands continue amaze those who visit for many years to come. 

On 12 August, we will mark Her Majesty the Queen Mother’s birthday – a national holiday across Thailand. While our office will be closed that day, we continue to welcome guests from around the world throughout this vibrant month. 

Chiang Mai is very much in focus right now, having just been named the Best City in Asia by Travel + Leisure in the 2025 World’s Best Awards. This recognition reflects not only Chiang Mai’s timeless charm but also the growing appeal of its wellness offerings. Under the campaign “Go North, Young Man,” we are proud to promote Chiang Mai’s healing traditions and restorative experiences that bring happiness to both body and mind. 

At Panorama Destination Thailand, our teams continue to enhance service quality with ongoing training. Following successful guide training sessions in Bangkok and Chiang Mai in July, we will host further training in Phuket this month to ensure our guests receive the very best in service and expertise. We are delighted to be welcoming groups and FIT travellers from Europe, who are exploring all the highlights of Thailand by land, sea and air. 

We look forward to sharing this wonderful season with you and to providing your clients with memorable, worry‑free travel experiences. 

Warm regards, 

Pat Pattaranan Sappattarabune

General Manager, Panorama Destination Thailand