Tag: Thailand
Bali is set to become the next Bangkok for Indians
Of all Indians who have been outside the country for travel — not work but travel — a very large percentage has been to Thailand.
The reasons for this are not hard to understand. Bangkok is only a few hours away — almost always a direct flight — and the country is not that costly and this works well for India’s middle class looking to travel abroad.
I believe there’s a second Bangkok waiting for Indians to explore, and that, for better or for worse, is Bali. Continue reading Bali is set to become the next Bangkok for Indians
Tourism as usual after Thailand king’s death
October 14 (TravelAndy): In spite of initial apprehensions, the death of Thailand’s popular king Bhumibol Adulyadej yesterday has not affected tourism in the country to any significant degree.
After announcement of the king’s death, thousands of citizens and tourists had gathered in front of the palace.
Many people wore black — the colour of mourning — following the announcement, especially in Bangkok. Continue reading Tourism as usual after Thailand king’s death
Thailand doubles visa-on-arrival fees
August 22 (TravelAndy): Thailand, one of the most popular tourist destinations of the world, has decided to increase its visa-on-arrival price, with effect from September 27, said the country’s ministry of foreign affairs.
The visa fees have been doubled for 18 countries including India.
The Thai visa-on-arrival fees will become THB2000 (INR4000) from Baht 1000 (INR2000), for a visiting period of 15 days, with effect from Spetember 27. Continue reading Thailand doubles visa-on-arrival fees
Pokemon Go to boost Bangkok tourism
August 16 (TravelAndy): Bangkok tourism is banking on the extremely popular mobile game Pokemon Go to give a boost to the city’s tourism.
The tourism ministry has urged True Corporation, the official Pokemon Go seller, to launch PokeStops and Gyms in and around several tourist destinations, to attract visitors across the world, reported The Bangkok Post. Continue reading Pokemon Go to boost Bangkok tourism
Popular Thailand island off limits for tourists
May 20 (TravelAndy): Thailand has closed its popular island tourist destination of Koh Tachai indefinitely to let it “recover” from the impact of tourism.
The white-sand beaches and waters teeming with marine life had been attracting far too many tourists and this has had an adverse impact on the local environment, feel the authorities.
Reports said a beach on the island that can officially accommodate only 70 people often sees hundreds of tourists crowding on it during the high tourist season.
Continue reading Popular Thailand island off limits for tourists
Thailand to ban overstaying visitors
December 13 (TravelAndy): Thailand has decided to stop foreigners who overstay their visa tenure from re-entering the country.
This rule will be effective from March 2016, said reports.
Travellers staying up to one year beyond their visa limit will be penalised by one year ban on re-entry. Those who overstay their visa by more than a year will be banned for three years. Continue reading Thailand to ban overstaying visitors
India-Thailand road trip on cards
September 4 (TravelAndy): Thailand will only be a road trip away for Indian tourists in a few months with the first 26 kilometres of Asian Highway 1 (AH1) being inaugurated in Thailand recently.
Once complete, AH1 will connect Moreh in India’s Manipur state and Mae Sot in western Thailand via Myanmar. Construction of the highway began in 2012.
The Indian government wants to get the entire 3,200km stretch of AH1 operational by November, reports said. Continue reading India-Thailand road trip on cards
For India, Thailand holidays are on
August 23 (TravelAndy): Travel agents have found that there have hardly been any cancellations from Indian tourists on holiday bookings in Bangkok in the wake of the deadly bombing in the Thai capital on August 17 that killed 20 people and wounded around 130, The Times of India reported.
“Thailand still remains a popular destination for Indian travellers. The Bangkok blasts have not fuelled major security concerns among travellers, but they are definitely cautious now,” said Ranjeet Oak, chief business officer – holidays, of MakeMyTrip.com. Continue reading For India, Thailand holidays are on
Phuket-Hat Yai direct flights from Oct 2
July 27 (TravelAndy): Thailand-based Bangkok Airways is set to resume flights between Phuket and Hat Yai, the largest city in south Thailand, from October 2, said reports.
Four flights a week will operate on this route on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
The airline has not yet confirmed the timings of the flights. Continue reading Phuket-Hat Yai direct flights from Oct 2
MERS worry for travel industry
June 21 (TravelAndy): The outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is likely to have an effect on the travel industry in the Middle-East, apart from South Korea, China and Thailand.
According to latest reports, 169 people in South Korea and one person in China have been affected by the disease. Twenty-four patients have died.
While China and some other countries have increased vigil at their border and entry points, India is expected to make a statement on the situation shortly. Continue reading MERS worry for travel industry
Air Asia’s new Johor Bahru-Bangkok flight
May 21 (TravelAndy): Low-cost carrier Air Asia will start operating on the Johor Bahru to Bangkok route from July 17.
Booking opened for the new route on May 18 and for bookings made till May 24, the airline is offering all-inclusive fares from MYR69 for travel between July 17 and May 31, 2016, Air Asia said in a statement.
The four-times-a-week will depart on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 6.55pm and land in Bangkok at 8.45pm. Continue reading Air Asia’s new Johor Bahru-Bangkok flight
3.56 million to visit Thailand for Songkran
April 13 (TravelAndy): A record 3.56 million passengers are expected to go through major airports in Thailand during the Songkran holidays, Bangkok Post reported.
Over the 10-day Thai New Year period till April 19, the number of aircraft movements will increase proportionately. During this period, 22,224 flights will operate out of the six main airports operated by Airports of Thailand Plc, an increase of 13.3 per cent as compared to the same period last year.
The report attributed the relatively calm political atmosphere at this time and the country’s attraction as a major international holiday destination as the reasons for the surge in air passengers during this period.