Culinary adventures and entertainment on the Bangkok waterfront

When it comes to location in Bangkok it is hard to go past Anantara Riverside Bangkok, a delightful riverside oasis in one of the world's busiest cities.

The hotel has just announced the grand opening of Sala Lakorn, a new restaurant on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Sala Lakorn is promising "world-class Thai cuisine with a captivating theatrical performance".

Guests are invited to an immersive evening of contemporary Thai culture and spectacle, available daily from 6pm to 10pm. 

The heart of the experience is "The Eternal Siam" (below), a show that is the vision of Manop Meejamrat (Kru Nai), a highly respected artist and recipient of the prestigious Silpathorn Award for Performing Arts.

The media release says: "The production masterfully blends stunning contemporary Thai performances with world-class visual effects and a powerful musical score. It takes audiences on a journey through the timeless beauty and spirit of Thailand, from the country's ancient origins to its vibrant present."

I'm more interested in the food; a buffet offering which showcases a mix of Thai culinary heritage and international favourites. 

A barbecue seafood section is a centrepiece, offering a selection of river prawns, blue swimmer crabs, slipper lobster, fine de claire oysters, and other delicacies. 

Signature Thai dishes include gang keaw wan gai (Thai green curry with chicken) and pla pad pak preaw wan (sweet & sour seabass) along with Thai street food favourites such as crab omelette with coconut siracha, sweet chilli sauce, bean sprouts and Thai herbs and live-action Som Tum stations.

International flavours include a China Town Station, where guests can enjoy scrumptious dim sum and favourites such as Hainanese chicken rice, and barbecue pork pork on rotation, while Indian favourites include chicken tikka, dal tarka and aloo shimla mirch. 

Sala Lakorn is aiming to become Bangkok's premier destination "for those seeking an evening of cultural immersion, exquisite dining, and world-class entertainment". 

For reservations and info contact +66 2431 9486 or email riversidedining@anantara.com.

Thailand to trial seaplanes to boost tourism

Thailand is moving to emulate the Maldives and introduce seaplane services across the country to boost tourism. 

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is joining forces with private operators to launch "a new era of air travel" with a seaplane project at Koh Kradan in Trang, The Nation newspaper reports.

The island will serve as a “sandbox” for testing operations before the service is expanded elsewhere. CAAT wants to begin the project this year, with Phuket under consideration as a future site.

Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, CAAT’s director, said Koh Kradan was chosen because of its favourable geography and strong support from Trang authorities, local agencies and private partners.

Phuket, while included in long-term plans, was deemed less suitable for initial trials due to harsher sea conditions.

Two licensed seaplane operators - Siam Seaplane and Thai Seaplane will participate in the trials.

The seaplanes are being mooted aa favourable way to transport tourists to and from some of Thailand’s lesser-known islands and connect them with other major tourism hubs.

The long-term goal is to develop seaplane routes with passenger terminals and related infrastructure.

Trans Maldivian Airways, which operates flights to many island resorts, has the world’s largest seaplane fleet, taking passengers from Velana International Airport in Malé to holiday destinations.

Image: Seaplane in the Maldives. Jaya Waskar, Scop.io

Drinks law that was rarely enforced is canned after 50 years

Thailand has lifted a decades-old ban on the serving of alcohol in the afternoon.

It was a law that most tourists knew nothing about, and was rarely enforced.

The scrapping of the prohibition, which banned alcohol sales in restaurants from 2pm to 5pm, brings an end to a regulation dating back to a 1972 Revolutionary Council Order.

Restaurants said it could spark higher sales and a be a boost to tourism and the economy, although that would seem debatable.

Sorathep Rojpojchanarat, president of the Restaurant Business Association, thanked both the former administration and opposition parties for “listening to the voices of business owners.”

Sorathep described the law as outdated, noting it had been in force for more than 53 years despite Thailand’s transformation into one of the world’s most-visited tourist destinations.

The lifting of the ban applies to restaurants only, not retail outlets such as convenience stores, which are still officially prohibited from selling liqour between 2-5pm.

The new rule will officially come into force in November.

Image: Black Ginger, The Slate, Phuket

Thai low-cost carrier banned from operating international flights

If you have an international flight booked with Thai low-coast airline Nok Air then you should be looking at your travel insurance.

Nok Air has been forced to suspend all international flights due to safety compliance issues, The Nation newspaper reported.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) this week ordered Nok Air to drop all international routes and restrict its domestic operations as it conducts a routine safety audit of Thailand aviation.

“The rate of incidents over the past two to three years has been significant, including occurrences such as engine in-flight shutdowns, runway excursions, hard landings and tail strikes,” said Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, director general of the CAAT.

In addition, the airline has been dealing with various internal issues regarding staff shortages.

The airline has served destinations in China, India, Laos, Myanmar and Japan but says it hasn’t been operating international flights since June.

“Nok Air remains committed to upholding the highest safety standards and improving service quality across all operations,” it said in a statement.

The ban comes amid ongoing compliance checks conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

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 vows to improve security for tourists after attack

Shaken by widespread publicity after a vicious attack on two tourists, Thailand’s Tourism Ministry has vowed to implement improved safety measures for visitors.

Officials acknowledged the assault on two Malaysians could affect tourism numbers, news hub Travel Mole reported.

The Malaysian couple were doused in chemicals and set on fire in Bangkok in a random attack by a Thai man. The attacker was caught and held by other people at the scene and handed over to Lumpini police when they arrived, The Bangkok Post reported.

The ministry made an official statement about the incident on social media.

It promised improved safety measures in tourist areas to boost overall confidence for international visitors.

The overriding message was that Thailand remains safe for visitors, which was echoed by tourist police chief, Lt-Gen Saksira Phuak-um.

One Yik Leong, 26, and Gan Xiao Zhen, 27 were doused in paint thinner and then set alight in a tourist precinct. Both were seriously injured but were in a stable condition in hospital.

They were attacked outside a Bangkok shopping mall with no immediate apparent motive.

They could remain in hospital for up to a month, officials say.

“Malaysia places its full trust in Thai authorities to carry out a thorough and transparent investigation, and will provide full co-operation as required,” the Malaysian Foreign Ministry said.

The global media coverage of the incident has been extensive and has been seen as a major setback for Thailand’s tourism industry.

Accor continues expansion in Thailand

Tourism numbers to Thailand may have suffered a recent blip, but global hotel group Accor is confident in the future.

Accor this week announced it is strengthening its footprint in Thailand with the signing of three new hotels in Bangkok and Phuket.

A partnership with Boutique Corporation Public Company Limited (BC) will mark the debut of the Handwritten Collection in Bangkok, introduce the first Mercure hotel in Phuket, and expand Mövenpick's presence with a new resort on Kamala Beach.

With 70+ hotels and over 16,000 keys currently in operation across Thailand, Accor leads the premium, mid-scale, and economy hospitality segments.

The three hotels are scheduled to open between 2025 and 2027, collectively adding 585 keys in the country.

Mercure Phuket Patong Journeyhub

Expected to open in late 2025, Mercure Phuket Patong Journeyhub will become the first Mercure-branded hotel on the island. Located minutes from the beach in the island's liveliest precinct, the 198-room hotel aims to cater to both international and regional tourists.

Mövenpick Resort Kamala Beach Phuket

Opening in late 2026, Mövenpick Resort Kamala Beach will be a new-build 197-key resort that promises to "embrace a holistic approach to sustainability, while supporting community engagement" in a fast-growing tourism destination.

JonoX Sukhumvit 5 – Handwritten Collection, Bangkok

Handwritten Collection is a collection of hotels "with a unique personality". The 190-room JonoX Sukhumvit 5 - Handwritten Collection will be a new-build hotel that will offer convenient access to shopping, nightlife, business hubs, and medical tourism services. Scheduled to open in 2027, it will mark the debut of Handwritten Collection in Bangkok.

Andrew Langdon, Accor's Chief Development Officer, Asia, said; “Thailand has long been a key market for Accor, and our network is expanding in a strategic and considered manner.

"The signings of these three hotels with Boutique Corporation Public Company Limited (BC) reflect our shared confidence in Thailand's continued growth, and the opportunity to introduce Accor's diverse brand experiences.

"Handwritten Collection, Mövenpick, and Mercure each bring unique hospitality concepts designed to meet evolving traveller expectations and celebrate Thailand's vibrant culture and unique offerings.”

Very boring image: Supplied 

Thailand postpones introduction of tourism tax

Thailand has once again pushed back the introduction of its tax on tourists arriving in the country.

The new fee will now be imposed from mid 2026, local media reported.

The tourist fee was first approved in 2023 at THB 300 ($14).

Assistant Tourism Minister Chakrapol Tangsutthitham has confirmed that it would be shelved due to current market conditions.

Thailand tourism arrivals are currently down about 5%.

“We are delaying implementation until tourism demand rebounds,” the minister said.

The long-planned fee is locally referred to as the Kha Yeap Pan Din (literally, “stepping onto Thai soil” fee).

Chakrapol said the decision was made following a review by Minister Sorawong Thienthong.

“We must wait to assess international tourist demand during the upcoming high season in Q4 this year,” Chakrapol explained, saying the ministry needs more time to study the details and determine an appropriate fee structure based on the mode of travel - land, sea, rail, or air.

The revenue generated will be used to enhance tourist sites and fund insurance coverage for foreign visitors.

Image: Koh Samui

Thailand abandons plans for legal casinos

Thailand has abandoned a plan to allow legal casino gambling, blaming the current political crisis in the country.

The move comes after Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended from office.

The casino bill is a major policy project for the Pheu Thai Party but it conceded it is "not the appropriate time" to proceed with it, said Julapun Amornvivat, the deputy finance minister.

“It’s a shame; the delay is a lost opportunity for the country,” he said.

Our Thai correspondent had long predicted that the casino plan would not go ahead, citing the money made by influential businessmen in the illegal casino industry.

He said it would "dilute the profits made in illegal casinos".

The Prime Minister is in trouble over an ethics violation in an unrelated natter – the military standoff with Cambodia, media hub Travel Mole reported.

The casino bill aimed to offer permits for major integrated casino resorts to boost tourism revenues.

The cabinet withdrew the bill "for now" as the ruling party has lost the support of its coalition partners.

“It needs more studies that require further understanding and social context,” government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsab said.

Image: Calanja McIester, Scop.io

Snakes alive: smuggler has to wriggle out of charges

An alleged wildlife smuggler will try to wriggle out of charges after being found with three live pythons smuggled down his underwear. 

 
A Sri Lankan man was arrested at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport this week after three ball pythons were discovered on his person, the Bangkok Post reported. 

The Wildlife Crime Intelligence Centre said officials received intelligence on Tuesday that the man had arrived in Bangkok on a Thai Airways flight. 

Background checks showed he had a record of trafficking various wildlife species. He had previously been arrested on wildlife smuggling charges in Colombo in 2024, the centre said.

The centre monitored the movements of the suspected wildlife smuggler and on Wednesday he returned to the airport to check in for his return flight. 

Officials asked him to undergo inspection using X-ray equipment. No illegal items were found. They then undertook a body search that found the three ball pythons hidden in his underwear.

The suspect was taken into custody and authorities are expanding the investigation, the newspaper reported. It was not reported how large the snakes were. 

The ball python, also called the royal python, is named because of its tendency to curl into a ball when stressed or frightened.

Dual pricing in Thailand favours Thai nationals over visitors

Thailand's tourism sector continues to slump as foreign visitor numbers slide - but the government has opted to focus on boosting domestic travel, our Thai correspondent reports.

From January 1 to June 22, there was a 4.24% drop in arrivals compared to the same time last year, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported.

And, bizarrely, blame is still being cast on the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has revised its forecast for the year, now predicting 37 million foreign tourists this year, falling short of the nearly 40 million record set in 2019.

But Thailand has just launched a campaign to spark domestic tourism: the Half-Half Thailand Travel initiative for Thais only.

Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong unveiled the program this week, saying it aims to revive the tourism industry during the low season and aid "post-pandemic recovery".

The scheme will subsidise travel expenses and accommodation for locals. 

The government will cover up to 50% of accommodation costs. In primary cities, they'll subsidise 40%, while in secondary cities, they’ll cover 50% during weekdays and 40% on weekends and holidays.

Participants can accommodation for up to five nights using digital coupons, which are also redeemable at participating restaurants, shops, and tourist locations with subsidies capped at 3,000 baht per night ($138).

The government says the initiative is set to energise domestic travel and distribute economic benefits across Thailand, focusing particularly on secondary cities, while providing a significant boost to local tourism businesses.

In another Thai-only scheme, from September 30, Bangkok commuters can enjoy a 20 baht (under $1) flat fare on all eight electric train lines, including those in surrounding areas. This initiative aims to make public transport more accessible and ease city congestion.

But passengers must register through the Tang Rat mobile app to benefit - and complete the registration process to verify their Thai nationality. 

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that the project is on track. "The 20 baht fare cap is a public benefit, and we are ensuring everything is ready for a smooth launch," he said.

There is no mechanism for visitors to benefit, AseanNow.com reports, in contradiction to the aim of boosting overseas numbers 

Police warning: Look out for hotel booking scammers

Travellers need to pay more attention when booking hotels online, police have warned.

Three Thai nationals have been arrested for allegedly defrauding international tourists out of thousands of dollars using a fake hotel booking scheme.

Three suspects scammed more than $21,000 from customers by creating fake Facebook and web addresses and fleecing unwary tourists.

The alleged fraudsters set up fake Facebook pages for well-known Pattaya area hotels, taking bookings and payments.

Officers from Thailand’s Tourist Police Bureau made arrests at three locations across Thailand.

The three suspects had no ties at all to the hotels they sold rooms at, news portal Travel Mole reported.

Travellers tried to check in at the hotels for which they had booked and found the properties had no record of the,

Thai Police issued a warning to travellers to fully verify hotel pages on social media before parting with their details.

“These suspects lured tourists using Facebook pages that mimicked popular Pattaya hotels," Thai Police said.

"They offered fake promotions to convince victims to transfer money for non-existent bookings.”

Image: Rye Jesson, scop.io.  

Thai tourism glitches cause industry concern

Thailand's continued upward trajectory in the tourism industry has stuttered, provoking concern among hoteliers and other businesses.

Not only are there no positive factors supporting growth, but negative influences are compounding, The Nation newspaper in Bangkok reported.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported the number of foreign tourists between January 1-May 11 this year stood at 12,948,032 - a decrease of 1.04% compared to the same period last year.

But the growing strength of the Thai currency - making Thailand more expensive for visitors - as well as competition from several other Asian destinations is provoking concern, particularly a drop in visitors from China.

Thienprasit Chaiyaphatranan, president of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), has reported that most hoteliers expect a year-on-year decline in international guests in the traditional quieter second quarter of the year, especially in the central and southern regions. Around 25% of respondents expect the number of Chinese tourists to drop by more than 30%.

The average hotel occupancy rate in April 2025 was 63%, down from the previous month, in line with that drop in international arrivals, especially from China.

Chinese travellers are reportedly concerned about safety issues in Thailand.

But Thienprasit added that tourism in April remained vibrant, largely due to the Songkran Festival, which attracted both Thai and international tourists.

“At the same time, regional competitors like Vietnam and Malaysia are aggressively promoting tourism, offering incentives, cutting costs, and adjusting policies to attract more visitors,” he said.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) this week unveiled 12 travel campaigns tailored to a variety of lifestyle subcultures, aimed at boosting domestic tourism during the green season to counter falling international visitation.

But the Pattaya Mail has reported industry concerns about rising costs and reduced spending power among tourists who do visit Thailand and negative publicity, particularly after the high-profile kidnapping of a Chinese actor. 

Our Thai correspondent also points out assaults on foreign tourists by locals have generated adverse publicity.  

Image: Phuket: Nelly Lo.scopio.com  

Thailand goes digital to cut waiting times

Don’t get caught out.

As of this week, Thailand’s new Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system is now live.

The Immigration Bureau of Thailand says it will significantly streamline the immigration process at airports and border crossings by doing away with the old-fashioned paper arrival card.

As of May 1, all foreign visitors must submit their arrival information electronically before entering Thailand, whether they travel by air, land, or sea.

The TDAC is the latest phase of Thailand's digital transformation of immigration procedures.

It is designed to minimise paperwork and cut processing time at immigration checkpoints, news hub Travel Mole reports.

The online form should be completed before arrival and is mandatory for all foreign passport holders. No excuses.

It requires filling out personal data and travel details for each traveller, and is open three days before the date of arrival.

Travellers can submit the TDAC individually or as part of a group via the portal. Information can be updated at any time before travel.

Travellers transiting Thailand onto connecting flights that do not have to pass through immigration are the only travellers exempt.

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/

Moxy bounces impressively into Bangkok

Marriott’s lively Moxy brand of hotels bills itself as being "for the young and young-at-heart". Guest contributor and Seniors’ Card holder Roderick Eime tests that claim at the one-year-old Bangkok property.

The Marriott people really broke out of the stodgy “cookie-cutter” hotel business with the introduction of the Moxy lifestyle brand, and the fresh Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong fits like the proverbial glove into this boisterous, youthful persona that now comprises 100-something sister properties around the world.

Both GOTR publisher Winsor and I have defied our advanced years and grown to embrace this outlandish brand. {See Winsor's review of the Glasgow Moxy)

My introduction to this offbeat brand was the first Australian property, the Moxy Sydney Airport. It struck me immediately with its brash, industrial-chic decor, which included various nods to retro eras like vinyl records and classic vintage arcade games.

Punchy beats echo around the welcome area, along with Liberace-meets-Banksy-meets-Warhol decorations and wall art. Naturally enough, these intentionally gaudy spaces lend themselves to social media sharing, a smart marketing strategy given the target customer base.

While similar in style and feel, the Bangkok property is the first and largest Moxy hotel in the Asia-Pacific region. It is located in the vibrant and rapidly developing Pathum Wan district, near the Chit Lom BTS, and takes the Moxy concept to the next level.

With more than 500 rooms on 20 levels, the accommodation is almost identical to what I recall from the Sydney Airport version. Sixty percent of the rooms are standard queen rooms, with the remainder in twin and deluxe configurations.

If I had any criticism at all, it would be the “cabin” size (18sqm) of the entry-level rooms, although the available space is cleverly adapted so that one doesn’t feel cluttered. Features like the “walldrobe” and folding furniture maximise the scant floor space, and the massive floor-to-ceiling windows offer a dizzying cityscape panorama.

The largest rooms are the deluxe 36sqm ones (above), of which there are 18. Another 18 corner rooms offer 26sqm of floorspace.

As a finicky sleeper whose aging bones are easily upset with many mattress types, even the expensive ones, I can soundly (pun intended) say the Simmons brand mattresses preferred by many top hotel chains, including Marriott, mean I don’t have to crane myself out of bed in the morning.

Comparisons with my local experience diverge completely when it comes to dining and event spaces. While Moxy Bangkok still retains an “industrial” feel with its long-bench cafeteria format, it blends perfectly with the arena-sized space on Level 9 where the reception, bar and various play spaces are located.

An expansive, themed outdoor terrace area is ideal for large or small events, and guests can choose to dine there while overlooking Bangkok’s glitzy ‘Blade Runner’ cityscape.

The ‘grab’n’go’ convenience booth is still tucked into the wall opposite the bar for those on the move, but a fulsome sit-down experience is preferred, especially since the kitchen proudly spruiks its many delicious offerings.

Chef P and his deputy chef Mind (above), proudly recommend some of the tasty creations offered in the Moxy Bar & Restaurant while I ponder the many choices. It seems the Massaman beef curry is their dinner favourite, while pork (or chicken) in black sauce soup is suggested as a bold breakfast boost - and I find both hard to dispute.

The cocktail menu reads like a Hollywood film festival and exemplifies the breakout bravado of the bar team. As they say in their own words, “our new cocktail line-up is a love letter to iconic scenes and legendary characters.” They go on to tease us with such creations as The Infinity Kiss, The Ice Berg, Hunter’s Last Shot, Galactic Stardust and Felix Felicis. I’ll leave you to make the various cinematic connections.

Promotions of various kinds are always on offer at the Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong, both with food and beverage and the rooms. For example, the ‘STAY FOR BREAKFAST’ promotion runs all year and entitles guests to a complimentary breakfast with their stay, normally THB399. I can personally attest to this feast, which will easily sustain you through your busy Bangkok day.

For more information, guests can contact Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong via email at moxy.bkkox.rsvn@moxyhotels.com, by phone at 02 209 5999, through LINE @MoxyBangkok, or visit the official website at www.moxybangkokratchaprasong.com. Culinary deals are also available for browsing via LINE Shopping at https://shop.line.me/@moxybangkok.

Marriott Bonvoy members receive special promotional offers and can earn various loyalty rewards, including Qantas Frequent Flyer points.

# The writer stayed with assistance from the Moxy. 

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

The White Lotus effect proves a big hit for hotel group

'The White Lotus effect' is in full bloom for the three Anantara properties that star in the hit TV series. 

Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort, Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort and Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas have all experienced a surge in online interest and bookings, the Minor Hotels group reports. 

The Netflix show’s third season, which is set in Thailand and premiered on February 16, has driven a substantial uptick in interest in the three resorts, where much of the series was filmed. 

Traffic to the resorts’ websites has risen 104% year-over-year for the month of February, with the three properties also reporting a 41% rise in direct online bookings made in the same period.

Notable spikes in booking conversion were recorded on February 17 and February 24 - corresponding with the airing of the show’s first two episodes. 

Week-over-week data also shows a 100% increase in search traffic on the Anantara internet booking engine for the three properties compared to those same weeks last year.

"We’re thrilled to see travellers around the world inspired by the stunning settings in The White Lotus," said Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International, parent company of Minor Hotels. 

"We own and operate more than 30 hotels, resorts and residences in Thailand, and we expect this will not only boost interest in Thailand globally, but also enhance its positioning as an international luxury leisure and wellness destination."

Minor Hotels is also the owner of Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, another of the principal filming locations for The White Lotus season 3.

The trend highlights the power of television and film to shape real-world travel decisions. 

Anantara is offering a Lotus Awakening Escape package which includes experiences at the three Anantara resorts featured on The White Lotus and unique lotus-inspired activities that reveal the true heart of Thailand.

For more information on Anantara Lawana, Anantara Bophut, and Anantara Mai Khao, or to book an unforgettable stay, visit www.anantara.com.

Image: Lily ponds at Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort

Chiva-Som celebrates 30 years of health and wellness

Pioneering health and wellness resort Chiva-Som in Hua Hin is celebrating 30 years of wellness vacations this April.

Founded at a time when wellness vacations were unheard of, Chiva-Som underwent a multi-million-dollar refurbishment in 2018-19 and has introduced a Metabolic Reset, Weather-Responsive Wellness, and tailored men’s and women’s wellness programs.

Which I would dismiss as complete balderdash if the Thai resort did not have such a glowing reputation for luxury health and harmony retreats.

Chiva-Som’s Weather-Responsive Wellness program helps guests adjust their wellness practices to environmental shifts with wellness sessions, including sound baths and movement classes, as well as workshops and wellness talks. 
Responding to the rising use of weight loss medications (hello Ozempic), Chiva-Som has developed a Metabolic Reset programme to support guests transitioning off medication while preserving muscle, promoting healthy fat loss, strength and cardo training, and following a diet of high-protein, nutrient-dense foods.

Also new are gender-specific services for men and women, including pre- and post-pregnancy yoga, specialised exercises for perimenopause, menopause, and andropause, and a targeted pelvic massage to relieve pain, improve circulation, and enhance muscle function.

There are some birthday special offers if you book before March 31.

* Get 10% off on all stays in the Thai Pavilion or Thai Pavilion Suite throughout 2025.

* Stay five and pay only for four nights for stays between June and Sept. Plus, VIP fast-track service on arrival and roundtrip luxury car transfers, valued at 1,315 for two people. First-time guests will receive a further 10% off and repeat guests a further 15% off.

Contact Travel the World (Chiva-Som’s Australia representatives) on 1300 857 037, or visit https://www.chivasom.com/en/chiva-som-hua-hin/

Minor Hotels makes major progress

At a time when many hotel industry businesses are struggling, other operators are still reporting positive figures. 

The Minor Hotels group has just posted its strongest full-year results on record, reporting a 16% jump in net profit and a 9% rise in total revenue for 2024.

The record-breaking numbers for the Thai-based business underscore heightened global tourism demand, particularly in the group's home market, as well as in Europe where it operates over 280 properties.

The global hotel owner and operator, which has a portfolio of more than 560 properties in 58 countries, ended the year on a strong note with fourth-quarter profit of THB 2.2 billion (102 million AUD), representing a 14% year-on-year increase.

The results reflected what the group said was disciplined pricing strategy, strong operating leverage, and continued expansion under the group’s ‘asset-right’ strategy – a deliberate balance between asset-heavy and asset-light models – while setting the stage for further gains in 2025.

In 2024, Minor Hotels’ group-wide occupancy reached 68%, marking a two percentage-point uptick from the previous year, with Thailand leading the way with a five-point gain to 70%. 

Average daily rate (ADR) across the global portfolio also rose 6% year-on-year, while revenue per available room (RevPar) climbed 9% overall.

The group’s portfolio in Thailand, where it has 30 properties, was a standout performer with a 17% RevPar increase driven by expanded airline routes and targeted marketing efforts, which attracted high-spending travellers from North America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

“Minor Hotels is well positioned to capitalise on the ongoing global travel rebound and accelerate growth in 2025 and beyond,” said Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Group CEO of Minor International. 

“Our asset-right strategy and disciplined financial management will continue to drive growth and create value for our stakeholders. With a reinforced financial position, we are set to innovate, expand profitably, and capture new opportunities - mostly capital-free - as we continue to scale our global footprint.”

Minor operates hotel brands including Anantara, Avani, Elewana Collection, NH, NH Collection, nhow, Oaks and Tivoli. 

The company expects a further boost in Thailand tourism following the much-anticipated airing of the third season of the HBO series The White Lotus, which was filmed in Thailand – including at several properties owned or operated by Minor Hotels (top image) – and premiered on February 16.

By the end of 2027, Minor Hotels aims to expand its worldwide portfolio to 850 properties. 

For more info see minorhotels.com.