News & Update

Thailand is set to launch a new security system at its airports across the kingdom. The Advance Passenger Processing System (APPS) project, kicked off at the country’s six major airports on 1st December 2015. It is anticipated that by 2016, the project would have extended to 32 airports nationwide. The major airports undergoing the first renovation process include Don Mueang, Phuket, Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi, Chiang Mai, Mae Fa Luang Chiang Rai and Hat Yai International Airports. What impact will the system have to the Airports? Well, it is hoped that the security system will be elevated to a higher level, thus improving their customers’ experience especially when going through the country’s main gateways- it will be more easy, faster and safer for the travelers to traverse through. The systems main operation module will be based on the immigration segment. It will be able to carry out one-time information scan on the passengers’ …

The National Geographic Traveller Russia recently named Thailand as the Best Beach Destination for 2015. In an awards presentation held on November 18, 2015, Thailand was given the Best Traveller Award by the travel magazine, which was aired on Russia’s TV 24 and broadcasted in some channels of the Commonwealth of Independent States. Related: Top 10 Beaches in Thailand Rated by Trip Advisor 2015 The Award was based on an online poll participated by over 240,000 readers. These readers came from over 90 countries, as well as from 19 Russian destinations and other mass media platforms. The National Geographic Traveller Russia publishes an issue five times each year, has a circulation of 110,000 and a 746,800 total readership. It also recently celebrated its 10th anniversary in the industry and has given this same award to Thailand for a total of five times since its launch. Russians made up the 3rd largest …

Phuket has been chosen to welcome and host the First Superyacht Show ever to be held in Southeast Asia. The Thailand Yacht Show is scheduled in 2016, from 11th to 14th February, at the Ao Po Grand Marina in Phuket. This prestigious event will be organized by SYE Pte Ltd. – the same company that hosts the annual Singapore Yacht Show. The first Thailand Yacht Show aims to promote Phuket as a central hub for superyachts in Asia. This mega yacht show was initiated after the superyacht has been legalized in Thailand for the first time. The prestigious 4-day event promises to welcome potential buyers and charter brokerage community to gather in Phuket. The superyacht venue – Ao Po Marina – can accommodate up to 260 yachts and 100 m plus in length. The superyacht show will also feature smaller yachts and boats – both new and pre-owned. Visitors to …

Announced last week, Indonesia has officially granted visa-free entry to passport holders in 45 countries including China, South Korea, Japan and the US. The visa-free arrivals are valid for 30 days with no extensions allowed. Effective immediately according to one travel operator in Indonesia that brought their tour members in Bali without visas, the new regulation is applied in Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, Medan, Batam, and seaports of Sekupang and Batam Centre, Batam, Sri Bintan and Tanjung Uban Riau. Out of the 45 countries listed, 30 countries are new to the privilege, they are; Austria, Belgium, China, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Italy, Kuwait, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Poland, Qatar, Russia, South Korea, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UAE, UK, and the US. The visa-free entry is available for those who come to visit family, travel, do business, study, cultural activities, journalistic duties, transit and governmental services. …