Hobart’s Mona to open Bangkok offshoot

The Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) in Hobart, Tasmania, and Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC) in Bangkok, Thailand, have announced they are working together to develop MONA Bangkok, a major new art destination on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff joined Mona founder David Walsh, artist and curator Kirsha Kaechele, DarkLab CEO and creative director Leigh Carmichael and Mona executives in Bangkok for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with AWC, represented by Chief Executive Officer and President Wallapa Traisorat, and Chief Commercial Business Officer Michael Hariz.

The signing was also attended by Australian Ambassador-Designate to Thailand Pablo Kang, Thai Minister of Culture Sabeeda Thaised, Governor of Bangkok Chadchart Sittipunt and Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Thapanee Kiatphaibool.

The MOU outlines the shared vision for MONA Bangkok, which will bring together Mona’s extensive experience creating internationally acclaimed art, music and cultural destinations with AWC’s record of landmark developments in Thailand.

David Walsh, Mona’s founder, said: "Having spent most of the last 25 years studying how museums work, AWC has presented us with a remarkable opportunity to take what we’ve learned to one of the great tourist centres of the world."

Since opening in Hobart in 2011, Mona has been visited by over 5.2 million people. It has helped change visitors’ perception of Tasmania and turn Hobart into an international cultural destination, drawing audiences from across Australia and around the world through its idiosyncratic approach to exhibitions, festivals, architecture, and hospitality.

The MONA Bangkok project will be led on Mona’s side by Carmichael under the direction of Walsh, with assistance from a project team of skilled creatives.

Carmichael has worked with Walsh for over 20 years. Together they established the Mona brand, the Dark Mofo festival, and cultural precinct In The Hanging Garden.

“MONA Bangkok will take the creative spirit of Mona into a new context,” Carmichael said. “Like the museum in Hobart, it will be unconventional and unique, and will present work by leading international artists, while also creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue with Thai artists, audiences and cultural traditions.

“The theme of light will be explored both as a physical phenomenon and as a metaphor. Light has long been a source of fascination, reflection and hope across cultures, and it feels especially resonant in Bangkok, with its rich cultural life and traditions. I’m looking forward to listening, learning and seeing where this project leads as it develops.

“We look forward to working with AWC on this ambitious project, and to meeting with Thai artists, designers and makers as we begin the journey.

“Bangkok is already home to important contemporary art events and institutions including the Bangkok Art Biennale, MOCA Bangkok and the newly opened Dib Bangkok. MONA Bangkok is intended to build on this momentum, helping strengthen the city’s position as a global art destination.”

Traisorat said: "At AWC, Building a Better Future is at the heart of everything we do. This collaboration with Mona reflects the power of partnerships to create lasting cultural and economic value. 

"Together, we are building more than a new destination - we are creating a bridge between Thailand and Australia through a shared vision, a passion for art, a shared commitment to sustainable tourism and a belief in the power of culture to connect people.

“We are excited to welcome Mona to Bangkok to create a world-class cultural landmark that inspires creativity, fosters meaningful artist communities, and encourages more people to discover new experiences. By bringing together art, innovation and hospitality, MONA Bangkok will strengthen the creative industry and enhance Thailand as the leading global sustainable destination.”

Further details on the project will be announced in due course.

Image: An early rendering of MONA Bangkok. Courtesy Mona, AWC and Six Degrees Architects.

Thailand wants visitors to feel safe

Recent attacks on visitors have prompted The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to officially launch the “Trusted Thailand” stamp in a bid to reinforce confidence among tourists.

The aim is to project Thailand’s image as a safe and welcoming destination, news hub Travel Mole reports,

It comes after a recent attack on tourists in Bangkok. Two Malaysians were doused in chemicals and set on fire.

Jakkaphon Tangsutthitham, vice ministeru for Tourism and Sports, said the Thai Government recognises that safety is the foundation of sustainable tourism and remains a top priority.

“China is a key source market, and it is crucial that we preserve trust among Chinese visitors. This reflects an invitation to all tourism operators, partnered agencies and stakeholders to work together in advancing Thailand’s tourism towards safe, secure and sustainable growth.”

TAT says it has prioritised Thailand’s readiness to be a safe, trustworthy, and friendly destination.

Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said: “The Trusted Thailand stamp is a practical mechanism to restore traveller confidence while laying the foundation for Thailand’s tourism industry to meet international safety standards.”

Under the initiative, tourism operators will be assessed to receive the “Trusted Thailand” stamp, serving as a symbol of assurance. It is clear authorities cannot guarantee safety.

The assessment will cover four key areas: general safety measures at tourism sites such as CCTV installation, emergency response systems, controlled access and disaster preparedness; secure financial transactions with recognised global platforms (such as Alipay and WeChat Pay); foreign language communication and professional visitor care; and safe access and mobility, including clear signposting, transport connections and information points.

Beyond certification, the project also features supporting activities to strengthen confidence across the sector.

These include a public forum with agencies such as the Department of Provincial Administration, Department of Tourism, Tourist Police Bureau and Department of Land Transport to discuss integrated safety management and targeted campaigns to rebuild trust ahead of the high season.

A dedicated mini-site will be launched next month providing a self-assessment platform for operators and a directory of certified businesses accessible to visitors.

Initially, the Thailand Safe Travel Stamp project is scheduled to launch nationwide in October, with implementation across the country.

We shall see if it is effective, or window dressing.

# Just 24 hours after the policy was launched, a Scottish tourist was shot and injured in a confrontation with a local drug vendor. 
 

Thailand switches its tourism focus

Thailand is switching its tourism focus with the average number of tourists from Asia that visit having dropped.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reported the Asian nation had 9.5 million international arrivals in the first quarter of 2025, growing 2% year-on-year, which generated 471 billion baht, a 7% year-on-year increase, the Bangkok Post reported.

The main Asian markets, including China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and Vietnam, decreased by 17% on average in the period due to declining safety confidence in Thailand and reduced flight numbers.

Natthriya Thaweevong of the Tourism and Sports Ministry and the TAT said the focus should be on long-haul markets, which typically spend more per person than Asian markets.

Although US tariffs are expected to impact the global economy, the ministry believes that European tourists may avoid travelling to the US and instead turn to Asian destinations, presenting an opportunity for Thailand to attract more European visitors.

Based on tourism projections for the second quarter of 2025, the markets with high potential for Thailand include Sweden, Saudi Arabia, Austria and the UK.

Natthriya said the markets that were still able to increase air ticket bookings by 10% in the second quarter were mostly from Europe, comprising the UK and Germany, along with Israel, Australia and South Korea.

Thailand has also been advised to showcase festivals like Songkran (top image) and Loy Krathong, which possess cultural and tourism potential - yet remain underleveraged in driving international travel.

Despite high levels of global awareness, participation remains low due to concerns over safety, festival management, and infrastructure.

A recent study by Sasin Management Consulting (SMC) Sasin School of Management, Chulalongkorn University revealed that only a fraction of international tourists visits Thailand specifically for these celebrations.

I actively avoid Thailand during Songkran, so maybe I am not the target market here.



Research conducted by Sasin Management Consulting (SMC) said there is there's a significant gap between awareness and actual visitation.

The survey of 2,200 potential international tourists showed that while 75% were aware of Songkran, the New Year water festival, only 20% had traveled to Thailand to experience it first hand. 

A similar trend appeared for Loy Krathong, known as the ‘festival of lights’ with over 50% aware of the festival, yet only 16% having visited during the celebration.

An appetite for cultural experiences was detected with 70% of respondents praising Thailand's rich cultural value.

To learn more about the recent study by Sasin Management Consulting (SMC), see https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/231879/

Forget that earthquake: tourists told to party on

Thailand is not about to let a minor inconvenience like an earthquake interfere with a festival that is one of its major tourism drawcards.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has confirmed that Songkran celebrations nationwide will proceed as planned, assuring tourists that travel, transport, and hotels remain unaffected by last week's fatal quake.

TAT announced over the weekend that plans to hold grand Songkran (water festival) celebrations across the country would proceed as scheduled.

TAT said that after assessing the situation following Friday’s earthquake, it found that conditions in Bangkok and other parts of the country had returned to normal.

It noted that Don Mueang International Airport and Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok continued to operate as usual, with airlines providing normal services.

Additionally, public transportation - particularly the electric railway services operated by BTSC and MRT - remained fully functional. Hotels and entertainment venues in key tourist destinations were also unaffected.

TAT reported that tourists had not cancelled their bookings, and tour group operators had not withdrawn reservations either, newspaper The Nation reported. 

It also confirmed that highways across the country remained undamaged and fully accessible for travel.
To ensure tourist safety, the TAT stated that it would seek cooperation from the Engineering Institute of Thailand and the Public Works Department to inspect high-rise hotels.

The authority reassured the public that planned grand Songkran celebrations in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and other locations would not be impacted.

The Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 is a nationwide celebration of Thai New Year taking place from early to mid-April across every region of the country.

More than 100 events will take place across Bangkok, where at least 18 people died as a result of the quake, and throughout the country. 

Each Thai location has its own blend of tradition and celebration - from rituals and temple fairs to music festivals and lively water fights - which can be very annoying as young locals arm themselves with giant water guns. 

Festival Highlights Include:

Maha Songkran World Water Festival, Sanam Luang and Ratchadamnoen Klang, Bangkok (April 11-15)
Songkran Music Festival, Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok (April 12-14)
Chiang Mai Songkran traditions (April 7-16))
Grand Isan Songkran Festival, Khon Kaen (April 8-15)
Coastal celebrations in Phuket, Songkhla, and Surat Thani
Cultural parades in Phrae, Lamphun, and Ubon Ratchathani

Festive-season Bangkok is the city of light

Bangkok is even more colourful than usual over the festive season.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has just launched the Bangkok Illumination Festival 2024, which will run through to January 5, 2025.

Running daily between 6-10pm, the festival features light and art installations.

"The year-end is a special time for Thailand, filled with the joy of celebrations and an abundance of events nationwide," said Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong.

"The Bangkok Illumination Festival 2024 beautifully highlights Thailand's position as a world-class event hub, combining vibrant artistry and cutting-edge innovation in night-time tourism.

"This event not only promises unforgettable moments for visitors but also underscores our efforts to stimulate economic growth and showcase the country's creative potential."

Visitors are invited to enjoy nine city landmarks, each filled with installations and light displays.

There are three routes that capture the essence of the fun, featuring dance hotspots, a picturesque canal adorned with colourful light displays, and a picnic experience in Benjasiri Park.

Tourists flood back to Thailand

Tourists are flooding back to Thailand, which has already reached its initial target of attracting seven million foreign tourist arrivals this year.

It recorded 7.35 million foreign tourist arrivals through October 26, the Tourism Authority of Thailand said in a statement.

Most arrivals were from nearby nations. Malaysia was the top source market with 1.25 million arrivals, followed by India with 661,751.

Then came Laos with 538,789, Cambodia with 373,811, and Singapore with 365,593.

The TAT had set a goal of 7-10 million foreign arrivals in 2022.

The finance ministry is now predicting 10.3 million arrivals by the end of the year and 21.5 million in 2023.

A revival of tourism is a key driver of growth in south-east Asia’s second-largest economy.

Longer stays introduced for tourists visiting Thailand

Good news for tourists planning on a longer stay in Thailand, which regular readers will be aware is one of my favourite travel destinations.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced that as of today international travellers to Thailand will no longer be required to show proof of vaccination or ATK test results, and a longer length of stay will be on offer, signalling the completion of the kingdom’s full reopening to international tourism.

Effective from today through until March 31, 2023, the permitted period of stays in Thailand will be extended to 45 days (from 30 days) for tourists from countries/territories entitled for visa exemption, and to 30 days (from 15 days) for those eligible for a Visa on Arrival.

Yuthasak Supasorn, the TAT Governor, said: “Thailand has fully reopened to the world’s tourists with the message, through the Visit Thailand Year 2022-2023: Amazing New Chapters campaign, that our fascinating destination offers something for everyone.

"We invite tourists to come and experience the existing and new tourism offerings in Thailand which, together with the kingdom’s increasing move towards sustainable and responsible tourism, will make for a truly memorable holiday.”

Thailand began a gradual reopening to international tourism from July 1, 2021, with the Phuket Sandbox, Samui Plus, and 7+7 Extension programs.

This was followed by a four-phase reopening timeline from October 2021 to January 2022 in which destinations throughout the country reopened to tourists. On July 1 this year, the Thailand Pass registration scheme was removed.

Thai Airways International recently announced its 2022-2023 winter schedule and is operating flights on 34 European, Australian, and Asian routes with increased frequencies on selected routes.

This includes daily flights between Bangkok and London, Paris, Zurich, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Sydney, Melbourne, Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Manila, Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, Singapore, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, New Delhi, Mumbai, Dhaka, and Karachi.

Image: Silom, Bangkok. TAT.

Thailand lifts all quarantine restrictions

Thailand will scrap all remaining quarantine measures for visitors from Wednesday. 

It is a move the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) believes will boost tourist arrival numbers.

It means unvaccinated travellers will no longer require any quarantine on arrival in Thailand. They must, however, show a negative test taken within 72 hours of their departure.

All foreign tourists must still register for the Thailand Pass before entering the country. 

"Fully vaccinated travellers must prepare a vaccination certificate and health insurance coverage worth at least US$10,000," a Government spokesman said. 

"Unvaccinated [or partially vaccinated] travellers must show a negative rapid antigen or RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours of departure."

TAT reported that arrivals rose to about 20,000 per day from May 1-May 21 after the Test & Go scheme was scrapped, The Nation newspaper reported.

The largest number of visitors came from Singapore (45,961), followed by India (34,582), Malaysia (16,410) Vietnam (14,003) and Cambodia (13,917).

TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn expects about 500,000 foreign arrivals per month from now to September, mostly from India, the Middle East and Asean nations.

That number could rise to 1 million per month in the October-December high season when arrivals from the US and Europe surge.

Image: Dino Rovolis  on  Scopio