☰
Get the full BangkokScoop experience on your smartphone app.
Thailand’s National Park Committee approved the removal of more than 155,000 rai from Thap Lan National Park under the One Map initiative to address overlapping land claims. Review of another 109,000 rai remains pending while authorities verify land rights within six months. Officials said World Heritage designation will remain unaffected.
Air India has launched a new nonstop route between Mumbai and Tokyo Haneda, beginning June 15, while also expanding services to Vietnam with direct Delhi–Hanoi flights. The new routes are part of the airline’s strategy to strengthen its presence across Asia and improve connectivity for both business and leisure travelers.
Thailand’s Mu Ko Lanta National Park has temporarily closed Laem Tanod, Koh Haa and Koh Ngai after large numbers of highly venomous Portuguese man o’ war jellyfish were spotted along nearby beaches. The closures took effect on 11 June and will remain in place until conditions return to normal.
Sardinia has topped a 2026 ranking of beach destinations that offer more than sun and sand, thanks to its mix of culture, cuisine and outdoor activities. Phuket, Thailand also featured among the standout destinations, highlighting its continued appeal to travellers seeking diverse coastal experiences.
Thailand welcomed 14.03 million international visitors in the first five months of 2026, down 2.3% year-on-year. In response, authorities are shifting toward luxury, wellness and cultural tourism, prioritising higher-spending travellers and sustainable growth while promoting destinations beyond traditional hotspots such as Bangkok and Phuket.
