The number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand is expected to achieve pre-COVID-19 pandemic level by the end of year, Thai Deputy Government Spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul has said, citing a projection by the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd. Co.
Tourists take photos in Phuket, Thailand. (Photo: AFP/VNA)
Bangkok (VNA) – The number of Chinese touristsvisiting Thailand is expected to achieve pre-COVID-19 pandemic level by the endof year, Thai Deputy Government Spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul has said,citing a projection by the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd. Co.
Traisuree made the statement in the context that Chinese travel agency will onFebruary 6 resume outbound group tours to 20 countries, including Thailand,after the East Asian country relaxed rules governing personal foreign travel at the beginning ofthe year.
This year, the company expects 36,896 flights from China, a227.6% increase year-on-year, she said, adding that Thai Ministry of Transport has been monitoring airports'capacity to handle the expected rise in tourist volumes.
In related news, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-chaappreciates the hard work of all sides in contributing to the recovery ofThailand's tourism, said the PM's Office Minister Anucha Burapachaisri.
꧋ Another indicator of the recovery was recent figures reportedby Grabtaxi of Thailand which showed a45% growth in business in the third quarter of last year, compared with the previousquarter, he added.
Anucha also said that a decision by Qatar Airways to addthree more direct flights from Doha to Phuket from the start of this monthmeans the airline is now operating the full seven flights daily between Dohaand Thailand again.
꧑ Thailand has also been voted along with Singapore and Japanto be in the world's top three destinations in Southeast Asia./.
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Vietnam’s pavilion notably displayed traditional crafts from the centuries-old lacquerware village of Ha Thai and Chu Dau ceramics. The atmosphere was further enriched by delegations wearing their countries’ traditional costumes, including the elegant ao dai and the graceful ao tu than of Vietnamese women.
The handover ceremony was held at the Malaysian Embassy headquarters in Mexico City on August 8, with the presence of heads of diplomatic missions from ASEAN member states in Mexico.
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Malaysia, as ASEAN 2025 Chair, marked the bloc’s 58th founding anniversary on August 8 with a vibrant celebration in Cyberjaya, blending an official ceremony with a colorful cultural festival.
Vietnam plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s economic growth and is a key partner of her country in realising the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, said Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of Office of Southeast Asia (OSA) – Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The 2025 ASEAN Business Community Development (ABCD) Forum, themed “Empowering ASEAN's Next Leap: Digital, Sustainable & Entrepreneurial Transformation” brought together ministers, CEOs, and top industry experts to discuss key regional economic priorities.
The DES Ministry will seek cooperation from social media platforms to prevent the spread of fake news and monitor accounts related to such activities, he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the newly established Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC).
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking identified the US tariff reduction as a significant driver behind the improved economic outlook for Thailand.
Financial institutions and financial technology (fintech) players are intensifying their focus on expanding across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), adopting tailored strategies to strengthen their presence in the region’s digital financial services landscape.
Featuring a permanent exhibition area, the ASEAN Hall will function both as a cultural showcase and as a dynamic venue for ASEAN-related events and programmes. Its inauguration on ASEAN Day added symbolic weight, marking a fresh milestone in ASEAN–RoK relations.
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Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, who currently serves as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, emphasised the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation, and the importance of enhancing ASEAN–Czech Republic relations.
The Indonesian Government is determined to seize opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of national agricultural products, an official has said, adding that it always strives to promote exports at the highest possible level, based on a mutually beneficial foundation.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has outlined a six-point strategy to promote innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and push for Thailand's removal from the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s special 301 Watch List regarding intellectual property rights protection among trading partners.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), highlighting its significant contribution to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
Tourists take photos in Phuket, Thailand. (Photo: AFP/VNA) 
