Travel India - Thailand info

Bangkok, 27 November 2025 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) welcomed the inaugural Arkia Israeli Airlines direct service from Tel Aviv to Bangkok, with flight IZ591 arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport on 26 November at 15.50 Hrs. The new route represents a strategic expansion of Thailand’s long-haul air access and directly supports TAT’s airline focus strategy to grow high-potential markets through strengthened direct connectivity.

The welcome ceremony was presided over by Ms. Pornsiri Chardpornpun, Director Europe Market Division, and Ms. Meytal Dahan Mizrahi, Chief Operating Officer of Arkia Israeli Airlines, together with Thailand’s public and private-sector tourism partners in extending a warm reception to the airline and its passengers.

Ms. Pornsiri said the launch of Arkia’s direct service enhances Thailand’s long-haul network and advances TAT’s airline focus strategy by creating additional access from a high-value market with resilient travel demand. She added that direct connectivity is essential to reinforcing Thailand’s global competitiveness and ensuring the kingdom remains a preferred long-stay destination for quality travellers.

Arkia Israeli Airlines is Israel’s second-largest carrier and a longstanding player in the country’s aviation and travel industry. The airline launches the Tel Aviv–Bangkok route with a 286-seat Airbus A330-200, operating two flights weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays.

The new service introduces an important alternative to the national carrier El Al Israel Airlines, which previously operated the only direct flights between the two countries, thereby expanding travel options and supporting continued market growth. TAT and Arkia are also preparing joint campaigns to further strengthen demand from the Israeli market.

Israel remains one of Thailand’s strongest and fastest-growing long-haul source markets. Between 1 January and 17 November 2025, Thailand recorded 356,446 Israeli arrivals, up nearly 50 per cent year-on-year and the highest among Middle Eastern markets.

Travel rebounded rapidly following the reopening of Israeli airspace in mid-2025, with demand holding steady throughout the year. The country consistently ranks among the top ten for advanced airline bookings during the October 2025–March 2026 period, reflecting sustained confidence in Thailand.

Israeli visitors are high-value, long-stay travellers, averaging 86,406 Baht spending per trip with an average stay of 19.17 days. The market is dominated by FIT travellers, many visiting for the first time, with strong preferences for extended stays, family-oriented travel, wellness experiences, and work-and-travel lifestyles.

TAT projects that arrivals from Israel will exceed 400,000 by the end of 2025, generating an estimated 34.56 billion Baht in tourism revenue.

The post TAT welcomes inaugural Arkia Israeli Airlines flight on the Tel Aviv–Bangkok route appeared first on TAT Newsroom.

from TAT Newsroom https://ift.tt/0Uk1ojw

Bangkok, 27 November 2025 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) welcomed the inaugural Arkia Israeli Airlines direct service from Tel Aviv to Bangkok, with flight IZ591 arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport on 26 November at 15.50 Hrs. The new route represents a strategic expansion of Thailand’s long-haul air access and directly supports TAT’s airline focus strategy to grow high-potential markets through strengthened direct connectivity.

The welcome ceremony was presided over by Ms. Pornsiri Chardpornpun, Director Europe Market Division, and Ms. Meytal Dahan Mizrahi, Chief Operating Officer of Arkia Israeli Airlines, together with Thailand’s public and private-sector tourism partners in extending a warm reception to the airline and its passengers.

Ms. Pornsiri said the launch of Arkia’s direct service enhances Thailand’s long-haul network and advances TAT’s airline focus strategy by creating additional access from a high-value market with resilient travel demand. She added that direct connectivity is essential to reinforcing Thailand’s global competitiveness and ensuring the kingdom remains a preferred long-stay destination for quality travellers.

Arkia Israeli Airlines is Israel’s second-largest carrier and a longstanding player in the country’s aviation and travel industry. The airline launches the Tel Aviv–Bangkok route with a 286-seat Airbus A330-200, operating two flights weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays.

The new service introduces an important alternative to the national carrier El Al Israel Airlines, which previously operated the only direct flights between the two countries, thereby expanding travel options and supporting continued market growth. TAT and Arkia are also preparing joint campaigns to further strengthen demand from the Israeli market.

Israel remains one of Thailand’s strongest and fastest-growing long-haul source markets. Between 1 January and 17 November 2025, Thailand recorded 356,446 Israeli arrivals, up nearly 50 per cent year-on-year and the highest among Middle Eastern markets.

Travel rebounded rapidly following the reopening of Israeli airspace in mid-2025, with demand holding steady throughout the year. The country consistently ranks among the top ten for advanced airline bookings during the October 2025–March 2026 period, reflecting sustained confidence in Thailand.

Israeli visitors are high-value, long-stay travellers, averaging 86,406 Baht spending per trip with an average stay of 19.17 days. The market is dominated by FIT travellers, many visiting for the first time, with strong preferences for extended stays, family-oriented travel, wellness experiences, and work-and-travel lifestyles.

TAT projects that arrivals from Israel will exceed 400,000 by the end of 2025, generating an estimated 34.56 billion Baht in tourism revenue.

The post TAT welcomes inaugural Arkia Israeli Airlines flight on the Tel Aviv–Bangkok route appeared first on TAT Newsroom.

from TAT Newsroom https://ift.tt/BeV76WR

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) understands that the ongoing weather conditions in parts of Southern Thailand may cause concern for travellers. While many destinations continue to offer tourism experiences as normal, heavy rainfall, flash floods, and strong waves are still being reported in several provinces. This has resulted in temporary adjustments to some transport services and safety-related closures at selected natural attractions. Airports across the region remain operational, with limited delays and occasional disruptions to local ground transfers.

As part of the national response, TAT has activated the Tourism Crisis Monitoring Centre (TCMC) to strengthen coordination with provincial authorities, consulates, and tourism partners. The centre is supporting assistance efforts for affected travellers, verifying travel information, and ensuring timely communication as conditions develop.

Travellers should exercise caution in flooded areas, around strong waves, and on any routes that may be temporarily restricted. Extra travel time may be required when heading to airports, piers, or bus terminals, and travellers are encouraged to follow local guidance and check official updates regularly.

Overview of the situation

Southern Thailand continues to experience heavy rainfall, causing flooding in urban centres, low-lying districts, and selected transport corridors. Tourism services remain generally available across most destinations, though some attractions, marine tours, and interprovincial routes are temporarily suspended.

Destinations currently affected by flooding

Songkhla (Hat Yai)

• Severe flooding continues in central Hat Yai and surrounding commercial areas; evacuations are underway to designated shelters
• Road access remains limited; many tourists cannot travel due to impassable routes
• Hat Yai Airport remains open with some flight delays; ground transport disruptions continue
• Taxi and minibus services are temporarily suspended
• Ton Nga Chang Waterfall is closed for safety
• Sadao Border Checkpoint remains open as usual for inbound and outbound travellers

Nakhon Si Thammarat

• Flooding reported across multiple districts with ongoing drainage efforts
• Emergency declarations in 12 districts; runoff remains a concern in several areas
• Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport is operating normally; travellers should arrive early
• Some roads remain partially accessible via alternative routes

Trang

• Heavy rainfall across multiple districts
• Khao Banthat Wildlife Sanctuary and Tham Le Khao Kob are closed
• Bus services to Satun and Hat Yai suspended
• Trang Airport operations remain normal; travellers should arrive 2–3 hours early
• Train services on the Trang–Bangkok route are suspended

Satun

• Flooding in seven districts
• Key transport routes linking Satun with Songkhla and Trang are cut off
• Attractions closed: Phu Pha Phet Cave, Le Stegodon Cave, Wang Sai Thong Waterfall, hot springs, and all waterfall-based nature sites
• Tarutao National Marine Park and the Thale Ban area are also closed
• Wang Prachan Border Checkpoint remains open
• Public bus services are temporarily suspended

Phatthalung

• Heavy and continuous rainfall affecting 11 districts
• Water levels are rising in low-lying areas, with strong runoff in several districts
• Some road sections, including parts of Phetkasem Road, are temporarily closed
• The Thai Fight event has been postponed due to weather conditions
• Selected attractions within national parks are temporarily closed for safety

Narathiwat and Yala

• Several interprovincial bus routes suspended; rail services halted on affected sections
• Narathiwat Airport operating normally; road access limited for small vehicles
• Betong Airport and Betong Border Checkpoint remain open
• Multiple national parks and community tourism sites are temporarily closed
• All water activities—including rafting and mangrove boat tours—are suspended
• Some travellers remain in place due to local transport interruptions

Pattani

• Flooding in 12 districts; severe situation in urban zones
• Attractions, including Sai Khao Waterfall National Park, are closed
• Public bus services suspended and all tourism activities paused
• Some tourists remain in accommodations due to impassable roads

Destinations operating normally

Despite localised flooding in parts of the South, several major destinations continue to operate as normal and remain fully accessible to visitors. Phuket, Ranong, and Krabi have not experienced flooding, and all attractions, transport services, and airports are operating as usual. Tourism activities, including marine excursions and land-based experiences, remain available, and authorities report no travel disruptions affecting visitors in these areas.

Phang-nga is experiencing only minimal impact, with all destinations accessible and tourism services operating as usual. Temporary closures are in place only for waterfall attractions at Khao Lampi–Hat Thai Mueang National Park and Sa Nang Manora Forest Park. Other attractions, including Ko Yao Noi, Ko Yao Yai, and Ao Phang Nga National Park, remain open and accessible.

Surat Thani continues to welcome visitors, and while flooding has been reported in some districts, it has not affected tourism attractions. The province’s key sites, including waterfalls, caves, and trekking areas, remain open as normal with heightened safety monitoring. Surat Thani Airport is operating normally, though travellers may wish to allow additional time during periods of heavy rain. Land routes remain largely accessible, with only minor adjustments, and rail services have been modified in line with national safety measures.

Tourism activities on Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao also continue as normal, with most attractions, hotels, night boats, buses, and island transport operating without disruption. All land-based attractions remain open, and daily tourism continues with standard precautions due to strong winds and waves. Ferry services are operating with some weather-related adjustments: Seatran Discovery services are running normally; Lomprayah High-Speed Ferries are operating normally, however, speedboat services on some routes are temporarily suspended; and Songserm services are temporarily suspended. These adjustments are weather-related and do not affect island access, which remains possible through regularly operating services.

Chumphon also remains unaffected by the flooding. All attractions are open, apart from Mu Ko Chumphon National Park, which is under its annual seasonal closure from 15 November to 15 December. Overall, transport within the province is operating normally, and visitor movement remains uninterrupted. Due to weather conditions, some services on the Chumphon–Ko Tao route are temporarily suspended, including Lomprayah’s morning departure, while Boonsiri Ferry services are expected to resume on 1 December.

Transport and accessibility updates

Railway services in Southern Thailand

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) reports ongoing flooding along parts of the Southern Railway Line, limiting access for engineering teams. Monitoring is continuous, and repair works will accelerate once water levels recede.

Real-time train positions: https://ttsview.railway.co.th/v3/floodingNST/.
Customer Service Centre: 1690 (24 hours)

For passenger safety, SRT has adjusted origin–destination routes for 8 trains and suspended 22 long-distance and local trains from 25 November 2025 until conditions improve.

Adjusted routes
• Express 83/84 Krungthep Aphiwat–Trang → Operating as Krungthep Aphiwat–Thung Song
• Rapid 167/168 Krungthep Aphiwat–Kantang → Operating as Krungthep Aphiwat–Thung Song
• Local 447/448 Surat Thani–Su-ngai Kolok → Operating as Surat Thani–Thung Song
• Local 445/446 Chumphon–Hat Yai Junction → Operating as Chumphon–Thung Song

Suspended services include
• Special Express 31/32 (Krungthep Aphiwat – Hat Yai Junction), 37/38  (Krungthep Aphiwat – Su-ngai Kolok), 45/46 (Krungthep Aphiwat – Padang Besar), and 947/948 and 949/950 (Hat Yai Junction – Padang Besar)• Rapid 169/170 (Krungthep Aphiwat – Yala), 171/172 (Krungthep Aphiwat – Su-ngai Kolok)• Local 451/452 (Nakhon Si Thammarat – Su-ngai Kolok), 453/454 (Yala – Su-ngai Kolok), 455/456 (Nakhon Si Thammarat – Yala), and 463/464 (Phatthalung – Su-ngai Kolok)

Interprovincial bus services

The Transport Company Limited has suspended six routes from 25 November due to flooding, including: Bangkok–Trang–Satun, Bangkok–Yala, Bangkok–Hat Yai, Bangkok–Pattani, and Bangkok–Su-ngai Kolok. Services will resume once road conditions improve. For enquiries: 02-422-4444.

Useful contact numbers

For assistance or updated travel information, travellers may contact the following helplines:

• Tourist Police: 1155 (24 hours, multilingual support)
• TAT Contact Centre: 1672
• SRT Hotline: 1690
• Hat Yai Municipal Hotline: 0-7420-0000
• Songkhla Highway District: 0-7431-1091
• Public Relations Department (Region 6): 0-7423-1332
• Songkhla Province Flood Emergency Hotline (4th Army Area): 098-223-3364, 061-586-5574, 074-586-685, 074-234-145 to 148

This update will be refreshed as new information is confirmed by local authorities and transport operators.

The post Flooding situation in Southern Thailand – Travel conditions update appeared first on TAT Newsroom.

from TAT Newsroom https://ift.tt/EU27aSW

Bangkok, 26 November 2025, The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has opened the Tourism Ciris Monitoring Centre (TCMC) as part of an enhanced national response to severe flooding across Southern Thailand. The centre serves as a unified hub to coordinate assistance for travellers, assess tourism-related impacts, and deliver verified travel updates during the ongoing disruptions.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said: “We recognise the concern and uncertainty that many travellers are experiencing, and our utmost priority is to provide clear information and coordinated support. TAT is working closely with authorities and tourism partners to ensure travellers receive timely guidance and assistance as conditions develop. We remain committed to transparent communication and to helping travellers navigate this challenging period safely.”

The prolonged rainfall has affected several provinces in the lower South, including Songkhla, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Trang, Satun, Surat Thani, Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat. Hat Yai in Songkhla is among the hardest-hit areas, where impassable routes have caused significant travel disruptions and prevented travellers from leaving affected locations.

The TCMC is coordinating with embassies, consulates, tour operators, and provincial authorities to assist travellers who are temporarily unable to depart affected locations. This includes arranging safe transfers from hotels to designated shelters and managing updated traveller lists received through diplomatic channels to ensure accurate, centralised coordination.

TAT continues to provide verified updates on local travel conditions to help travellers plan their movements and to support tourism operators as the situation develops.

Once conditions stabilise, TAT will assess the broader tourism impact and prioritise support to help affected destinations recover safely and sustainably.

Travellers seeking up-to-date information or emergency assistance may contact the TAT Call Center at 1672 Travel Buddy or the Tourist Police Hotline at 1155.

The post TAT opens Tourism Crisis Monitoring Centre to strengthen traveller assistance appeared first on TAT Newsroom.

from TAT Newsroom https://ift.tt/oPVU3Zr

Bangkok, 26 November 2025, The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has opened the Tourism Ciris Monitoring Centre (TCMC) as part of an enhanced national response to severe flooding across Southern Thailand. The centre serves as a unified hub to coordinate assistance for travellers, assess tourism-related impacts, and deliver verified travel updates during the ongoing disruptions.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said: “We recognise the concern and uncertainty that many travellers are experiencing, and our utmost priority is to provide clear information and coordinated support. TAT is working closely with authorities and tourism partners to ensure travellers receive timely guidance and assistance as conditions develop. We remain committed to transparent communication and to helping travellers navigate this challenging period safely.”

The prolonged rainfall has affected several provinces in the lower South, including Songkhla, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Trang, Satun, Surat Thani, Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat. Hat Yai in Songkhla is among the hardest-hit areas, where impassable routes have caused significant travel disruptions and prevented travellers from leaving affected locations.

The TCMC is coordinating with embassies, consulates, tour operators, and provincial authorities to assist travellers who are temporarily unable to depart affected locations. This includes arranging safe transfers from hotels to designated shelters and managing updated traveller lists received through diplomatic channels to ensure accurate, centralised coordination.

TAT continues to provide verified updates on local travel conditions to help travellers plan their movements and to support tourism operators as the situation develops.

Once conditions stabilise, TAT will assess the broader tourism impact and prioritise support to help affected destinations recover safely and sustainably.

Travellers seeking up-to-date information or emergency assistance may contact the TAT Call Center at 1672 Travel Buddy or the Tourist Police Hotline at 1155.

The post TAT opens Tourism Crisis Monitoring Centre to strengthen traveller assistance appeared first on TAT Newsroom.

from TAT Newsroom https://ift.tt/mtYJjiQ

Bangkok, 25 November 2025 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) placed its new global campaign, “Unforgettable Experiences — Healing is the New Luxury,” at the centre of the third Middle East Luxury Trade Meet (MLTM) 2025, which opened in Kuwait City on 24 November. The Kuwait edition of the annual roadshow served as a strategic platform to introduce Thailand’s renewed focus on luxury and wellness tourism, highlighting a shift towards meaningful and emotionally restorative travel experiences.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said the campaign reflects Thailand’s commitment to value over volume, balanced and inclusive tourism, and long-term sustainability. She noted that global travellers are increasingly seeking experiences that restore well-being, deepen cultural connection, and offer meaningful engagement, and that Kuwaiti travellers continue to show strong appreciation for privacy, comfort, wellness, family-friendly facilities, and personalised service.

“TAT is proud to present a campaign that speaks to what travellers value most today. Thailand offers world-class wellness, serene natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, exceptional gastronomy, and the warm hospitality of the Thai people — all designed so every visitor returns home feeling renewed, inspired, and genuinely cared for.”

The Kuwait edition of MLTM 2025, held in partnership with Gulf Air, brought together 18 Thai luxury sellers and more than 70 Kuwaiti buyers for free-flow business-matching sessions, market briefings, and networking activities. The evening began with remarks by Miss Uraiwan Courtaud, Minister Counsellor, Royal Thai Embassy Kuwait, followed by presentations from Ms. Thapanee and Mr. Shams Saleh Aldoseri, Country Manager of Gulf Air Kuwait. The programme supported TAT’s goal to strengthen partnerships, co-develop new products, and expand opportunities for high-value tourism growth between the two countries.

Thailand continues to see strong performance from the Kuwait market. In 2024, arrivals reached 90,949, an increase of 15 per cent, generating 9.67 billion Baht in revenue, up around 36 per cent year-on-year. Demand is supported by Kuwaitis’ preference for Thailand’s internationally accredited medical services and leading hospitals with Arabic-speaking staff, as well as beach destinations offering privacy, women-only facilities, and private sea access.

For 1 January–24 November 2025, Thailand welcomed about 80,794 Kuwaiti visitors, with a year-end target of 90,000 visitors generating approximately 7.15 billion Baht. Kuwaiti travellers typically stay around 16 days and favour five-star hotels or private villas with halal-certified kitchens, prayer rooms, and dedicated Arabic-speaking service.

Connectivity also continues to support demand. Kuwait Airways operates direct flights between Kuwait and Bangkok at seven frequencies per week in the summer schedule and 11 per week in winter, enabling strong year-round travel potential.

The next stop of the MLTM 2025 will take place on 26 November in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain. The roadshow has grown significantly since its debut in Doha in 2023, expanding to two cities — Dubai and Doha — in 2024, and now to Kuwait and Bahrain for the 2025 edition.

TAT remains active across the Middle East through key marketing initiatives including the annual MLTM (2023–present); Qatar Travel Mart 2025 in Doha; AirArabia’s Sharjah–Krabi inaugural flight welcome on 28 November 2025; the TAT–Expedia Joint Digital Campaign 2025; a joint sales promotion with dnata travel group covering the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman from November 2025 to March 2026; and the Amazing Thailand Networking Dinner 2025 in Riyadh on 2 December 2025, which will introduce the new “Healing is the New Luxury” campaign to the Saudi market.

The post TAT unveils new global campaign at Middle East Luxury Trade Meet in Kuwait appeared first on TAT Newsroom.

from TAT Newsroom https://ift.tt/lYtuF8C

Bangkok, 25 November 2025 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) placed its new global campaign, “Unforgettable Experiences — Healing is the New Luxury,” at the centre of the third Middle East Luxury Trade Meet (MLTM) 2025, which opened in Kuwait City on 24 November. The Kuwait edition of the annual roadshow served as a strategic platform to introduce Thailand’s renewed focus on luxury and wellness tourism, highlighting a shift towards meaningful and emotionally restorative travel experiences.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said the campaign reflects Thailand’s commitment to value over volume, balanced and inclusive tourism, and long-term sustainability. She noted that global travellers are increasingly seeking experiences that restore well-being, deepen cultural connection, and offer meaningful engagement, and that Kuwaiti travellers continue to show strong appreciation for privacy, comfort, wellness, family-friendly facilities, and personalised service.

“TAT is proud to present a campaign that speaks to what travellers value most today. Thailand offers world-class wellness, serene natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, exceptional gastronomy, and the warm hospitality of the Thai people — all designed so every visitor returns home feeling renewed, inspired, and genuinely cared for.”

The Kuwait edition of MLTM 2025, held in partnership with Gulf Air, brought together 18 Thai luxury sellers and more than 70 Kuwaiti buyers for free-flow business-matching sessions, market briefings, and networking activities. The evening began with remarks by Miss Uraiwan Courtaud, Minister Counsellor, Royal Thai Embassy Kuwait, followed by presentations from Ms. Thapanee and Mr. Shams Saleh Aldoseri, Country Manager of Gulf Air Kuwait. The programme supported TAT’s goal to strengthen partnerships, co-develop new products, and expand opportunities for high-value tourism growth between the two countries.

Thailand continues to see strong performance from the Kuwait market. In 2024, arrivals reached 90,949, an increase of 15 per cent, generating 9.67 billion Baht in revenue, up around 36 per cent year-on-year. Demand is supported by Kuwaitis’ preference for Thailand’s internationally accredited medical services and leading hospitals with Arabic-speaking staff, as well as beach destinations offering privacy, women-only facilities, and private sea access.

For 1 January–24 November 2025, Thailand welcomed about 80,794 Kuwaiti visitors, with a year-end target of 90,000 visitors generating approximately 7.15 billion Baht. Kuwaiti travellers typically stay around 16 days and favour five-star hotels or private villas with halal-certified kitchens, prayer rooms, and dedicated Arabic-speaking service.

Connectivity also continues to support demand. Kuwait Airways operates direct flights between Kuwait and Bangkok at seven frequencies per week in the summer schedule and 11 per week in winter, enabling strong year-round travel potential.

The next stop of the MLTM 2025 will take place on 26 November in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain. The roadshow has grown significantly since its debut in Doha in 2023, expanding to two cities — Dubai and Doha — in 2024, and now to Kuwait and Bahrain for the 2025 edition.

TAT remains active across the Middle East through key marketing initiatives including the annual MLTM (2023–present); Qatar Travel Mart 2025 in Doha; AirArabia’s Sharjah–Krabi inaugural flight welcome on 28 November 2025; the TAT–Expedia Joint Digital Campaign 2025; a joint sales promotion with dnata travel group covering the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman from November 2025 to March 2026; and the Amazing Thailand Networking Dinner 2025 in Riyadh on 2 December 2025, which will introduce the new “Healing is the New Luxury” campaign to the Saudi market.

The post TAT unveils new global campaign at Middle East Luxury Trade Meet in Kuwait appeared first on TAT Newsroom.

from TAT Newsroom https://ift.tt/adckpqJ