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Malaysia, ranked Asia’s “most loved country,” aims for 43 million visitors in 2025, up 13% from last year. With 21 million arrivals by June, it surpassed Thailand as Southeast Asia’s most visited. Visa-free policies, strategic marketing, and eco- and shopping tourism are driving growth toward Visit Malaysia 2026.
Thailand’s King Power is closing key duty-free stores as Chinese tourist arrivals drop nearly a third and operational costs surge. With 70% of revenue once tied to Chinese shoppers, the company faces a major crisis, forcing a strategic rethink to sustain its dominance in Thailand’s travel retail sector.
A 25-year-old Indian tourist was assaulted by transgender woman Ms. Mintra after allegedly groping her for gender verification during a paid service agreement. The altercation left the tourist injured after being struck with a high heel. Police are pursuing legal action as the suspect fled custody.
Tourism in Chiang Mai fell sharply as Chinese arrivals dropped over 30% between April–June 2025. Authorities reported 6.7 million visitors in the first half of the year, mostly domestic. To revive international tourism, TAT and the Provincial Tourism Council will roll out the “12 Months with 12 Festivals” campaign.
The 15th Thailand Tourism Awards will honour 151 operators for innovation, quality, and sustainability on 27 September 2025 at Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok. Graced by Princess Ubolratana, the event highlights 30 years of excellence, with new sustainability categories underscoring Thailand’s commitment to responsible tourism.
