Showing 1 - 10 of 105
Rethinking Thailand's visa-free policy
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 31/03/2026
» Thailand is planning to cut visa-free stays from 60 days to 30 days. This long-overdue change reflects growing concern over the effectiveness of immigration surveillance. Moreover, scaling down visa-free stays underscores the seriousness of the Anutin government's efforts to combat scammers, illegal work, and other underground activities that exploit easy visa access to turn Thailand into a base for under-the-table operations.
Target the young
Postbag, Published on 29/03/2026
» Re: "Population shrinks to 65.8m", (BP, March 26).
Global travel erases places we love
News, Richard Florida and Carlo Ratti, Published on 17/03/2026
» Venice is drowning -- not just in rising waters but also in tourists. The city is charging a day-tripper fee and has banned large tour groups and loudspeakers in an effort to curb the crush. Barcelona residents march with squirt guns and "Tourists go home" signs to protest rising rents and crowds. Amsterdam is moving to cap and eventually ban ocean-going cruise ships to reduce pollution and visitor pressure.
Phuket stands at a tourism crossroads
Oped, Ajaree Tavornmas, Published on 12/03/2026
» Phuket has long stood as one of Asia's most celebrated destinations. Framed by the Andaman Sea, its turquoise waters, rich cultural fabric and globally recognised hospitality have attracted millions of visitors for decades. Tourism accounts for approximately 95% of the province's economy, generating more than 500 billion baht annually from over 14 million Thai and international travellers. With around 1,500 registered hotels and more than 100,000 rooms, the island is undeniably a cornerstone of Thailand's tourism industry.
From conflict to shared prosperity
News, David Jay Green, Published on 10/02/2026
» The news from the front line, the border between Cambodia and Thailand, has a depressing familiarity. Another ceasefire is agreed upon, but it is accompanied by hostile statements from officials of both governments, and, in the past, such statements have led to aggressive action by one or both military forces. This opens the door to armed combat. People are killed or injured, property and infrastructure damaged, and people's livelihoods disrupted. We need to break this cycle; we need real peace.
Shaping Thailand's tourism future
Oped, Kulit Kiartsritara, Published on 22/01/2026
» The era of volume is dead. The next decade of Thai tourism will and must be shaped not by the number of arrivals, but by the economic value generated by those arrivals.
Strongman warning
Oped, Postbag, Published on 30/09/2025
» Re: "Authoritarians' brave new cities", (Opinion, Sept 23).
The rise of secondary destinations
Oped, Omri Morgenshtern, Published on 26/09/2025
» As we mark World Tourism Day tomorrow, we're turning the spotlight on one of the unsung heroes of travel -- secondary destinations. This international awareness day gives our industry an opportunity to take a pause and reflect on how travel is evolving. At Agoda, we see the growing popularity of secondary cities as a notable development in the travel market.
Victory for the few
Oped, Postbag, Published on 06/08/2025
» Re: "Thais will not slash all tariffs: Paopoom voices fear of hit to industries", (BP, July 18).
Taking on parks graft
Oped, Editorial, Published on 21/07/2025
» For a decade, Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park, especially the world-famous Maya Bay, has stood as a jewel of natural heritage tarnished by corruption. Despite repeated public outcries and half-hearted reform efforts, fee leakages and graft run wild.