The day's most relevant stories from the Philippines and Asia's major countries. Links to original sources.
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
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’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
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'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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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,
Thai Airways will operate 66 routes worldwide during its 2026/27 winter schedule, adding a new Bangkok-Danang service and increasing frequencies on selected regional routes. The winter timetable will run from October 25, 2026, to March 27, 2027, Thai Airways executives said today
Perera says he paid 3,300 baht under pressure, days after an Indian tourist's similar complaint over herbal products. The story Sri Lankan tourist says he was pressured to buy herbs in Pattaya as seen on Thaiger News.
The 16,757 million baht route would cut the 30-minute trip between Kathu and Patong to five minutes through a mountain tunnel. EXAT targets opening in October 2031. The story Phuket tunnel would cut Patong drive from 30 minutes to five as seen on Thaiger News.
Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul orders a nationwide rollout of drones, tasers and AI cameras for Thailand's tourist police. The story Thai Tourist Police roll out more Tasers, AI cameras and drones as seen on Thaiger News.
Thailand is preparing for an influx of Chinese holidaymakers, with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) forecasting around 250,000 Chinese visitors during the extended Golden Week period from September 25 to October 7. The 13 day travel window spans both the Mid-Autumn Festiva
The Cabinet's September 1 meeting in Songkhla funded three lines from Chumphon to Padang Besar, but held back the Hat Yai to Songkhla section. The story Cabinet approves 106 billion baht for southern double-track railway as seen on Thaiger News.
TransNusa's first Bali-Phuket flight landed in Phuket on September 9 with all 174 seats filled, as Thailand courts more Indonesian visitors. The story TransNusa launches Bali-Phuket flights with full first service as seen on Thaiger News.
Japan's TSUTAYA BOOKSTORE opens its first Thailand branch on 20 October 2026 at The Storeys in One Bangkok, a partnership with Asia Books stocking over 50,000 titles. The story Tsutaya Bookstore sets October 20 opening for first Thai branch at One Bangkok as seen on Thaiger News.
Bangkok’s plan to replace its ageing cream-and-red buses with 1,520 electric vehicles has lost one of its two planned Chinese suppliers, although the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) says the project remains on schedule for 2027. Foton, which was originally due to supply com
Hua Hin Municipality has appointed a contractor to demolish 15 waterfront structures along Naresdamri Road after their owners failed to comply with removal orders following a final Supreme Administrative Court ruling. The Hua Hin waterfront demolition covers buildings between Hua
Udon Thani Airport officially gained international airport status today, September 4, after being added to Thailand’s list of airports permitted to handle international flights. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) issued a new announcement establishing the country’s a
BMTA says 1,520 leased electric buses will replace ageing non-air-conditioned buses, starting with inner-city routes including Route 191. The story Bangkok’s new electric bus fleet nears production as seen on Thaiger News.
Passengers aged 60 and above receive free priority check-in, baggage handling and seat-together help on all Thai AirAsia domestic flights from September 2. The story Thai AirAsia’s Silver Care offers seniors free perks as seen on Thaiger News.
Phuket is not one destination. The west coast has resort beaches and nightlife. The south has temples, viewpoints and quieter bays. Old Town has Sino-Portuguese architecture and a food culture UNESCO recognised in 2015. The sea around it connects to some of Southeast Asia’s most
Thailand has announced an updated visa-exemption list allowing tourists from 60 countries and territories to enter the kingdom without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. The Ministry of Interior announcement was published in the Royal Gazette on August 31 following Cabinet approv
Tourism Authority of Thailand now forecasts more than 55,000 million baht in revenue for Songkhla across all of 2026, driven by Malaysian and Singaporean arrivals. The story Songkhla tourism revenue hits 32 billion baht in seven months as seen on Thaiger News.
Heavy rain hit Kaeng Khoi district on August 30, stranding resort guests and washing a pickup truck off a weir The story Tourists rescued from resorts after flash floods hit Saraburi as seen on Thaiger News.
Thai AirAsia will add flights to and from Phuket during the fourth quarter of 2026, as the airline prepares for an expected rebound in domestic tourism over the high season. The airline will scale up its domestic network to a maximum of 135 flights per day between October and Dec
Bangkok has been named the world’s best city for nightlife in 2026 by Time Out, rising from 13th place last year to take the top spot ahead of Berlin, New York City, Melbourne and São Paulo. Time Out’s Best Cities for Nightlife 2026 ranking was based on a survey of more than 24,0
Thailand’s government has confirmed a tourist visa revocation policy targeting foreign visitors found to be causing trouble or acting inappropriately, following reports of disruptive behaviour in Phuket and Koh Samui. Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said th
The Tourism Authority of Thailand pairs 10 new FAM trip routes, including Khao Sam Roi Yot and Koh Samui, with its existing cash-rebate scheme for foreign film productions. The story TAT campaign aims to turn film locations into Thailand holidays as seen on Thaiger News.
Department of Highways will run the new 16.4km elevated Ekachai to Ban Phaeo stretch free of charge from August 28, ahead of tolling in 2029. The story M82 motorway free trial opens Ekachai to Ban Phaeo on August 28 as seen on Thaiger News.
A passenger reported belongings worth around 600,000 baht missing from a suitcase after flying from Bangkok to Krabi, prompting Suvarnabhumi Airport to investigate the baggage’s journey through the airport. The passenger posted on social media that they travelled on Thai VietJet
A foreign woman was rescued from the sea yesterday, August 22, after ignoring a red flag warning and entering the water at Nai Thon Beach in Phuket, where strong waves and currents left her unconscious. The incident was reported by the Facebook page โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต, which sh
A Thai Airways flight bound for Bangkok was forced to turn back to Frankfurt yesterday after declaring an in-flight emergency over a landing gear fault. Flight TG921 departed Frankfurt Airport in Germany at 12.34pm local time on its scheduled route to Bangkok. Around thirty eight
SRT Electrified Train Company (SRTET) already runs the Red Line commuter rail. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has asked it to prepare to take over management of the Airport Rail Link. That would happen if Asia Era One’s operating contract lapses on September 30. Air Chief Ma
Thailand’s M6 motorway between Bang Pa-in and Pak Chong will be free to use every weekend, starting today, August 21. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn announced the change. The road will be open from noon Friday through midnight Sunday, cutting
Bangkok has secured eighth place worldwide in a new global tourism study, with the Thai capital’s tourism ranking placing it ahead of Okinawa and Chicago and just behind Rome. The 2026 Global Tourism City Attractiveness Index, published by Yanolja Research on July 16, evaluated 2
Passport holders from 31 additional countries should gain access to the airport's automated lanes by the end of August. The story Suvarnabhumi Auto Gate to open to 31 more nationalities as seen on Thaiger News.
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