Bangkok

Associations

Past and Present Skål Asia Presidents Welcomed at Bangkok Meeting

Andrew J Wood May 13, 2022

Past and Present Skål Asia Presidents Welcomed at Bangkok Meeting, With travel between India and Thailand opening up and quarantine no longer required for fully vaccinated travellers, Skål…

MICE

Small meetings with a big heart: MICE & lifestyle unite in Sukhumvit

Christian Tolentino Dec 12, 2019

A lifestyle wellness destination delivering the ultimate urban experience, Well Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 combines a well-balanced lifestyle through its dedicated MICE facilities.

MICE

A tale of two cities: Uplifting the MICE industry in Bangkok and Pattaya

Christian Tolentino Nov 22, 2019

Helping to promote MICE tourism in Thailand, two notable properties uplift the industry in the fast-paced country by cultivating high-quality MICE hubs in two bustling cities.

Hotels

5 health and wellness activities in one Bangkok hotel

Christian Tolentino Nov 7, 2019

This holiday season, it's all about working out and staying in shape — all while pampering yourself to the best massages and feasting on those tasty holiday treats! 

Technology

Asia’s youngest blockchain entrepreneur steals show at Techsauce Global Summit

Megha Paul Jun 24, 2019

One of the ASEAN region’s youngest entrepreneurs, KIDLetCoin CEO and co-founder, 10-year-old Kaede Takenaka, spoke about blockchain and cryptocurrencies at this year’s Techsauce Global…

Hotels

Hot hotel openings: MGallery relives the Samurai era and more

Christian Tolentino May 10, 2019

On this week’s hot hotels round-up — we’re mixing it up with newly-launched properties in Kyoto, Venice, Bangkok and Zhanjiang.

Hotels

The Ritz-Carlton to debut in Bangkok’s premium lifestyle district

Christian Tolentino Apr 29, 2019

Marriott International has signed a deal to open its first Ritz-Carlton property in Thailand’s capital, scheduled to open in 2023.

Hospitality

Review: The Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers Bangkok

Alastair Newport Oct 11, 2018

Standing proudly on the bank of the Chao Phraya River, the 28 storey hotel with its clever Y-shaped construction, giving every single room a view of the Thai capital’s famous water way, The…

Food & Drink

The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok hosts Food Photography Workshop

Christian Tolentino Sep 17, 2018

As a gesture to its B2B customers in the Rewarding Events Loyalty programme, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok has hosted an exclusive Food Photography Workshop.

Thailand

Review: Tinidee Hotel@Bangkok Golf Club

Alastair Newport Sep 10, 2018

With the rebirth and relaunch of Bangkok Golf Spa Resort as the Tinidee Hotel@Bangkok Golf Club back in May of this year, owned by MBK Hotel and Tourism (MBKHT), has been transformed into a…

Hotels

Bangkok “best city to launch” Waldorf Astoria in SE Asia, says Hilton VP

Alastair Newport Sep 3, 2018

Last week saw the launch of the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok and in order to learn a little more about the hotly anticipated opening – probably the biggest in Bangkok this year.

Hospitality

Akaryn launches luxury multi-location family holidays in Thailand

Alastair Newport Jul 26, 2018

Boutique resort specialist Akaryn Hotel Group has come up with a new way for family groups to discover Thailand with a collection of ‘stress-free’ trips, in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin and…

Airlines and Aviation

Osaka Castle to Ha Long Bay in half a day: Vietjet launches new route

Alastair Newport Jun 21, 2018

Roll up, roll up! Vietnamese low cost carrier (LCC) Vietjet is celebrating two new routes by releasing tickets for one million flights for free.

Attractions & Tours

Back-Roads Touring leads expansion into Asia with eight new itineraries

Alastair Newport Apr 18, 2018

British based group-tour specialists Back-Roads Touring has started a new chapter in its 25 year history by branching out from its traditional stamping grounds in the United Kingdom and…

Air

Which carrier has Oman Air just signed its second Thai codeshare with?

Alastair Newport Apr 2, 2018

Oman Air announced the development of its Asia Pacific network this week when it released details of its new codeshare agreement with Bangkok Airways. The agreement, which went into action…

Hotels

Why “success is never final” at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park

Alastair Newport Mar 22, 2018

Bob Fabiano first joined Marriott back in 1972, and in that time he made his way up the company ranks, travelled the world, and worked in five continents. Now in his capacity as GM Bangkok…

Features

MICE advice: The top four Bangkok hotels you need to know

Alastair Newport Mar 21, 2018

When it comes to MICE locations BKK is spoilt for choice but deciding which is the right venue, to make your gala luncheon go with pop or and trade show snap, can be more than a little time…

Appointments

Capella makes a splash on Chao Phraya with new hotel, new GM

Simon Willmore Feb 1, 2018

Capella Hotel and Resorts makes its debut in the Thai market by announcing both the Capella Bangkok and its new general manager, John Blanco.

Tourism

World’s top tourist city receives staggering numbers over New Year

Alastair Newport Jan 3, 2018 17

The world’s most popular visitor destination, Bangkok, attracted more than 780,000 visitors over the festive 2017 New Year period, an increase of 30 percent from last year with over 50…

Consumer

Quench your thirst at Beer Republic

Simon Willmore Dec 19, 2017 8

Thai nationals and expatriates alike can now look forward to an enjoyable – if slightly irreverent – destination for socialising and unwinding with the recent opening of Beer Republic at one…

Hotels

New Beginnings for the Athenee Hotel

Alastair Newport Sep 17, 2017

Having undergone a complete transformation, Plaza Athénée Bangkok, A Royal Méridien has now emerged as The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok. Inspired by the life and…

Attractions & Tours

Bangkok to erect Southeast Asia’s highest tower

Alastair Newport Sep 13, 2017

459-metre-high tower will rank 6th among the world's tallest towers

Hotels

Constellation of Michelin Stars: SO Amazing Chefs 2017

Alastair Newport Sep 12, 2017

So Amazing Chefs 2017 At So Sofitel Bangkok  returns for its sixth year, this September, bringing with it 12 Michelin starred chefs for a week of gastronomic festivities.

Hotels

Delectable Vegetable Specials For Jai Festival

Alastair Newport Sep 12, 2017

Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel invites everyone to join in the celebration at the city's ever-popular “Jai Festival”, when the hotel will introduce a sumptuous range of…

Hotels

Where to Stay: new hotels from Hyatt, Mandarin Oriental, Avani and more

Mark Elliott Aug 24, 2017

Grand Hyatt Changsha Location: In a 61-story tower overlooking Xiang River on Xiangjiang Road in Changsha, the capital of Hunan province Grade: Luxury Keys: 354 Facilities: Five…

Attractions & Tours

Muay Thai Live wins PATA Gold Award

Mark Elliott Aug 8, 2017

The Bangkok Thai boxing show, "Muay Thai Live: The Legend Lives", won the Pacific Asia Travel Association's 2017 PATA Gold Award in the Culture category (traditional performing and…

Airlines and Aviation

Fiji Airways targets Asia with new codeshare

Mark Elliott Aug 3, 2017

Fiji Airways will be able to attract more Asian travellers in future, following the signing of a codeshare agreement with Hong Kong Airlines. The arrangement will see the Fijian…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai AirAsia plans Indian double

Mark Elliott Aug 1, 2017

Thai AirAsia will significantly boost its Indian network next month with the launch of two new routes. The Bangkok-based low-cost carrier will kick off its expansion on 28 September…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates from Thai Smile, Lao Airlines, Jetstar and more

Mark Elliott Jul 31, 2017

Thai Smile flies to Lucknow Where? Bangkok (Thailand) to Lucknow (India) When? Four times a week, effective immediately Who? Thai Smile Why? Thai Airways' regional subsidiary taps…

Events

Romantic travel trade event to arrive in Asia

Mark Elliott Jul 31, 2017

A travel trade event dedicated to romantic travel will come to Asia for the first time next year. Amour, which launched in Venice in 2017, will further expand its global reach in…

Hotels

Where to Stay: new hotels in Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong and more

Mark Elliott Jul 26, 2017

X2 Vibe Bangkok Sukhumvit Hotel Location: In the On Nut district of Bangkok Grade: Upper-midscale Keys: 145 rooms and 121 serviced residences Facilities: Café, bar, saltwater…

Thailand

Air traffic increases all across Thailand

Mark Elliott Jul 6, 2017

Passenger traffic at Thailand's airports continues to climb, with rising demand for travel to and from major hubs all across the country According to data from Airports of Thailand…

Airlines and Aviation

THAI aims to drive Indian traffic

Mark Elliott Jul 6, 2017

Thai Airways International recently hosted an event in Bangkok aimed at driving more passenger traffic on its routes to India. The national carrier's executives welcomed travel agents,…

Airlines and Aviation

Hong Kong gets new Sri Lankan link

Mark Elliott Jul 5, 2017

Hong Kong residents will soon be offered a new direct connection to Colombo, following the rearrangement of SriLankan Airlines' Asian operations. Effective 15 July 2017, the national…

Hotels

Thailand’s Absolute Hotels moves into Europe with Vienna House

Mark Elliott Jul 3, 2017

Absolute Hotel Services (AHS), the Bangkok-based company that operates the Eastin and U Hotels brands, has signed a major deal that will allow it to expand in Europe. The company has…

Hotels

Dusit Bangkok confirms last day ahead of rebuild

Mark Elliott Jun 30, 2017

Dusit International has revealed that its flagship hotel, Dusit Thani Bangkok, will close on 16 April 2018 as it embarks on a major expansion project. The US$1 billion development of…

Events

Thailand hosts huge Japanese fam trip

Mark Elliott Jun 26, 2017

Thailand marked the 130th anniversary of its diplomatic ties with Japan by hosting a huge fam trip for members of the country’s travel trade and media. The event saw 130 Japanese…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates from Lufthansa, Hainan Airlines and more

Mark Elliott Jun 22, 2017

IndiGo boosts domestic network Where? Delhi to Chennai (both India) When? Daily, effective immediately Who? IndiGo Why? India's largest domestic carrier, in terms of market share,…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates, including multiple new flights between China and Thailand

Mark Elliott Jun 19, 2017

Thailand's NewGen taps Chinese demand for Krabi Where? Krabi (Thailand) to Hefei (China) When? Three times a week, effective immediately Who? NewGen Airways Why? Thai carrier adds…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia connects Bangkok with the Maldives

Mark Elliott Jun 14, 2017

AirAsia has unveiled plans to launch a new service allowing Thai travellers to fly direct to the Maldives. Commencing on 11 August 2017, the low-cost carrier will operate daily…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates from Thai AirAsia, Air Canada, Lao Airlines and more

Mark Elliott Jun 12, 2017

AirAsia adds low-cost link to Danang Where? Bangkok Don Mueang (Thailand) to Danang (Vietnam) When? Daily, effective immediately Who? Thai AirAsia Why? Low-cost carrier expands…

Hotels

Banyan Tree unveils plans for luxury riverside property in Bangkok

Mark Elliott Jun 9, 2017

Banyan Tree has teamed up with Thai real estate company, Nirvana Daii, to launch a new riverside property in Bangkok. Valued at THB6 billion (US$176 million), the new Banyan Tree…

Hotels

Pentahotels embarks on Southeast Asian expansion drive

Mark Elliott Jun 8, 2017

Pentahotels, the midscale lifestyle hotel brand, has signed its first ever property in Thailand, as it embarks on a major expansion in Southeast Asia. Following an agreement with the…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates from AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Air Astana and more

Mark Elliott Jun 7, 2017

AirAsia launches Borneo's new intra-island route Where? Kuching (Malaysia) to Pontianak (Indonesia) When? Daily, effective immediately Who? AirAsia Why? Low-cost carrier expands…

Hotels

Where to Stay: New hotels from Ritz-Carlton, Ascott, Sofitel and more…

Mark Elliott Jun 6, 2017

The Ritz-Carlton Astana Location: In the Talan Towers, a new luxury complex in the square around the Bayterek Tower, the monument in the centre of Kazakhstan's capital city Grade:…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates: new flights from JAL, Air Astana, China Southern and more…

Mark Elliott Jun 1, 2017

China Southern adds Shenzhen's first link to Melbourne Where? Shenzhen (China) to Melbourne (Australia) When? Twice a week, effective immediately (rising to three times a week on 3 July…

Thailand

Don Mueang prepares for next phase of expansion

Mark Elliott May 30, 2017

Bangkok's low-cost carrier hub, Don Mueang International Airport, is set to undergo another phase of expansion, boosting its annual capacity to 40 million passengers per year. The…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates: new flights from AirAsia X, SriLankan, SilkAir and more…

Mark Elliott May 30, 2017

Thai Lion links Bangkok with Bali Where? Bangkok Don Mueang (Thailand) to Denpasar (Indonesia) When? Daily, effective 1 July 2017 Who? Thai Lion Air Why? Connecting two of Southeast…

Attractions & Tours

TAB a clear growth area for Hotelbeds

Mark Elliott May 24, 2017

Hotelbeds Group is expanding its Transfers and Activity Bank (TAB), and has high hopes for the business unit. Speaking at the company's inaugural MarketHub Asia event, which is taking…

Technology

Data, personalisation to change the face of travel

Mark Elliott May 23, 2017

Travel companies will need to leverage big data and personalise the customer experience in order to succeed in the coming years, delegates at an event in Bangkok have heard.…

Hotels

Hotelbeds eyes Asian expansion following GTA acquisition

Mark Elliott May 23, 2017

Hotelbeds Group is making a strategic push into the Asian market following its recent acquisitions of Tourico Holidays and GTA, the company’s bedbank managing director, Carlos Muñoz, has…

Events

Hotelbeds heads to Bangkok for inaugural MarketHub Asia event

Mark Elliott May 19, 2017

Hotelbeds Group has chosen Bangkok as the host destination for the first edition of its MarketHub Asia event. The industry conference will bring together top executives from across…

Train

Thailand-China rail project to start in 2017

Mark Elliott May 17, 2017

Construction of the new Thailand-China railway project will commence in 2017, the Southeast Asian country's Transport Ministry has told Chinese media. The first stage of the line will…

Airlines and Aviation

Cambodia’s newest airline spreads wings across Asia

Mark Elliott May 15, 2017

JC International Airlines, the Chinese-backed Cambodian carrier that launched earlier this year, has started adding a series of new routes across Asia. Previously the only overseas route…

Hotels

Best Western confirms Asia’s first SureStay hotel

Mark Elliott May 8, 2017

Best Western has confirmed that Asia's first ever SureStay hotel will open in downtown Bangkok in the fourth quarter of 2017. SureStay Plus Sukhumvit 2 is a brand new "premium economy"…

United States

Where to Stay: New hotels in Bangkok, New York, Melbourne and more…

Mark Elliott May 7, 2017

Mercure Bangkok Makkasan Location: Next to Makkasan station, the main downtown hub for Bangkok's Airport Rail Link Grade: Upper-midscale Keys: 180 Facilities: Outdoor pool with…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates: new flights from Korean Air, Vietjet, Air Canada and more…

Mark Elliott May 5, 2017

Korean Air connects Seoul with Spain Where? Seoul (South Korea) to Barcelona (Spain) When? Three times a week, effective immediately Who? Korean Air Why? Rising demand for flights…

Thailand

Bangkok airport traffic keeps climbing

Mark Elliott May 3, 2017

Passenger traffic at Bangkok's two airports continued to increase in the first quarter of 2017, albeit at slower, single-digit pace. According to the latest data from Airports of…

United Arab Emirates

Emirates opens larger lounge in Bangkok

Mark Elliott May 2, 2017

Emirates passengers are now able to relax in a larger lounge at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. The expanded Emirates Airport Lounge at Thailand's main international gateway reopened…

United States

Where to Stay: New hotels in Jakarta, LA, Bangkok, Shanghai, and more…

Mark Elliott Apr 10, 2017

Ayana Midplaza Jakarta Location: The site of the former InterContinental Midplaza Jakarta on Jalan Sudirman Grade: Luxury Keys: 366 Facilities: Seven F&B outlets, spa, 24-hour…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates: new flights from SilkAir, SpiceJet and more…

Mark Elliott Apr 10, 2017

Korean LCC connects to Vietnamese coast Where? Deagu (South Korea) to Danang (Vietnam) When? Five times a week, effective immediately Who? T’way Airlines Why? Low-cost carrier taps the…

Hotels

Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market gets own hotel

Mark Elliott Apr 7, 2017

Visitors to Thailand's biggest market, Chatuchak, will soon be able to stay overnight in a new brand new hotel. Best Western has revealed plans to open a midscale property adjacent to…

Cruise

Star Cruises to sail from Bangkok for first time

Mark Elliott Apr 6, 2017

Hong Kong's Star Cruises has unveiled plans for its first ever season of sailings from Bangkok. From 17 December 2017 to 27 April 2018, the SuperStar Gemini cruise ship will be based…

Hotels

Bangkok’s former night market gets high-rise makeover

Mark Elliott Apr 4, 2017

The site of the former Suan Lum night bazaar in central Bangkok will be transformed into a major new high-rise complex. TCC Assets and Frasers Centrepoint have revealed plans to…

Hotels

Where to Stay: New hotels in Tokyo, Bangkok and more…

Mark Elliott Apr 3, 2017

Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo Location: Connected to Otemachi Station, in the main Marunouchi-Otemachi area of central Tokyo Grade: Luxury serviced residence Keys: 130, ranging from…

Cruise

Bangkok welcomes largest cruise ship

Mark Elliott Apr 3, 2017

The largest cruise ship currently sailing in Asian waters, Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas, has made its maiden call in Bangkok. The 347-metre-long, 2,090-cabin vessel docked in…

Hotels

Where to Stay: our round-up of new hotels in Bangkok, Samui and more

Mark Elliott Mar 31, 2017

137 Pillars Suites Bangkok Location: From the 24th to 32nd floors of a tower on Sukhumvit Soi 39 in central Bangkok, close to the Emquartier and Emporium shopping malls Grade: Luxury…

Hotels

Major European hotel group launches in Thailand

Mark Elliott Mar 31, 2017

Deutsche Hospitality, the European hotel group that operates the Steigenberger brand, has announced plans to make its debut in Thailand. The company has penned a management agreement…

Hotels

Where to Stay: New hotels in Thailand, China, UAE and more…

Mark Elliott Mar 30, 2017

Grand Mercure Zhengzhou West Location: Overlooking Donglin Lake, a scenic area close to the Zhengzhou, the capital of central China's Henan province Grade: Upscale Keys: 180…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates: new flights to Sydney, Bangkok, Nha Trang and more…

Mark Elliott Mar 28, 2017

New Chinese connection for Thailand's Hat Yai Where? Kunming (China) to Hat Yai, pictured (Thailand) When? Three times a week, effective 1 April 2017 Who? Kunming Airlines Why?…

Airlines and Aviation

Lufthansa boosts Thai tourism with largest jet

Mark Elliott Mar 21, 2017

Lufthansa will provide a further boost to Thailand's inbound tourism market this winter, with the deployment of its largest airline, the Airbus A380, on the Frankfurt-Bangkok route.…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates: Virgin Australia, Thai Lion, Air India and more…

Mark Elliott Mar 20, 2017

Bangladesh gets low-cost Dubai link Where? Dubai (UAE) to Sylhet (Bangladesh) When? Four times a week, effective immediately (rising to six per week in May 2017) Who? Flydubai Why? New…

Hotels

Anantara raises THB50m for elephant conservation

Mark Elliott Mar 17, 2017

Anantara’s annual elephant polo tournament has now raised more than THB50 million (US$1.4m) for Asian elephant conservation. The latest King's Cup event took place in Bangkok earlier…

Hotels

Airbnb brings local Trips to Thailand

Mark Elliott Mar 16, 2017

Airbnb has launched its new Trips concept in Thailand, as it continues to diversify out of the accommodation sector. At a press conference held in Bangkok on Thursday (16 March 2017),…

Hotels

Mekhong wins Anantara elephant polo title – updated

Mark Elliott Mar 12, 2017

Mekhong have won the King’s Cup elephant polo title in Bangkok. The team prevailed after four days of matches and activities on the banks of the Chao Praya River, featuring 10 teams and…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates: Thai Lion Air, SpiceJet, Tigerair and more

Mark Elliott Mar 9, 2017

Thai Lion Air expands domestic network Where? Bangkok Don Mueang to Khon Kaen (both Thailand) When? Twice a day, effective 17 March 2017 Who? Thai Lion Air Why? Low-cost carrier…

Hotels

Capella unveils ultra-luxury hotel in Bangkok

Mark Elliott Mar 8, 2017

Capella Hotel Group has revealed details of its first ever Thai property - a landmark ultra-luxury hotel located on the banks of the Chao Praya River in Bangkok. Nicholas M. Clayton, CEO…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates: Air China, Thai Smile, SpiceJet and more

Mark Elliott Mar 6, 2017

SpiceJet links South Asian mega-cities Where? Kolkata (India) to Dhaka (Bangladesh) When? Daily, effective 23 March 2017 Who? SpiceJet Why? Low-cost carrier creates a short…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates: Vistara, China Southern, Air Niugini and more

Mark Elliott Mar 3, 2017

Vistara flies to Amritsar Where? Delhi to Amritsar, pictured (both India) When? Daily, effective immediately Who? Vistara Why? Tapping rise in trade and religious tourism traffic…

Hotels

Where to Stay: new hotels from Banyan Tree, Movenpick, Hard Rock and more…

Mark Elliott Mar 3, 2017

Banyan Tree Jiuzhaigou Location: In a UNESCO-listed mountainous area, 2,500 metres above sea level in southwest China’s Sichuan province Grade: Luxury Keys: 209 Facilities:…

Hotels

Dusit plans US$1bn expansion of Bangkok hotel site

Mark Elliott Mar 1, 2017

Dusit's flagship property in downtown Bangkok will be transformed under a new US$1 billion development plan. The Thai hotel group has penned a new agreement with the Crown Property…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates: Cathay Pacific, flydubai, China Southern and more

Mark Elliott Mar 1, 2017

Dubai's LCC adds Bangladeshi route Where? Dubai (UAE) to Sylhet (Bangladesh) When? Four times a week, effective 15 March 2017 Who? flydubai Why? Rising trade between two Islamic…

Airlines and Aviation

Qantas forms Asian connections with Israel

Mark Elliott Feb 23, 2017

Qantas and El Al have formed a new partnership aimed at improving flight connectivity between Australia and Israel. Under the new agreement, the national carriers will connect with…

Hotels

World’s first Pullman hotel gets a facelift

Mark Elliott Feb 20, 2017

Pullman Bangkok King Power, which became the world’s first Pullman hotel when it opened in 2007, has completed a major renovation project. The downtown property has revamped its…

Hotels

Best Western brings new economy hotel concept to Asia

Mark Elliott Feb 16, 2017

Best Western has announced details of its first ever SureStay Hotel Group project in Asia, following the launch of the budget hotel franchise concept late last year. First unveiled in…

Japan

JAL to open upgraded airport lounge in Bangkok

Mark Elliott Feb 13, 2017

Japan Airlines will unveil its upgraded airport lounge at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport next month. Officially due to open on 1 March 2017, the new Sakura Lounge will have been…

Hotels

Como unveils results of year-long Bangkok renovation

Mark Elliott Feb 10, 2017

Como Hotels & Resorts has completed a year-long renovation at its luxury property in Bangkok. All 169 rooms and suites at the Como Metropolitan Bangkok have been refurbished, with…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates: China Southern Airlines, AirAsia X and more

Mark Elliott Feb 6, 2017

THAI expands connections with neighbour Where? Bangkok (Thailand) to Kota Kinabalu, pictured (Malaysia) When? Daily, effective 26 March 2017 Who? Thai Smile Why? Long-awaited direct…

Hotels

BHMAsia to open eight hotels as Asian expansion accelerates

Mark Elliott Feb 2, 2017

BHMAsia, the Bangkok-based hotel group, is planning to following up its record year in 2016 with the opening of multiple new properties this year. The company, which operates the X2,…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates: Thai Lion Air, S7 Airlines, and more…

Mark Elliott Jan 31, 2017

Thai Lion roars into Western China Where? Bangkok (Thailand) to Chengdu (China) When? Daily, effective 1 March 2017 Who? Thai Lion Air Why? Mainly serving rising Chinese tourist…

Airlines and Aviation

Finnair adds Goa in long-haul expansion drive

Mark Elliott Jan 19, 2017

Finnair will launch its first flights to Goa this year, as part of a major expansion of its long-haul network. The Helsinki-based national carrier will start flying to the Indian…

Thailand

Runway work to cut Suvarnabhumi capacity

Mark Elliott Jan 18, 2017

Airlines and passengers at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport could face disruption over the coming months, as work is carried out to repair one of the runways. The Bangkok Post reports…

Airlines and Aviation

Kenya Airways spreads wings in Asia

Mark Elliott Jan 17, 2017

Kenya Airways has signed a new agreement that will expand connectivity between Asia and Africa. The codeshare partnership with Hong Kong Airlines enables passengers to book…

Cruise

Viking ship to invade Asia in 2018

Mark Elliott Jan 13, 2017

Viking Ocean Cruises has unveiled a series of new Asian itineraries for 2018 and 2019. The new voyages will enable passengers to board in a series of key Asia Pacific destinations,…

Airlines and Aviation

Lion Air spreads wings in Thailand

Mark Elliott Jan 13, 2017

Thai Lion Air, the Bangkok-based low-cost carrier, will add a duo of new domestic routes next month. The Bangkok Post reports that the airline has been given permission to launch two…

Cruise

Thai tourism industry gets major cruise boost

Mark Elliott Jan 12, 2017

Thailand's flourishing tourism industry has been given another considerable boost following the decision to base a major international cruise ship in Bangkok. Italy's Costa Cruises…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai AirAsia X pulls out of Middle East

Mark Elliott Dec 22, 2016

Thai AirAsia X is suspending all of its Middle Eastern operations, just a few months after it entered the region, the Bangkok Post reports. The Bangkok-based low-cost carrier started…

Attractions & Tours

Riverside observation tower to take Bangkok to new heights

Mark Elliott Dec 21, 2016

A new riverside tourist attraction in Bangkok will become the tallest structure in Thailand. The Bangkok Post reports that the Thai government is planning to build a 459-metre-high…

Airlines and Aviation

THAI returns to Russia

Mark Elliott Dec 20, 2016

Thai Airways has resumed flights to Moscow, less than two years after they were suspended. The national carrier, led by Phakkhra Ruangsiradecho (pictured fifth from right), vice president…

Serviced Apartments

Frasers Hospitality completes Bangkok trio

Mark Elliott Dec 13, 2016

Frasers Hospitality, the serviced apartment operator, has added its third property in Bangkok. North Park Place, a 105-unit serviced residence, opened recently within the city's…

Airlines and Aviation

Garuda opens a passage to India

Mark Elliott Dec 13, 2016

Indonesia could be set for a tourism boost from India following the launch of a new flight service linking Jakarta with Mumbai. Garuda Indonesia commenced the new route on 12 December…

Hotels

New Lancaster Bangkok joins Preferred Hotels

Mark Elliott Dec 12, 2016

The new Lancaster Bangkok has become one of 24 new members of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. Scheduled to open in April 2017, the property will offer 231 rooms and suites, including…

Hotels

Bangkok’s largest hotel reopens as Asia’s first Marriott Marquis

Mark Elliott Dec 12, 2016

Marriott has opened the largest hotel in its Thai portfolio and its first Marquis-branded hotel in the Asia Pacific region. The new Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, which was…

Airlines and Aviation

Bangkok gets first connection to Okinawa

Mark Elliott Dec 9, 2016

Bangkok will get a new direct air link early next year, when Japan's Peach starts flying to the Thai capital from Okinawa. The new service will also mark Peach's entry into Thailand,…

Airlines and Aviation

Jetstar adds festive flights to Asia

Mark Elliott Dec 8, 2016

Australian low-cost carrier Jetstar has announced plans to increase the number of flights it offers over the festive season, including extra capacity to Asia. Until the end of January…

Hotels

Meliá Hotels to enter Bangkok

Mark Elliott Dec 5, 2016

Spain's Meliá Hotels International has moved into Bangkok for the first time with the signing of a new upscale hotel. The company has penned a management agreement with Thailand's TCC…

Hotels

Thailand’s Akaryn opens first Bangkok hotel

Mark Elliott Dec 2, 2016

Akaryn Hotel Group, the Thai boutique hotelier, has unveiled its first property in Bangkok. Located in the trendy Thonglor area of the city, akyra Thonglor Bangkok has opened…

MICE

Bangkok lures MICE groups with go-karting

Mark Elliott Dec 2, 2016

Thailand's biggest MICE venue is now offering a novel new attraction for delegates, with the opening of a new go-karting track. Located next to the Impact Exhibition Centre in north…

Airlines and Aviation

Bangkok gets new low-cost link to Dubai

Mark Elliott Dec 1, 2016

Already served by multiple direct flights from Dubai, Bangkok has now welcomed its first low-cost connection from the UAE city. Dubai-based flydubai has launched its new Bangkok…

Tourism Boards

France targets ASEAN travellers with major roadshow

Mark Elliott Nov 27, 2016

Atout France, the French tourism marketing body, is aiming to attract more visitors from Southeast Asia. The organisation, which was formerly known as Maison de la France, is…

Airlines and Aviation

Bhutan Airlines adds new Bodh Gaya flights

Mark Elliott Nov 24, 2016

Bhutan Airlines will start flying to Bodh Gaya next month, catering to the Buddhist pilgrimage market. Effective 4 December 2016, the airline will fly from Bangkok and Paro to the…

Hotels

Best Western breaks ground on Bangkok’s first Vib

Mark Elliott Nov 24, 2016

Best Western has held a ground-breaking ceremony for its first Vib hotel in Bangkok. Located in north Bangkok, Vib Bangkok Sanampao will feature 89 rooms, all equipped with…

Hotels

Frasers brings modern Modena brand to Bangkok

Mark Elliott Nov 15, 2016

Frasers Hospitality has introduced a new serviced apartment concept to Thailand. Modena by Fraser is a contemporary brand aimed at both leisure travellers and serviced apartments'…

Serviced Apartments

Ascott brings new luxury brand to Asia

Mark Elliott Nov 14, 2016

Ascott, the Singapore-based serviced apartment operator, has launched a new luxury "soft brand" in Asia. The Metropole Bangkok has becomes the region’s first serviced residence under The…

Hotels

Thailand’s Akaryn unveils new hotel trio

Mark Elliott Nov 2, 2016

Akaryn Hotel Group has unveiled a trio of new properties in Southeast Asia. Due to open in time for the region’s peak tourist season, the new additions to Akaryn's upscale portfolio…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai AirAsia goes double daily to Hanoi

Mark Elliott Nov 1, 2016

Thai AirAsia is doubling the frequency of its Bangkok-Hanoi route with the launch of a second daily flight. Effective 9 December 2016, the low-cost carrier will add a new evening…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai AirAsia spreads wings to Kolkata

Mark Elliott Oct 20, 2016

Thai AirAsia is expanding its Indian network with the launch of direct flights from Bangkok to Kolkata. The new route will commence on 16 December 2016, with daily flights connecting…

Airlines and Aviation

Jet Airways boosts Bangkok

Mark Elliott Oct 12, 2016

India's Jet Airways will add more capacity to Bangkok in the coming weeks, to meet expected strong demand. The Bangkok Post reports that the airline will deploy a twin-aisle Airbus…

Hotels

Mövenpick seals new hotel trio in Thailand

Mark Elliott Oct 12, 2016

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts' Asian expansion plans have been given a significant lift, with the signing of a major contract for three properties in Thailand. The deal with real estate…

Hotels

SilverNeedle unveils riverside hotel in Bangkok

Mark Elliott Oct 11, 2016

SilverNeedle Hospitality has added a new riverside hotel in Bangkok to its boutique “SilverNeedle Collection”. Set on the banks of the Chao Praya River in the historic Rattankosin area of…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai Lion Air to fly to China

Mark Elliott Oct 6, 2016

Thai Lion Air, the Bangkok-based subsidiary of Indonesia's Lion Air, will launch its first flight to mainland China later this month. The Bangkok Post reports that the low-cost…

Airlines and Aviation

THAI takes off to Tehran

Mark Elliott Sep 27, 2016

Thai Airways has revealed that it will start flying to Iran next month. Commencing on 1 October 2016, the national carrier will operate four weekly flights direct between Bangkok and…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai Vietjet heads north with third domestic route

Mark Elliott Sep 27, 2016

Thai Vietjet, the new domestic low-cost carrier, has continued its rapid recent expansion with the launch of its first flights to the northern city of Chiang Mai. The new…

Tourism

Bangkok reclaims “most-visited city” title

Mark Elliott Sep 22, 2016

Bangkok has reclaimed its place as the world's most-visited city, ahead of London. According to the 2016 MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index, which is based on projected full-year…

Hotels

World’s first new-build Avani opens in Bangkok

Mark Elliott Sep 8, 2016

Minor Hotel Group has officially launched its first ever new-build Avani hotel. Located on the banks of the Chao Praya River in Bangkok, the Avani Riverside Bangkok Hotel is a modern…

Thailand

Thai Vietjet takes off with three domestic routes

Mark Elliott Sep 7, 2016

Thai Vietjet has finally announced its entry into Thailand’s domestic market with the launch of three new routes. The budget airline has been operating international routes from Bangkok…

Appointments

Thailand’s NokScoot eyes India

Mark Elliott Aug 29, 2016

NokScoot, the Bangkok-based low-cost carrier, is planning to expand its fleet with a view to launching its first flights to India. The Bangkok Post reports that the airline, which is…

Tourism Boards

GTA hosts latest fam and filming trip in Bangkok

Mark Elliott Aug 25, 2016

GTA has embarked on the next phase of its Strategic Partnership Program (SPP) for Thailand, by teaming up with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and tvN to host a fam and filming trip…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai AirAsia X doubles Seoul service

Mark Elliott Aug 22, 2016

Thai AirAsia X has announced plans to double the frequency of its Bangkok-Seoul flights for the upcoming high season. From 30 October 2016 to 25 March 2017, the low-cost carrier will…

Hotels

Mandarin Oriental opens first spa studio in Bangkok

Mark Elliott Aug 19, 2016

Mandarin Oriental has used the recent renovation of its famous old hotel in Bangkok to create the group's first "spa studio" - a new concept designed for people wanting less time-consuming…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai AirAsia arrives in Oman

Mark Elliott Jun 29, 2016

Thai AirAsia X has continued its push into the Middle East with the launch of its inaugural flight to Oman. The long-haul low-cost carrier touched down in Oman's capital Muscat for the…

Hotels

Avani shows true colours with first new-build hotel

Mark Elliott Jun 24, 2016

Back in 2011, Minor Hotels launched a sister brand to Anantara that it claimed would deliver a "fuss-free approach" to hospitality, meeting the demands of travellers who desire "good design,…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia X touches down in Iran

Mark Elliott Jun 22, 2016

AirAsia X touched down in Iran this week, marking its return to the country following a near-four-year hiatus. The inaugural flight took off from Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday evening (21…

Airlines and Aviation

Second new flight to link Bangkok with Danang

Mark Elliott Jun 14, 2016

Just weeks after Bangkok Airways launched the first direct flight between Bangkok and Danang, Vietnam Airlines has unveiled plans to start its own service on the route. The Vietnam…

Airlines and Aviation

JAL flies revamped B777 to Southeast Asia

Mark Elliott Jun 13, 2016

Passengers on Japan Airlines' flights to Bangkok and Singapore will soon be able to experience the carrier's newest cabin products, following the deployment of an upgraded Boeing 777…

Airlines and Aviation

Chinese LCC adds multiple new flights to Thailand

Mark Elliott Jun 8, 2016

China's largest low-cost carrier will launch a series of new routes to Thailand this summer. Commencing on 1 July, Spring Airlines will launch four weekly flights to Bangkok from…

United States

New Dreamliners could see THAI return to North America

Mark Elliott Jun 7, 2016

Thai Airways International could resume direct flights to North America, following the arrival of its new fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The Bangkok Post reported the…

Hotels

X2 hotels embarks on Bangkok cruise venture

Mark Elliott May 29, 2016

X2, the Bangkok-based boutique hotel brand, has unveiled plans to enter the cruise sector. Operated BHMAsia, the brand has now launched X2 Cruises on Bangkok's Chao Praya River. Providing…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai AirAsia X moves further into the Middle East

Mark Elliott May 18, 2016

Following the recent announcement of its first flights to Iran, Thai AirAsia X has continued its Middle Eastern expansion with the launch of services to Oman. The new direct service…

Airlines and Aviation

Emirates adds seventh daily flight to Bangkok

Mark Elliott May 16, 2016

Emirates will continue to increase capacity to Thailand this summer, with the launch of its seventh daily flight to Bangkok. Commencing on 1 July 2016, the new service will depart…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia X returns to Iran with double launch

Mark Elliott May 15, 2016

AirAsia X has confirmed that it will resume flights to Iran this summer, for the first time in almost four years. Kuala Lumpur's AirAsia X and Bangkok's Thai AirAsia X will both start…

Airlines and Aviation

Lucky Air adds more flights to Southeast Asia

Mark Elliott May 5, 2016

Lucky Air, which is based in the Chinese city of Kunming, will expand its route map in Southeast Asia this summer with the launch of two new routes. Commencing on 29 June 2016, the…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai AirAsia doubles up in Laos

Mark Elliott Apr 27, 2016

Following the recent launch of its first ever flights to Laos, Thai AirAsia has unveiled plans to add a second route to the landlocked Southeast Asian country. The Bangkok-based…

Hotels

137 Pillars Hotels launches in Thailand and plans rapid expansion

Mark Elliott Apr 4, 2016

A new luxury boutique hotel company has launched in Thailand and is planning a swift expansion of its portfolio. 137 Pillars Hotels & Resorts takes its name from the 30-suite 137…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia adds two new routes to Shantou

Mark Elliott Mar 27, 2016

AirAsia has expanded its presence in China with the launch of one new route to Shantou, in the populous Guangdong province, and the announcement of plans for a second. The low-cost…

Hotels

Thailand’s first halal hotel opens in Bangkok

Mark Elliott Mar 24, 2016

Thailand’s first halal hotel has opened its doors in Bangkok, aiming to cater to the fast-growing Muslim travel market. The TS Family Group has invested THB1 billion (US$28.6 million)…

Serviced Apartments

IconSiam expands footprint along Bangkok riverfront

Mark Elliott Mar 23, 2016

IconSiam, the huge new riverside development currently under construction in Bangkok, will be even larger than first planned, with developers revealing an additional US$110 million…

Hotels

Best Western signs second Vib hotel in Bangkok

Mark Elliott Mar 22, 2016

Best Western has signed an agreement for Bangkok’s second Vib hotel. Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2019, the newly-built Vib Sathorn will be located close to the Saphan…

Airlines and Aviation

Royal Jordanian touches down in Guangzhou

Mark Elliott Mar 21, 2016

Royal Jordanian started operating flights to the Chinese city of Guangzhou on Monday 21 March 2016. The new service marks an extension of the airline's existing Amman-Bangkok route,…

Tourism

Bangkok most popular for Indian travellers

Mark Elliott Mar 16, 2016

Bangkok topped the list of international destinations for Indian travellers in 2015, replacing Dubai. According to the latest Hotel Price Index (HPI) report by Hotels.com, Indians…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia to offer first direct Bangkok-Kochi flights

Mark Elliott Mar 16, 2016

Thai AirAsia will launch daily direct flights between Bangkok and Kochi from 16 May 2016, marking the first direct connection between the cities. Flights will depart the Thai…

Road

Thrifty Car Rental moves into Thailand

Mark Elliott Mar 15, 2016

Thrifty Car Rental, which forms part of the Hertz International group, has launched operations in Thailand. The company has partnered with Hertz’s Thai franchise partner, Paragon Car…

Hotels

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok renovates historic wings

Mark Elliott Mar 8, 2016

The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok has completed a renovation of its historic Authors’ and Garden Wings.   The project at the famous riverside hotel included a significant room…

Hotels

Second Eastin Grand hotel to rise in Bangkok

Mark Elliott Feb 29, 2016

Absolute Hotel Services (AHS) has unveiled plans for a second Eastin Grand hotel in Bangkok. Scheduled to open in 2019, the Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai Bangkok will be set in a…

Airlines and Aviation

Korean Air spreads wings in India with Jet

Mark Elliott Feb 26, 2016

Korean Air has formed a new partnership with Jet Airways that give it more connections to and from India. Effective 1 March 2016, a codeshare agreement will see Korean Air partner Jet…

Hotels

Strong start to 2016 for Asia Pacific hotels

Mark Elliott Feb 25, 2016

The Asia Pacific hotel sector experienced rising rates and occupancy in January 2016. According to the latest monthly data from STR Global, released on Thursday, the region's…

Airlines and Aviation

Jet Airways adds two more daily Bangkok flights

Mark Elliott Feb 23, 2016

Jet Airways is expanding its operations in Thailand with the launch of two new daily flights to Bangkok. On 27 March 2016, the Indian carrier will launch a third daily frequency from…

Hotels

Best Western celebrates 15 years in Asia

Mark Elliott Feb 17, 2016

Best Western Hotels & Resorts has celebrated the 15th anniversary of its arrival in Asia. 2016 marks 15 years since the hotel group opened its first regional office for the Asia…

Airlines and Aviation

Lufthansa offers family check-in counters at Bangkok airport

Mark Elliott Feb 16, 2016

Lufthansa has started offering a new family check-in counter at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. Launched last month, the new counter allows children to watch the check-in procedure.…

Airlines and Aviation

Eurowings opens new market for Lufthansa, and for Asia

Mark Elliott Feb 15, 2016

Eurowings' new low-cost flights to Thailand have opened up an entirely new market for the Lufthansa Group, focusing on price-sensitive leisure travellers, according to Dirk Grossmann,…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia to link Bangkok with Luang Prabang

Mark Elliott Feb 10, 2016

AirAsia has announced plans to launch a new direct flight connecting Bangkok with Luang Prabang. The new service will commence on 24 March 2016, operating daily from the Thai…

Hotels

Ascott adds multiple new properties across Southeast Asia

Mark Elliott Feb 4, 2016

Ascott, the Singapore-based serviced apartment operator, has continued to expand its presence in Southeast Asia with the signing of agreements for seven new properties in four countries.…

Airlines and Aviation

Chongqing Airlines goes international‏

Mark Elliott Jan 29, 2016

Chongqing Airlines will launch its first ever international flights this week. Commencing on 4 February, the airline will operate three weekly flights between Chongqing and Bangkok.…

Hotels

Carlson Rezidor plans to double Asia Pacific portfolio

Mark Elliott Jan 28, 2016

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group is planning to open another 100 hotels across Asia Pacific in the next five years, doubling its current regional portfolio. Addressing reporters in Bangkok…

Tourism

Bangkok named as Asia’s most popular destination

Mark Elliott Jan 27, 2016

Bangkok is by far the most popular tourist destination in the Asia Pacific, according to a new report. In its inaugural Asia Pacific Destinations Index, which was released on…

Hotels

Thai hotel occupancy soars in 2015

Mark Elliott Jan 26, 2016

Thailand's hotel occupancy experience double-digit growth in 2015, as the country’s hospitality sector benefited from increasing visitor numbers. According to data released by STR…

Hotels

Anantara’s elephant polo tournament moves to Bangkok riverside

Mark Elliott Jan 19, 2016

Anantara has announced that the annual King's Cup elephant polo tournament will be staged on the banks of Bangkok's Chao Praya River this year. The annual event will return to the…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai Lion Air targets travel trade with Sabre

Mark Elliott Jan 19, 2016

Thai Lion Air has moved to expand its distribution reach by signing a new agreement with Sabre. The move will see the Bangkok-based airline make its fares available to more than…

Hotels

Theme park planned for Bangkok’s IMPACT conference centre

Mark Elliott Jan 18, 2016

A new theme park and marina complex are among the major developments being planned at IMPACT, Thailand's largest conference and exhibition centre. The operators of the facility, which…

Tourism Boards

Thailand to showcase Wat Arun this New Year’s Eve

Mark Elliott Dec 21, 2015

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will be focusing its New Year's Eve celebrations on the riverside landmark of Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn) this year. Thailand's Prime…

Airlines and Aviation

German LCC starts flying to Thailand

Mark Elliott Dec 20, 2015

Eurowings, Germany's low-cost leisure carrier, has launched its first flights to Thailand. The first new direct route from Cologne-Bonn Airport to Phuket departed on Friday, while the…

Hotels

Red Planet Hotels expands in Bangkok

Mark Elliott Dec 15, 2015

Red Planet Hotels, the Asian budget hotel operator, has added second property in Bangkok. The Red Planet Surawong hotel is located close to the Thai capital's Silom district and…

Hotels

Preferred adds four key properties to Asian collection

Mark Elliott Dec 9, 2015

Preferred Hotels & Resorts has added four key Asian properties, including two as-yet-unopened hotels and its first Legend Collection properties in Bali and Shanghai. The…

Airlines and Aviation

Korean Air to fly A380 to Bangkok

Mark Elliott Dec 3, 2015

Korean Air will increase the capacity of its Seoul-Bangkok route this month, with the launch of its first Airbus A380 flights to the Thai capital. The Bangkok Post reports that the…

Hotels

BHMAsia starts work on first Bangkok hotel

Mark Elliott Nov 25, 2015

Construction work is now underway on BHMAsia's first hotel in Bangkok. The new X2 Vibe Onnut will feature 267 units, comprising 145 hotel rooms and 122 residences, plus a swimming…

Airlines and Aviation

Spring flies to North Korea, and more Chinese airline news…

Mark Elliott Nov 24, 2015

Spring Airlines plans North Korea flights‏ China's Spring Airlines is planning to launch its first ever flights to North Korea. The low-cost carrier has applied to Civil Aviation…

Airlines and Aviation

SpiceJet to link Chennai with Bangkok

Mark Elliott Nov 6, 2015

SpiceJet has announced plans to launch a new international service from Chennai to Bangkok. Commencing on 10 December 2015, the Indian low-cost carrier will operate the route six…

Hotels

Melia enters Thailand with triple hotel deal

Mark Elliott Nov 2, 2015

Melia Hotels International has signed agreements for its first hotels in Thailand. Under a new partnership with TCC Land Asset World, the Spanish hotel group will initially open three…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai VietJet launches weekly flights to Bodh Gaya

Mark Elliott Oct 27, 2015

Low-cost carrier Thai VietJet has launched a new series of flights to India, to cater to the Buddhist pilgrimmage market. The Bangkok-based airline has now started operating weekly…

Serviced Apartments

Frasers brings Modena brand to Bangkok

Mark Elliott Oct 27, 2015

Frasers Hospitality has confirmed that it will launch its Modena by Fraser serviced residence brand in Bangkok next year. The new Modena by Fraser Bangkok will be a 239-unit property…

Hotels

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok’s new riverside residences go on sale

Mark Elliott Oct 15, 2015

Mandarin Oriental's new luxury riverside residences in Bangkok have gone on sale. The property's developers, Icon Siam, revealed that the 146 new freehold residences, which are…

Hotels

Rosewood opens regional office in Bangkok

Mark Elliott Oct 15, 2015

Rosewood Hotel Group has opened a new regional sales office in Bangkok, to support its Southeast Asian expansion plans. The Hong Kong-based luxury hotel group is planning to open 27…

Technology

Fastbooking expands presence in Thailand

Mark Elliott Oct 12, 2015

Fastbooking, which provides reservation software to the hospitality industry, has expanded its presence in Thailand. The company has appointed Peter Yap as its new Bangkok-based…

Hotels

klapsons officially unveils Bangkok residences

Mark Elliott Oct 5, 2015

klapsons, the brand behind the Design Hotels-affiliated boutique hotel in Singapore, has now officially launched its first property in Bangkok. Originally launched in November 2014,…

MICE

IT&CMA and CWT delegates give positive feedback

Mark Elliott Oct 2, 2015

This week's IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific 2015 concluded in Bangkok on Thursday, and feedback from delegates at the events, which featured more than 100 business, education and…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai AirAsia X embarks on Chinese expansion strategy

Mark Elliott Oct 2, 2015

AirAsia has launched a new service connecting two of Asia's largest and most popular cities - Bangkok and Shanghai. Thai AirAsia X, the group's Bangkok-based long-haul airline, commenced…

Airlines and Aviation

New flight connects Bangkok with China’s ice capital

Mark Elliott Sep 30, 2015

A new air route will open later this year connecting Bangkok with Harbin, the city in northeast China that hosts the annual Ice Festival. Spring Airlines, the Shanghai-based low-cost…

Hotels

Anantara offers free smartphones to Bangkok guests

Mark Elliott Sep 29, 2015

Anantara will start providing free smartphones to guests at two of its hotels in Thailand: Anantara Siam Bangkok and Anantara Riverside Bangkok. The new "handy" smartphones will…

Hotels

Japanese hotel sector surges while Korea struggles

Mark Elliott Sep 25, 2015

The hotel sectors in Japan and South Korea experienced vastly different fortunes in August 2015. According to the latest monthly data from STR Global, Japan experienced rising occupancy,…

Hotels

Thailand’s Aspira to launch new “premier budget” hotel brand

Mark Elliott Sep 22, 2015

Aspira Hospitality, which operates boutique hotels in Thailand, has unveiled plans to launch a new brand. Syama by Aspira, which is positioned in the "premier economy" segment, will…

Tourism Boards

GTA, TAT unveil new campaign to drive Thailand’s tourism recovery

Mark Elliott Sep 21, 2015

GTA has launched a new initiative aimed helping Thailand’s tourism industry recover from last month’s bombing in Bangkok. The company unveiled its 'Thailand, Stronger Together' campaign…

Hotels

Thailand targets wellness sector with anti-aging focus

Mark Elliott Sep 16, 2015

Thailand has held an event designed to promote its status as a global health and wellness destination, with a focus in anti-aging procedures. The country's Minister of Tourism &…

Tourism Boards

Thai arrivals hit by Bangkok bomb

Mark Elliott Aug 28, 2015

International visitor arrivals to Thailand have fallen approximately 7% since the bombing in Bangkok, new data has revealed. The Bangkok Post reported figures from the Thai Ministry…

Hotels

AccorHotels expects Thai recovery “within three months”

Mark Elliott Aug 27, 2015

AccorHotels has revealed the extent of the downturn of its Thai business in the wake of last week's Bangkok bomb, but said it believes the city's hotels can recover quickly. Addressing…

Tourism

UNWTO backs Thailand’s tourism recovery

Mark Elliott Aug 27, 2015

The UNWTO has pledged its support to Thailand's tourism industry, following the recent bombing in Bangkok. At an event held at Bangkok’s Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel this week, Carlos…

Events

IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific 2015

Mark Elliott Aug 27, 2015

Dates: 29 September to 1 October 2015 Place:  Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Thailand Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia (IT&CMA) and Corporate Travel…

Tourism Boards

Bangkok security “under complete control”, government tells tourists

Mark Elliott Aug 25, 2015

The Thai government has moved to reassure visitors to the country, following last week's deadly bomb attack in Bangkok. Despite the fact that police appear no closer to catching the…

Airlines and Aviation

Kazakhstan’s Air Astana spreads wings in Thailand

Mark Elliott Aug 20, 2015

Kazakhstan's national carrier, Air Astana, has expanded its route map in Thailand with the signing of a new codeshare agreement with Bangkok Airways. The new deal will enable Air…

Airlines and Aviation

Spring spreads wings outside China

Mark Elliott Aug 19, 2015

China's largest low-cost carrier, Spring Airlines, has unveiled plans to launch a series of new international flights. This phase of expansion will commence on 26 August, when the…

Tourism

India sends condolences to Thailand after bomb

Mark Elliott Aug 19, 2015

India has sent a letter of condolence to Thailand, following the bomb attack that killed at least 20 people on Monday. Sushma Swaraj, India’s Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs,…

Tourism

Bangkok on state of alert after second attack

Mark Elliott Aug 19, 2015

Bangkok is one a state of high alert following a second bomb attack on Tuesday afternoon. An explosive device was thrown at the Sathorn boat pier at about 1.20pm yesterday – an area…

Thailand

Huge explosion rocks central Bangkok – update 1

Mark Elliott Aug 17, 2015

A huge explosion ripped through central Bangkok yesterday evening, killing at least 19 people. The blast hit the Chidlom district of the city at approximately 7.10pm yesterday,…

Hotels

Best Western goes upscale in north Bangkok

Mark Elliott Aug 10, 2015

Best Western has announced plans to open a new upscale hotel in north Bangkok. Scheduled to launch in the fourth quarter of 2015, the new Best Western Plus Wanda Grand Hotel will be…

Airlines and Aviation

Emirates expands Asian connectivity with Bangkok Airways

Mark Elliott Aug 5, 2015

Emirates has significantly expanded its network in Southeast Asia with the signing of a codeshare partnership with Bangkok Airways. Under the agreement, Emirates' international passengers…

Airlines and Aviation

Emirates adds fourth daily A380 flight to Bangkok

Mark Elliott Jul 29, 2015

Emirates will launch its fourth daily Airbus A380 service between Dubai and Bangkok on 1 December 2015. The new two-class A380 will replace the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft Emirates…

Airlines and Aviation

Poland’s LOT to launch three Asian routes

Mark Elliott Jul 28, 2015

LOT Polish Airlines has announced plans to add three new Asian cities to its route map next year. As part of its new long-haul strategy, the Warsaw-based national carrier will start…

Airlines and Aviation

THAI to end US flights in latest round of cost-cutting

Mark Elliott Jul 27, 2015

Thai Airways International (THAI) will suspend its last remaining US route as part of its latest round of cuts. The national carrier will cease operating its Bangkok-Seoul-Los Angeles…

Technology

Amadeus appoints new president for Asia Pacific

Mark Elliott Jul 23, 2015

Amadeus has appointed Albert Pozo as its new president for Asia Pacific, effective 3 August 2015. A 23-year Amadeus veteran, Pozo moves to Bangkok following his previous role as vice…

Airlines and Aviation

Xiamen Airlines links Changsha with Southeast Asia

Mark Elliott Jul 23, 2015

Xiamen Airlines will launch two new routes to Southeast Asia next month from Changsha, the capital of China's Hunan province. On 10 August, the Chinese carrier will launch four weekly…

Hotels

Red Planet rebrands 24 hotels and eyes further growth

Mark Elliott Jul 21, 2015

Red Planet Hotels is planning to expand its brand name across Asia, following the rebranding of 24 budget hotels. The company was previously the franchise partner of Tune Hotels in…

Airlines and Aviation

Sichuan Airlines adds flights to Southeast Asia

Mark Elliott Jul 16, 2015

Sichuan Airlines is launching a series of new flights to Southeast Asia. Earlier this week, the Chengdu-based carrier launched a new service to Nha Trang, the coastal city in Vietnam.…

Hotels

Holiday Inn Express to open in Bangkok’s Chinatown

Mark Elliott Jul 15, 2015

IHG has continued the expansion of its Holiday Inn Express brand in Southeast Asia, with the signing of a new property in Bangkok's Chinatown district. The 240-room Holiday Inn…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai AirAsia X doubles Seoul service

Mark Elliott Jul 14, 2015

Thai AirAsia X has announced plans to double the frequency of its Bangkok-Seoul service. From 25 October 2015, the long-haul low-cost carrier will add a second daily flight on the route.…

Airlines and Aviation

THAI launches A380 flights to London

Mark Elliott Jul 7, 2015

Thai Airways International (THAI) has finally launched its first Airbus A380 flights to London, almost two years after they were initially intended to start. The new service, flight…

Tourism Boards

Dubai ranked fourth most popular destination in the world

Mark Elliott Jun 5, 2015

Dubai is continuing its rise towards the top destinations for international travellers chart, according to the findings of the MasterCardGlobal Destination Cities Index.  Dubai has…

Tourism

Bangkok named world’s second most-visited city

Mark Elliott Jun 3, 2015

Bangkok has been named as the world's second most-visited city. According to MasterCard's latest Global Destination Cities Index, the Thai capital is expected to welcome 18.24 million…

Hotels

Japan, Thailand hotels soar, but Malaysia and Myanmar struggle

Mark Elliott May 29, 2015

Hotels in the Asia Pacific region experienced declining rates and revPAR in April 2015. According to the latest monthly data from STR Global, the region's average daily rate (ADR)…

Airlines and Aviation

Scoot flies to Osaka

Mark Elliott May 21, 2015

Scoot will launch flights to Osaka this summer, its second destination in Japan. Commencing on 8 July 2015, the low-cost carrier will operate six weekly flights between Singapore and…

Hotels

Movenpick to open seven new Asian hotels

Mark Elliott May 20, 2015

Movenpick Hotels & Resorts has unveiled plans to expand its Asia Pacific portfolio with the launch of at least seven new hotels over the coming years. The Swiss hotel group…

Hotels

Movenpick unveils first hotel in Bangkok

Mark Elliott May 19, 2015

Movenpick Hotels & Resorts has made its debut in Bangkok with the opening of a new hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 15, in the centre of the Thai capital. The new Movenpick Hotel Sukhumvit…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia expands Thailand-Malaysia links

Mark Elliott May 19, 2015

AirAsia will increase the number of routes it offers between Thailand and Malaysia this summer, with the launch of two new unique services: Johor Bahru-Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur-Pattaya.…

Airlines and Aviation

Etihad adds fourth daily Bangkok flight

Mark Elliott May 19, 2015

Etihad Airways will add a fourth daily service between Abu Dhabi and Bangkok from 1 July 2015. Operated by a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, the new service will depart the UAE capital…

Airlines and Aviation

Jet expands in Thailand with Bangkok Air partnership

Mark Elliott Apr 24, 2015

Jet Airways has continued to expand in Southeast Asia, by signing a new codeshare partnership with Bangkok Airways. Under the new arrangement, Jet and Bangkok Airways will jointly…

Airlines and Aviation

Malaysia’s AirAsia X to operate Thai flights to Sapporo

Mark Elliott Apr 23, 2015

Malaysia’s AirAsia X will operate Thai AirAsia X's new Bangkok-Sapporo route next month, under a deal with Japan's aviation authorities. Japan is one the countries that is not…

Airlines and Aviation

China Eastern boosts Bangkok

Mark Elliott Apr 21, 2015

China Eastern Airlines has increased the number of seats it operates to Bangkok, with the deployment of a new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on its flights from Shanghai. From now until…

Airlines and Aviation

Spring Airlines adds more Chinese connections to Bangkok

Mark Elliott Apr 13, 2015

Chinese low-cost carrier Spring Airlines will launch a series of new services to Bangkok next month. The airline currently connects the Thai capital with its home base of Shanghai,…

Airlines and Aviation

Finnair to fly brand new aircraft to Asia

Mark Elliott Apr 9, 2015

Finnair has confirmed plans to deploy its brand new long-haul aircraft, the Airbus A350, to several destinations in Asia. The Helsinki-based airline will start taking delivery of its…

Hotels

Best Western to add seventh hotel in Bangkok

Mark Elliott Apr 7, 2015

Best Western has unveils plans for its seventh hotel in Bangkok. The company recently signed a new-build midscale hotel in the central Sukhumvit district of Bangkok, making Best…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai AirAsia adds new domestic route

Mark Elliott Apr 4, 2015

Thai AirAsia has continued its domestic expansion with the launch of a new route to Buriram, in northeast Thailand. The new service will operate daily, direct from Bangkok's Don…

Hotels

Cachet Hotels brings Las Vegas nightclubs to Asia

Mark Elliott Apr 1, 2015

Cachet Hotel Group (CHG), the Hong Kong-based company that operates the URBN and Cachet hotel brands, has formed a new joint venture to develop Las Vegas-style nightlife venues across…

Events

Thailand’s Woody World organises “ultimate Songkran festival”

Mark Elliott Apr 1, 2015

Woody World, the morning talk show led by Thai celebrity Woody Vutthithorn, has unveiled plans to host the “ultimate Songkran party”. Woody has come together with Hartha Group and…

Hotels

LiT launches in Bangkok

Mark Elliott Mar 31, 2015

The new LiT Bangkok Hotel & Residence has opened in the centre of the Thai capital. Located on the city's Rama 1 Road, close to the Pathumwan intersection and several major shopping…

United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi International Airport notes 21.5% increase in traffic

Mark Elliott Mar 23, 2015

Abu Dhabi Airports has revealed that traffic at Abu Dhabi International Airport increased by 21.5% in February 2015.  A total of 1,715,540 passengers passed through Abu Dhabi…

Hotels

StayWell targets China and Southeast Asia in major growth plan

Mark Elliott Mar 21, 2015

StayWell Hospitality Group is planning to launch multiple new hotels in China and Southeast Asia, as the company continues to grow from its Australian roots. Speaking to Travel Daily…

Hotels

Best Western unveils new Vib for modern travellers

Mark Elliott Mar 19, 2015

Best Western has launched a new hotel brand designed to target the new generation of "millennial" travellers. Unveiled at an event in Bangkok on Thursday, Vib (pronounced 'Vibe') is…

Airlines and Aviation

Scoot expands Bangkok service with Dreamliner

Mark Elliott Mar 18, 2015

Scoot will increase the number of flights it operates to Bangkok this summer, with the deployment of its brand new Boeing 787 Dreamliner to the city. From 8 July 2015, the Singaporean…

Hotels

Bangkok’s Arnoma embarks on “new era”

Mark Elliott Mar 11, 2015

One of Bangkok's classic city centre hotels is undertaking a major transformation that will include not only the revamp of the property, but also an expansion of the brand into new…

Hotels

New World to debut in Bangkok

Mark Elliott Mar 9, 2015

Rosewood Hotel Group has unveiled plans to launch its first New World hotel in Bangkok. Scheduled to open in mid-2017, the New World Grand Rama 9 Bangkok Hotel will be located in the…

Airlines and Aviation

New Eurowings to fly long-haul from October

Mark Elliott Mar 5, 2015

Lufthansa's new low-cost carrier, Eurowings, will commence long-haul operations in fourth quarter of 2015 with flights to Thailand, the Caribbean and Middle East. Ticket sales have…

Hotels

Anantara launches new flagship hotel in Bangkok

Mark Elliott Mar 3, 2015

Anantara has officially rebranded the former Four Seasons Bangkok to create its new flagship hotel in the Thai capital. The Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel is located on central Bangkok's…

Hotels

Cachet Hotels to drive Southeast Asian growth from Bangkok

Mark Elliott Mar 2, 2015

Hong Kong's Cachet Hotel Group (CHG), which operates the Cachet, rHotels and URBN brands, has launched a new office in Bangkok to drive its expansion in Southeast Asia. The new…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai AirAsia X welcomes third aircraft

Mark Elliott Feb 27, 2015

Thai AirAsia X has taken delivery of its third aircraft. The new Airbus A330-300 touched down at Bangkok's Don Mueang International Airport this week, featuring a picture of South…

Airlines and Aviation

Qatar Airways extends network in Southeast Asia

Mark Elliott Feb 25, 2015

Qatar Airways is now able to offer more destinations in Southeast Asia following the expansion of its codeshare partnership with Bangkok Airways. The Doha-based carrier will now be…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai AirAsia X flies to Sapporo

Mark Elliott Feb 10, 2015

Thai AirAsia X, the long-haul unit of Thai AirAsia, has unveiled plans to launch a new service to Sapporo. Flights commence on 1 May 2015 and will operate daily, direct from Bangkok's Don…

Japan

Thailand pens airport partnership with Osaka

Mark Elliott Feb 10, 2015

Airports of Thailand (AoT), the state-run company that operates most of Thailand's airports, has signed a new partnership with New Kansai International Airport Company (NKIAC), which manages…

Hotels

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok relaunches Bamboo Bar

Mark Elliott Feb 10, 2015

The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok has reopened its Bamboo bar following an extensive refurbishment. The classic bar, which originally opened in 1953, has been visited by numerous celebrities…

Airlines and Aviation

ANA to introduce premium economy on Southeast Asian routes

Mark Elliott Feb 4, 2015

ANA will launch a new range of in-flight services on its Southeast Asian routes next month, including the regional roll-out of its premium economy cabins. The Japanese carrier will…

Hotels

Thai hotel sector starts to rebound

Mark Elliott Jan 28, 2015

Hotels in Thailand are starting to see the green shoots of recovery, following a dismal first half of 2014. According to the full-year data from STR Global, the recovery began late in…

Hotels

IHG targets Bangkok medical tourists

Mark Elliott Jan 27, 2015

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed a new hotel that is expected to cater for the rising number of medical tourists to Bangkok. Opening in 2018, the 200-room Holiday Inn…

Airlines and Aviation

China’s Okay Airways plans first flights to Thailand

Mark Elliott Jan 13, 2015

China's Okay Airways will launch its first ever flights to Thailand next month. The Tianjin-based carrier is setting up a new operating hub in Xi’an, the capital of northern China's…

Hotels

Hotel Indigo debuts in Southeast Asia

Mark Elliott Jan 10, 2015

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has opened its first ever Hotel Indigo property in Southeast Asia. Located on Wireless Road in central Bangkok, the new hotel is designed to fit in…

Airlines and Aviation

China Southern adds Thai flights from Guangxi

Mark Elliott Jan 10, 2015

China Southern Airlines has moved to secure it position as the largest airline operating in southern China's Guangxi region, with the launch of more international services from the…

Hotels

Four Seasons to rise on Bangkok riverside

Mark Elliott Jan 6, 2015

A new Four Seasons hotel is being developed on the banks of Bangkok's Chao Praya River. The luxury hotel group, along with Thai real estate developer Country Group Development (CGD),…

Tourism Boards

TAT hosts Indian agents FAM

Mark Elliott Mar 19, 2014

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) hosted a familiarisation (FAM) trip for 30 agents from India. The FAM trip organised in the first week of March, helped the agent’s better…

Tourism

Indian travellers retain confidence in Bangkok

Mark Elliott Jan 24, 2014

Indian travellers have retained their confidence in Bangkok as a tourist destination. The Thai capital continues to be the main destinations of choice for travellers from India with…

Tourism

State of emergency issued in Bangkok

Mark Elliott Jan 20, 2014

Updated 21 January 2014, 15.03 Thailand’s capital city Bangkok has been placed under a state of emergency to curb on-going protests. The 60-day state of emergency and surrounding…

Tourism

Bangkok braces for next wave of protests

Mark Elliott Jan 9, 2014

Bangkok is bracing for more anti-government protests on Monday with disruption expected on some roads. Flights and public transport will be unaffected during the protests, which continue…

Tourism Boards

Thailand reassures trade and tourists

Mark Elliott Nov 15, 2013

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has reassured British companies and tourists that the country is safe and open for business after civil peaceful protests broke out in Bangkok…

Hotels

曼谷瑰丽酒店将于2017年开幕

Nelly Oct 16, 2013

瑰丽酒店获酒店投资公司RENDE委任，管理将于2017年开幕、极致奢华的曼谷瑰丽酒店。本次合作协议为瑰丽于全球新增的第九份管理合约，也是品牌今年于亚太区公布的第四份，进一步加速品牌开拓业务版图的步伐。 曼谷瑰丽酒店将位于曼谷商业核心区的Ploenchit…

Airlines and Aviation

SpiceJet plans Pune-Bangkok

Mark Elliott Sep 23, 2013

SpiceJet has announced the launch of its new direct service between Pune and Bangkok. The low-cost carrier also commenced four days a week operations between Pune-Sharjah on 21…

Airlines and Aviation

Emirates upgrades Bangkok-Dubai aircraft

Mark Elliott Aug 28, 2013

Middle East carrier Emirates is to replace existing Airbus A330-200s with Boeing 777-300ER on its Dubai to Bangkok route from 1 September.  The airline is also adding a second daily…

Airlines and Aviation

SpiceJet announces new international destinations

Mark Elliott Jul 29, 2013

The Chennai-based low-cost carrier SpiceJet has announced the addition of three new international destinations. The carrier will add Bangkok, Muscat and Macau to its international…

Airlines and Aviation

Oman Air contributes to ‘Tab for Giving’ campaign

Mark Elliott Jul 16, 2013

Oman Air announced its support for an initiative that aims to help those in Oman who need artificial limbs.  The Tab for Giving campaign was launched by Safa Mazhoud AL – Abrawi, a…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai pushes back A380 London launch

Mark Elliott Jul 2, 2013

Thai Airways has pushed back the launch of its Airbus A380 London launch by 10 months due to “important technical modifications”. The airline was originally due to introduce the…

Airlines and Aviation

Suvarnabhumi quieter after AirAsia loss

Mar 26, 2013 0

Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport has seen a severe drop in passenger traffic this year, following AirAsia's move to the Thai capital's second airport, Don Mueang. According to the…

Hotels

Bangkok hotels missing MICE opportunities – report

Mar 20, 2013 17

Event sales teams at hotels in Bangkok need to improve their customer service in order to maximise potential revenues, a new report has found. Following a recent report by LRA…

Indonesia

Asia airport traffic rises 7% in 2012

Feb 18, 2013 16

Passenger traffic at airports in the Asia Pacific region continued to grow strongly in 2012, according to Airports Council International (ACI). In its full-year report, released today…

Airlines and Aviation

Emirates to add fifth daily Bangkok flight

Jan 7, 2013 13

From 31 March 2013, Emirates will operate 35 flights a week to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport, plus a daily Airbus A380 service between Bangkok and Hong Kong and a daily flight between…

Airlines and Aviation

THAI A380 heading to London

Mark Elliott Sep 26, 2012 15

Thai Airways International (THAI) will launch Airbus A380 flights to London and Syndey next year. Speaking to Travel Daily, THAI's executive vice president of technical Montree Jumrieng…

Hotels

Tune Hotels plans major Indian expansion

Mark Elliott Jul 9, 2012 1

Tune Hotels is plotting a major expansion in the Indian market as well as plans to sign new deals in Australia. The company has signed an agreement to develop 30 hotels in India. Speaking to…

Qatar

Abu Dhabi airport witnesses 22% passenger growth for April

Mark Elliott Jun 2, 2012 4

Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) recorded a 22% increase in passenger traffic for the month of April 2012 over the same period in 2011. These figures were released as part of the traffic…

Airlines and Aviation

Jet Airways boosts Thailand flights

Mark Elliott Apr 30, 2012 17

Jet Airways will boost its Kolkata-Bangkok flights during this summer season. Effective 10 May, the airline will add a second daily frequency on this route to cater the enhanced demand…