🇯🇵 Japan•Travel•Oct 21, 2026
Japan tourist spending rises despite drop in visitor arrivals
Japan tourist spending rises despite drop in visitor arrivals
Asia & Philippines news
The day's most relevant stories from the Philippines and Asia's major countries. Links to original sources.
🇹🇭 Thailand•Travel•Oct 21, 2026
Thailand pushes back against China’s tourist kidnapping warning
Thailand’s foreign minister has urged China to avoid causing panic with its kidnapping warning to travellers after the Chinese embassy raised concerns about fake job offers targeting Chinese nationals in Thailand. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow a
🇹🇭 Thailand•Travel•Oct 21, 2026
Suvarnabhumi Airport responds to baggage tampering allegations
Suvarnabhumi Airport says its security officers did not open a passenger’s checked luggage following a complaint about suspected tampering on a flight to China, just days after new baggage inspection rules took effect. The airport released its findings today, October 21, after th
🇹🇭 Thailand•Travel•Oct 20, 2026
Thai tourism minister answers China’s kidnapping warning
Thailand’s tourism minister has responded to a Chinese Embassy travel warning about kidnappings and human trafficking, insisting that genuine holidaymakers should be safe in Thailand while promising closer cooperation with Chinese officials. Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Ph
🇨🇳 China•Travel•Oct 20, 2026
South Korea’s Seoul wants to put brakes on taxi overcharging
South Korea’s Seoul wants to put brakes on taxi overcharging
🇯🇵 Japan•Travel•Oct 19, 2026
Sydney’s new $4 billion airport set to open with barely any flights
Sydney’s new $4 billion airport set to open with barely any flights
🇲🇾 Malaysia•Travel•Oct 19, 2026
8 packages of Sabah Pan Borneo Highway to open before year-end
8 packages of Sabah Pan Borneo Highway to open before year-end
🇹🇭 Thailand•Travel•Oct 19, 2026
Virgin Atlantic begins first Thailand route to Phuket
Virgin Atlantic has launched its first route to Thailand, with direct flights between London Heathrow and Phuket beginning on October 18 as the island enters its high tourism season. The airline marked the inaugural service with a celebration shared on its official Facebook page.
🇹🇭 Thailand•Travel•Oct 19, 2026
Floating train to Pa Sak Jolasid Dam 2026: dates, fares and how to book
Thailand's state railway runs its floating train to Pa Sak Jolasid Dam in Lopburi on 26 days from November 7 to January 31. Return fares from Bangkok start at 350 baht. The story Floating train to Pa Sak Jolasid Dam 2026: dates, fares and how to book as seen on Thaiger News.
🇹🇭 Thailand•Travel•Oct 19, 2026
Affected Thai Airways passengers can now apply for compensation
Thai Airways invited passengers affected by flight disruptions and delayed baggage during late-September flooding to submit compensation claims through its customer service channels, with applications accepted from October 16. The airline announced the measure on its official Fac
🇹🇭 Thailand•Travel•Oct 18, 2026
Chinese embassy issues new Thailand travel warning over kidnappings
The Chinese embassy in Thailand has issued a new travel warning, urging Chinese citizens to plan trips carefully after a series of kidnappings involving Chinese visitors, the South China Morning Post reported on October 18, 2026. The notice singles out online influencers, artists
🇨🇳 China•Travel•Oct 17, 2026
China’s embassy issues fresh Thailand travel alert over kidnappings, job scams
China’s embassy issues fresh Thailand travel alert over kidnappings, job scams
🇹🇭 Thailand•Travel•Oct 17, 2026
Bangkok tuk tuk driver fined after charging tourists 4,000 baht
Hua Mak Police Station has fined a tuk tuk driver 1,500 baht after he charged two Russian tourists 4,000 baht (US$120) for a ride across Bangkok. The pair transferred only 400 baht when they reached their destination. The fare dispute took place on October 12 at around 11pm near
🇹🇭 Thailand•Travel•Oct 16, 2026
Thailand’s new baggage search rules take effect today
New Thailand baggage search rules take effect today, October 16, allowing airport security officers to open suspicious checked luggage without passengers being present. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) confirmed that the measures apply when X-ray screening identifi
🇸🇬 Singapore•Travel•Oct 15, 2026
Singapore Airlines will have new in-flight amenities across all cabin classes from November
These include a collectible drawstring pouch with the airline's batik motif, containing travel essentials, for economy class passengers, as well as sleeper suits for business class passengers.
🇯🇵 Japan•Travel•Oct 15, 2026
Japan raises alert for parts of Saudi Arabia, discouraging nonessential travel
Japan raises alert for parts of Saudi Arabia, discouraging nonessential travel
🇹🇭 Thailand•Travel•Oct 15, 2026
What to do in Bangkok this November 2026
November is when Bangkok finally exhales. The rains ease off, the humidity drops a notch, and the city slides into its golden window of cool, dry evenings that locals wait all year for. It is also the month of Loy Krathong, when the Chao Phraya glows with candlelit baskets and th
🇹🇭 Thailand•Travel•Oct 15, 2026
Thai pilgrims get new flights after Riyadh airport strike
Thai pilgrims stranded at Suvarnabhumi International Airport have begun travelling to Saudi Arabia after Saudia arranged an emergency replacement flight, while others have returned home to await safer travel conditions following missile attacks on Riyadh’s main airport. Deputy In
🇲🇾 Malaysia•Travel•Oct 14, 2026
Firefly extends Subang-S’pore flight cancellations amid worsening haze
Firefly extends Subang-S’pore flight cancellations amid worsening haze
🇹🇭 Thailand•Travel•Oct 14, 2026
Where to celebrate Halloween in Bangkok 2026
Bangkok does not need an excuse to throw a party, but Halloween always brings out the city’s wildest, most creative side. In 2026, the big night lands on Saturday 31 October, so the celebrations spill across the whole weekend, from Friday 30 October to Sunday 1 November — warehou
🇹🇭 Thailand•Travel•Oct 14, 2026
Thailand tourist arrivals reach 23.94 million, target still distant
Thailand recorded 23.94 million foreign tourist arrivals from January 1 to October 10, leaving another 12.76 million needed to reach its 2026 target of 36.7 million visitors. The Economics Tourism and Sports Division reported that foreign arrivals were down 4.04% from the same pe
🇹🇭 Thailand•Travel•Oct 14, 2026
Foreigners face 4,000-baht tuk tuk fare after The Weeknd concert
A Bangkok tuk tuk fare dispute has divided social media after a driver demanded 4,000 baht from two foreign tourists for a ride following The Weeknd concert, only for the pair to pay 400 baht and call him a “scammer”. The dispute began after the driver picked up the male and fema
🇸🇬 Singapore•Travel•Oct 13, 2026
16 flights diverted from Seletar Airport between Oct 5 and Oct 11 as haze lowered visibility
Changi Airport and Seletar Airport remain operational, but additional measures will be implemented if the haze situation worsens, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and Changi Airport Group said.
🇯🇵 Japan•Travel•Oct 13, 2026
Thailand eyes $30 departure tax for tourists in revenue push
Thailand eyes $30 departure tax for tourists in revenue push
🇨🇳 China•Travel•Oct 13, 2026
79,500 passenger trips, 8,000 vehicle movements at new Huanggang Port on opening day
79,500 passenger trips, 8,000 vehicle movements at new Huanggang Port on opening day
🇹🇭 Thailand•Travel•Oct 12, 2026
Thailand clarifies rules for opening checked bags without passengers present
CAAT says suspicious checked bags may be opened without passengers present, with searches recorded and passengers notified afterwards. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has clarified procedures allowing security staff to open checked baggage when screening identifie
🇹🇭 Thailand•Travel•Oct 12, 2026
Thailand road crashes kill around 120 tourists annually
Around 120 foreign tourists die in road accidents in Thailand each year, with 91 deaths already recorded in the first nine months of 2026, according to figures highlighted by road safety campaigners calling for tougher penalties against drink-driving. The figures have raised conc
🇹🇭 Thailand•Travel•Oct 11, 2026
Thai Hotels Association rejects 1,000-baht departure tax
The Thai Hotels Association (THA) has formally opposed a proposed air departure tax for all nationalities, warning that the measure could increase travel costs and weaken demand for air travel to Thailand. THA president Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun said on October 9 that the associ
🇹🇭 Thailand•Travel•Oct 11, 2026
Thailand, Timor-Leste speed up deal for direct flights
Thailand and Timor-Leste agreed to speed up an air services agreement that could pave the way for direct flights between Bangkok and Dili during talks in Bangkok on October 9. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão at Government H
🇵🇭 Philippines•Travel•Oct 10, 2026
Bohol governor hopeful of tourism industry rebound
Bohol governor hopeful of tourism industry rebound
🇨🇳 China•Travel•Oct 9, 2026
Travel agencies tout Huanggang Port tours, but security chief urges later visits
Travel agencies tout Huanggang Port tours, but security chief urges later visits
🇹🇭 Thailand•Travel•Oct 9, 2026
Thai tourism association seeks delay to new air travel tax
Thailand’s tourism industry is urging the Finance Ministry to delay a proposed 1,000-baht departure tax on international air passengers, warning that the additional charge could discourage travel and place further financial pressure on families, airlines and small businesses. The
🇨🇳 China•Travel•Oct 9, 2026
Hong Kong and Shenzhen confirm Huanggang Port to open on Monday
Hong Kong and Shenzhen confirm Huanggang Port to open on Monday
🇹🇭 Thailand•Travel•Oct 9, 2026
Five Hua Hin-area hotels recognised among 71 across Thailand
Five hotels in and around Hua Hin have been recognised in the Michelin Guide’s 2026 hotel selection, with two properties receiving the distinction for the first time as Thailand’s total number of recognised hotels increases to 71. The results, announced previously on September 18
🇰🇷 South Korea•Travel•Oct 8, 2026
Gov't 'undecided' on plan to raise admission fees to royal palaces, tombs
Gov't 'undecided' on plan to raise admission fees to royal palaces, tombs
🇸🇬 Singapore•Travel•Oct 8, 2026
Singapore hotel rates soar as F1, MICE events drive tourism demand
Some hotel rooms are going for more than seven times their usual rates, amid a packed calendar of over 40 business conferences and gatherings around the Formula 1 period.
🇹🇭 Thailand•Travel•Oct 8, 2026
Bangkok readies flood defences for IMF-World Bank meetings
Bangkok is preparing drainage crews, mobile pumps and emergency response measures around venues for the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings 2026 from October 12 to 16. Surapong Sarapa, director of the Meteorological Department’s Weather Forecast Division, said yesterday, October 7, th
🇹🇭 Thailand•Travel•Oct 8, 2026
Warsaw-Bangkok direct flights launched as Thailand seeks more Polish tourists
LOT Polish Airlines has launched direct flights between Warsaw and Bangkok, adding a new link between Thailand and Central Europe ahead of the year-end travel season. The first flight, LO65, departed Warsaw at 3.45pm local time yesterday, October 7, and arrived at Suvarnabhumi Ai
🇹🇭 Thailand•Travel•Oct 8, 2026
Bangkok tops magazine’s 2026 city vote after missing last year’s list
Bangkok has been named the best city in the world for 2026 by readers of Condé Nast Traveller, topping the magazine’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards with a score of 97.68. The Thai capital finished ahead of Paris, Istanbul, Rome, Tokyo and Sydney, having missed the top 20 last yea
🇯🇵 Japan•Travel•Oct 7, 2026
Tokyo’s historic Hyakudan Kaidan building reopens after one year
Tokyo’s historic Hyakudan Kaidan building reopens after one year
🇹🇭 Thailand•Travel•Oct 7, 2026
5 things to do in Bangkok this weekend (October 9 to 11)
Bangkok’s weekend begins with one of the city’s most recognisable annual traditions. Yaowarat is going vegetarian to mark the start of the kin jay festival, bringing food stalls, worship, and processions into Chinatown as the nine-day observance begins. Away from the crowds, ther
🇹🇭 Thailand•Travel•Oct 7, 2026
Thailand plans free tours for passengers on long layovers
Thailand is preparing to launch free short tours for international transit passengers with long layovers, with a pilot planned at four major airports from early 2027. The stopover tours would allow eligible travellers with around six to eight hours between flights to leave the ai
🇲🇾 Malaysia•Travel•Oct 7, 2026
KLIA aerotrain to undergo software upgrade after 20,000 operational hours
KLIA aerotrain to undergo software upgrade after 20,000 operational hours
🇨🇳 China•Travel•Oct 6, 2026
Registration on both sides of border needed for Huanggang ‘joint clearance’
Registration on both sides of border needed for Huanggang ‘joint clearance’
🇻🇳 Vietnam•Travel•Oct 6, 2026
Plankton bloom turns Thai island waters a bright, smelly green
The sea off Thailand's popular tourist island of Ko Lan turned a bright, pungent green this week as heavy rains and floods helped spark a plankton bloom that kept some swimmers on shore.
🇸🇬 Singapore•Travel•Oct 5, 2026
Birthday cakes, money bouquet among undeclared goods found at Singapore checkpoints
Birthday cakes, money bouquet among undeclared goods found at Singapore checkpoints
🇸🇬 Singapore•Travel•Oct 4, 2026
TWG Tea opens its largest store in the world at Changi Airport – with its first permanent museum
The Singapore-born tea brand’s new 2,700 sq ft flagship brings together more than 1,000 teas, a museum of antique tea wares and exclusive creations for travellers on the move.
🇸🇬 Singapore•Travel•Oct 3, 2026
Just four hours from Singapore, Sri Lanka offers two very different safari experiences
Yala may be famous for its big cats, but elephants, mouse-deer, crocodiles and birdlife make the journey just as memorable when the star attraction fails to appear.
🇹🇭 Thailand•Travel•Oct 4, 2026
Suvarnabhumi baggage backlog tied to outsourced ground staff
Staffing practices at Suvarnabhumi Airport are under scrutiny after passenger baggage piled up and acceptance of new air cargo was temporarily suspended. Reports point to outsourced ground-handling workers hired on daily or freelance terms without permanent contracts. Flooding is
🇹🇭 Thailand•Travel•Sep 30, 2026
Thai Airways cancels 37 additional flights through October 1
Thai Airways yesterday, September 29, announced the cancellation of additional flights on certain routes from 29 September to 1 October 2026. The affected flights are as follows. September 29 International flights: Bangkok to Dhaka, TG339 Bangkok to Seoul, TG658 Bangkok to Bengal
🇲🇾 Malaysia•Travel•Sep 30, 2026
KLIA Express, Transit fares to rise by RM10 in 2027
KLIA Express, Transit fares to rise by RM10 in 2027
🇹🇭 Thailand•Travel•Sep 28, 2026
Thailand toll-free roads extended until September 29
Eleven toll-free roads and expressways in Thailand will remain available until midnight tomorrow, September 29, as flooding continues to disrupt travel in Bangkok and surrounding areas. The Department of Highways (DOH) announced on Sunday, September 27, that toll waivers on Inter
🇹🇭 Thailand•Travel•Sep 28, 2026
Khao Yai park closure extended after bridge collapse
The Khao Yai closure has been extended indefinitely after floodwater destroyed a bridge leading to the Haew Narok Waterfall viewpoint following days of heavy rain, park officials announced yesterday, September 27. Khao Yai National Park had already suspended tourism and overnight
🇲🇾 Malaysia•Travel•Sep 27, 2026
Families of Malaysians missing in Nepal floods seek moratorium
Families of Malaysians missing in Nepal floods seek moratorium
🇵🇭 Philippines•Travel•Sep 27, 2026
Why India has searched passengers at Kathmandu airport for 26 years
Why India has searched passengers at Kathmandu airport for 26 years
🇹🇭 Thailand•Travel•Sep 27, 2026
Taxi carrying foreigner swept off by floodwaters on Sa Kaeo road
Villagers rescued a foreign man and his taxi driver after strong floodwaters swept their car off a road in Sa Kaeo yesterday, September 26, cutting short the passenger’s journey to visit his girlfriend. The incident occurred while a special disaster response team from Chachoengsa
🇵🇭 Philippines•Travel•Sep 26, 2026
Abra de Ilog-Puerto Galera road reopens after landslide
Keep on reading: Abra de Ilog-Puerto Galera road reopens after landslide]]>
🇹🇭 Thailand•Travel•Sep 25, 2026
AirAsia restores 10 Asian routes for 2026 high season
Thai AirAsia and Thai AirAsia X will restore 10 suspended international services from October and increase flights to Japan ahead of the year-end high season. The expansion will bring AirAsia’s international routes from Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport to as many as 53,
🇵🇭 Philippines•Travel•Sep 19, 2026
Wanderlust wins: Singapore Airlines says travel demand still taking off
Wanderlust wins: Singapore Airlines says travel demand still taking off
🇸🇬 Singapore•Travel•Sep 18, 2026
Singapore Airlines named world’s best airline for 2026
This is the sixth time the national carrier has claimed the world’s best airline title, having last done so in 2023.
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