Molpasorn Shoowong

Bangkok Post • 10th August 2026

Putting the spotlight on an open secret

The recent case involving an Australian man who murdered a 17-year-old Thai teenager put Thailand's night-time economy in the spotlight.

The nation's reputation has long been associated with sex tourism, particularly Pattaya, a city known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene, although tourism authorities have consistently distanced themselves from this segment.

Bangkok Post • 22nd May 2026

AirAsia chief slams tax hike for international flyers

The founder of AirAsia has strongly criticised Airports of Thailand's (AoT) passenger service charge (PSC) hike, slamming the inappropriate timing during the Middle East war and suggesting varying rates for different airports.

Bangkok Post • 16th May 2026

Financially weak airlines at risk from rising fuel prices

Financially weak airlines, particularly those that avoided hedging on fuel costs and focus on leisure travel, are more exposed to financial distress amid persistently high fuel costs, according to consultancy Alton Aviation.

Bangkok Post • 12th May 2026

Onyx adjusts operations amid Middle East crisis

Onyx Hospitality is focusing on efficient cost control amid the Middle East crisis, which has impacted its development pipeline this year, leading to reductions in human capital and adjustments to construction budgets.

The group plans a 5.5-billion-baht investment budget for the next 3-5 years, and will launch its real estate investment trust (REIT) by October, listing three properties in Thailand.

Bangkok Post • 25th April 2026

What the Gulf conflict means for airlines

The US-Iran conflict, which erupted two months ago, has triggered an oil price shock, sharp rises in the cost of living and widespread flight cancellations worldwide.

As the jet fuel crisis deepens, airlines including those in Thailand are continuing to cut flight capacity for the coming months. The conflict is reshaping capacity planning across both airlines and airports.

Bangkok Post • 30th March 2026

Business jet demand soars in Asia

Executives are leading the charge for private planes in Thailand and Southeast Asia, with young tycoons taking over family fortunes seeking efficient travel.

Amid commercial flight disruptions caused by the Mideast war, business jet usage is booming in Thailand and Southeast Asia, with plane manufacturers marketing their latest models of long‑range aircraft to wealthy individuals seeking to expand their businesses internationally.

Bangkok • 23rd February 2026

Minor Food mulls IPO in Hong Kong by end of 2026

Minor Food, a subsidiary of SET-listed Minor International, is exploring an initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong by the end of the year, while its hotel arm, Minor Hotels, prepares to launch a US$1-billion real estate investment trust (REIT).

Bangkok Post • 18th February 2026

Phuket up in arms on long‑stay visa

Phuket tourism operators oppose the government's policy allowing foreigners who buy real estate worth 3 million baht to qualify for a long‑stay visa, arguing the investment threshold is too low and could attract "non‑quality" visitors who may engage in illegal activities, as well as risking an increase in property prices, making housing less affordable for local residents.

Bangkok Post • 31st January 2026

Adjusting rules to make Thai skies safer

Indian airline IndiGo scrapped thousands of flights last month due to its failure to comply with new pilot rest rules by the required deadline, causing concern among aviation stakeholders in Thailand.

In Thailand, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is being urged by stakeholders to prepare for the implementation of the new Thailand Civil Aviation Regulation (TCAR) rules to avoid similar issues.

Bangkok Post • 7th January 2026

Ruling on pilot training charges creates legal precedent

Over a dozen student pilots won a lawsuit against Nok Air regarding a requirement for additional training charges outside a contract for co-pilot employment, while the Court of Justice ordered compensation of one-third of 32.5 million baht in total damages.

Bangkok Post • 18th November 2025

Court revokes permission allowing foreign pilots for domestic flights

The Supreme Administrative Court has overturned a controversial announcement by the Ministry of Labour that allowed foreign pilots to work temporarily on domestic routes in Thailand.

Bangkok Post • 6th September 2025

Regaining a lucrative Chinese tourism market

The travel sector is adopting new tactics to lure back Chinese tourists who are flocking to other destinations

In 2025, Chinese visitors to Thailand this year have declined sharply, mainly attributed to safety concerns following several incidents.

Bangkok Post • 19th August 2025

Film shoots energise tourism

Thailand is reaping benefits from foreign blockbuster film shoots, as Krabi tourism observed a 30% visitor surge at attractions appearing in Jurassic World Rebirth, while the Alien: Earth series, which set a record investment budget, will help promote the nation as a global destination for film shoots and tourism.

Bangkok Post • 5th August 2025

Galaxy Resorts calls for luxury strategy to maximise growth

As Thailand has already passed its tourism peak of 40 million tourists, the country requires luxury marketing and new public-private partnership investment in luxury tourism that targets the growing number of affluent travellers from Asia-Pacific in order to maximise growth, says Galaxy Resorts Thailand.

Bangkok Post • 7th July 2025

Galaxy Eyes Thailand for World-Class Entertainment Complex

Galaxy Entertainment Group, operator of the world’s highest-grossing integrated resort, is exploring plans to introduce its signature entertainment complex model to Thailand, positioning the country as a major tourism magnet.

Bangkok Post • 21st May 2025

MGM Resorts urges 'competitive' casino tax

Thailand should have a casino tax rate that is competitive with Singapore and a substantial number of locals should be allowed to visit casino complexes, rather than solely serving foreign tourists in order to stimulate tourism and economic growth, says integrated resorts operator MGM Resorts International.

Bangkok Post • 13th May 2025

Phuket unfazed by weak Chinese market said Lan Kwai Fong

The sluggish Chinese market should have a short-term impact on Phuket as well as Thailand, as the island can attract other foreign arrivals and long-stay markets, said Allan Zeman, Hong Kong businessman of Lan Kwai Fong Group.

Bangkok Post • 6th March 2025

Lufthansa Group pins its hopes on Asia

Chief executive says cargo demand out of Thailand is on the increaseGerman aviation group Lufthansa Group is banking on aviation growth in Asia and Thailand to expand its flights, in addition to non-airline businesses.

Bangkok Post • 7th November 2024

Thailand targets 8 million European tourists in 2025

Thailand is targeting 8 million European tourists next year, contributing to a new high of 11 million long-haul visitors, as the Tourism and Sports Ministry pledges to expedite efforts with airlines and ambassadors for a full international flight resumption.

Bangkok Post • 16th September 2024

More man-made entertainment magnets in Thailand

More man-made entertainment magnets in Thailand

Entertainment complexes, water parks and learning centres offer lucrative ways to expand the sector

Bangkok Post • 10th June 2024

Trade group cools jets on aviation hub

DUBAI: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says Thailand may be constrained in its pursuit of becoming the region's leading aviation hub by 2030 because of global supply chain disruptions, adding that Thailand needs to remove unnecessary regulations and move towards digitalisation for aviation efficiency.

Bangkok Post • 2nd January 2024

Thai hospitality groups go global

As the tourism recovery gathers pace across the globe, Thai hospitality groups expanded their presence beyond the domestic market to capitalise on robust demand in many destinations.

Many hotel management companies posted strong profits in 2023, while some even saw their average daily room rate exceed the 2019 level, especially in prime destinations.

Bangkok Po • 2nd November 2023

Increased hotel conversions predicted

The hospitality industry expects more hotel conversions following the pandemic as they offer better performance with fewer new hotels in the pipeline, attributed to stricter lending guidelines from financial institutions, says international chain Accor.

Bangkok Post • 11th October 2023

Green tourism on the rise

Amidst the growing demand for responsible tourism, operators have already adapted their products and services to align with this "new normal" agenda.